Sam To answer your question it's not about money first of all sure we need money to survive it's about loving your job or having a passion about being an Anesthetist whether your a AA-C or CRNA as for as pay goes for both Anesthetist(AA-C/CRNA 1.ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANT CERTIFIED (ANESTHETIST AA-C)Anesthetist $100,000-$210,000 100% AA-Cs work in the Anesthesia Care Team(ACT) under the supervision of Anesthesiologist MDA 2.CERTIFIED REGISTER NURSE ANESTHETIST (CRNA) $100,000-$210,000 90% CRNAs work in the Anesthesia Care Team(ACT) under the supervision of Anesthesiologist MDA or under any physician. 3.CERTIFIED REGISTER NURSE ANESTHETIST (SOLO) Independent with no physicians MDA or MDs. $250,000-$300,000 10% CRNAs work Independently (solo) In rural area because there are no MDAs in the area or two because there are lack of MDAs or very short staff of Anesthetist especially CRNAs/AA-Cs. Also Medicare does not compensate MDAs to work in rural areas but however that will change at some point. Anesthesia Is MEDICINE meaning It should always be an ANESTHESIOLOGIST DOCTOR at the bed side when administer Anesthesia drugs (narcotics) In a Anesthesia Care Team(ACT)with an AA-C or CRNA not Independently(solo). As you notice majority or CRNAs do not want to practice solo In the ACT yes. I hope this help you on your wife decision I wish her the best what ever road she decides to take AA-C/CRNA. God bless