Bakersfield vs San Diego: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Bakersfield, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $301,424▲ | $298,265 |
| Hourly Rate | $144.91▲ | $143.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $185,858 | $190,201▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $253,800 | $255,081▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $379,396 | $381,779▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $443,502 | $445,118▲ |
| Total Employed | 101 | 307▲ |
Verdict
Bakersfield and San Diego are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bakersfield and San Diego is $3,159 (1.06%). Bakersfield's median is +21.11% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bakersfield spans $257,644,San Diego spans $254,917. Bakersfield has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bakersfield ($266,511 effective) pays 1.06% more than San Diego ($263,718 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bakersfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($301,424/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $266,511)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($445,118)
- ✓Larger job market (307 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Bakersfield grew -9.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -9.0% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Bakersfield, CA
$314,877 (2024) → $286,525 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$311,576 (2024) → $283,522 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bakersfield, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Bakersfield or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bakersfield and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Bakersfield to San Diego as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Bakersfield vs San Diego?
Related Comparisons
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov