Irvine vs San Francisco: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Irvine, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Irvine, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $292,415 | $306,024▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $140.59 | $147.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $189,001▲ | $183,733 |
| 25th Percentile | $252,900 | $252,943▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $374,291 | $391,710▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $442,233 | $473,097▲ |
| Total Employed | 72 | 142▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Irvine.
The salary gap between Irvine and San Francisco is $13,609 (4.65%). San Francisco's median is +22.95% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Irvine spans $253,232,San Francisco spans $289,364. San Francisco has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($270,578 effective) pays 4.65% more than Irvine ($258,546 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Irvine if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($306,024/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($473,097)
- ✓Larger job market (142 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $270,578)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Irvine grew -9.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.7% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Irvine, CA
$305,465 (2024) → $277,961 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$235,120 (2022) → $290,897 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Irvine, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Irvine or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Irvine and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Irvine to San Francisco as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Irvine vs San Francisco?
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