Sacramento vs San Jose: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $300,065 | $304,151▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $144.26 | $146.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $194,055▲ | $179,753 |
| 25th Percentile | $252,291 | $267,010▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $384,032▲ | $382,409 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $452,341▲ | $446,799 |
| Total Employed | 94 | 168▲ |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Jose is $4,086 (1.36%). 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 Sacramento spans $258,286,San Jose spans $267,046. San Jose 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 Jose ($268,922 effective) pays 1.36% more than Sacramento ($265,309 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($452,341)
- ✓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 Sacramento grew -9.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.3% growth in San Jose over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$313,456 (2024) → $285,233 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$227,100 (2022) → $289,117 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Sacramento or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and San Jose?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to San Jose as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Sacramento 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