Fresno vs San Jose: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Fresno, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fresno, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $303,543 | $304,151▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $145.93 | $146.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $178,469 | $179,753▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $265,766 | $267,010▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $388,535▲ | $382,409 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $464,877▲ | $446,799 |
| Total Employed | 84 | 168▲ |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fresno.
The salary gap between Fresno and San Jose is $608 (0.20%). San Jose's median is +22.20% 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 Jose spans $267,046. 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, San Jose ($268,922 effective) pays 0.20% more than Fresno ($268,385 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fresno if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($464,877)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($304,151/year)
- ✓Larger job market (168 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $268,922)
- ✓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 27.3% growth in San Jose over the same period.
Fresno, CA
$165,900 (2021) → $288,539 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$227,100 (2022) → $289,117 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fresno, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Fresno or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fresno and San Jose?
Should I relocate from Fresno to San Jose as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Fresno vs San Jose?
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