Fresno vs San Diego: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Fresno, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fresno, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $303,543▲ | $298,265 |
| Hourly Rate | $145.93▲ | $143.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $178,469 | $190,201▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $265,766▲ | $255,081 |
| 75th Percentile | $388,535▲ | $381,779 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $464,877▲ | $445,118 |
| Total Employed | 84 | 307▲ |
Verdict
Fresno, CA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between Fresno and San Diego is $5,278 (1.77%). Fresno's median is +21.96% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fresno spans $286,408,San Diego spans $254,917. Fresno 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, Fresno ($268,385 effective) pays 1.77% 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 Fresno if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($303,543/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($464,877)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $268,385)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓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 Fresno grew 73.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -9.0% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Fresno, CA
$165,900 (2021) → $288,539 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$311,576 (2024) → $283,522 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fresno, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Fresno or San Diego?
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Should I relocate from Fresno to San Diego as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Fresno 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