Decision Tool

Should I Go 1099?

The recruiter pitch is always “1099 pays more.” The honest answer depends on your actual numbers and your actual life. This tool scores you across nine factors and tells you where the weak spots are.

This is a planning tool, not financial advice. For real money decisions, run the full math in our 1099 vs W2 calculator and consult a CPA who works with CRNAs.

Current W2 base

What is your current W2 base salary?

Under $180K — 1099 hourly may not justify the switch yet$180K–$220K — typical CRNA range; 1099 math gets interesting$220K+ — strong income to model 1099 against

Benefits value

How would you rate the value of your current employer benefits (health, retirement match, PTO, CME)?

Minimal — high-deductible plan, small/no 401(k) match, low PTOAverage — middle-of-the-road benefits packageExcellent — pension or DB plan, generous match, 6+ weeks PTO, paid CME

Spousal health insurance

Can you get health insurance through a spouse's employer?

Yes — affordable family plan availableYes but expensive, or only individual coverageNo — would need ACA marketplace or COBRA

Emergency reserves

How many months of household expenses do you have in liquid savings?

Less than 3 months3–6 months6+ months

Tax / business comfort

How comfortable are you with quarterly taxes, S-Corp setup, and bookkeeping (or paying a CPA to handle it)?

Very uncomfortable — would dread itManageable — would learn it or hire a CPAAlready familiar — done it before, comfortable with the math

Credentialing tolerance

How do you feel about repeated facility credentialing?

I want one stable credential, one facilityAcceptable trade-off for the right opportunityI already do locum, credentialing is routine for me

Family / location flexibility

How flexible is your home life with potential travel and irregular schedule?

Not flexible — kids in school, spouse with rigid schedule, etc.Somewhat flexible — short trips OK, prefer localHighly flexible — partner is supportive, no schedule anchors

Income variability tolerance

How would you feel if your monthly income varied by 30%+ between assignments?

Stressful — I need predictable incomeManageable with planning and a bufferFine — I can budget around it

Career stage

Where are you in your CRNA career?

New grad (under 2 years) — clinical mentorship mattersMid-career (2–10 years)Senior (10+ years) — well-established skill set

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