18/07/2026
My first CRNA job out of school, my employer gave me $35,000 just for showing up to work for a full year. By the end of year two, I had $70,000 sitting in an account that my EMPLOYER, not myself, had funded. And that was all mine from day 1.
“But Henry, HOW?!”
“100% vesting from day 1,” I say.
My first job out of school was at a large academic medical center as a W2. In addition to my 403b and 457b (both self funded), my employer funded a 401a on my behalf.
The agreement, for myself and everyone else in the department who had elected that retirement package, earned 14% into our retirement accounts…that was vested on day 1.
Run the math for yourself. 14% of $250,000 = $35,000.
I had the benefit of immediate vesting, rather than a tiered schedule over a few years.
Alas, my second W2 at a large academic medical center was “only” a 12% match with 100% vesting at the end of year 3. Still got 35k + 35k + 35k (105k) but had to wait a full 3 years for it to be all mine.
So, why is this so important? I often hear of CRNAs who have no idea about what their retirement match is let alone what the vesting schedule is. Leaving early means leaving money on the table.
My biggest piece of advice, know and understand your vesting schedule. If in doubt, contact HR and ask for the vesting schedule in writing. If you want to be cheeky, ask them for the exact date you’re 100% vested so you can build your financial “escape plan” if you need to quit. Extra points for having them send it to you on official letter head!
Do you know your vesting schedule? If not, you have homework to do.