What you gain
- More control over where and when you work
- Often higher hourly or daily rates
- The option to build your own group and bill in your own right
What you take on
- Benefits: health insurance, retirement savings and paid time off are now yours to fund
- Taxes: self-employment tax and quarterly estimated payments; talk to an accountant about structure
- Malpractice: confirm who covers you and whether you need tail coverage
- Admin: contracts, invoicing, credentialing and, if you bill directly, the whole billing cycle
Compare like for like
To compare a 1099 rate with a salary, add up the value of the benefits, employer taxes and paid time you give up. A higher rate is not always more income.
See also: what to check in a 1099 CRNA contract.
This article is general information, not billing, legal or tax advice. Payer rules change; always check current guidance.