San Bernardino vs San Francisco: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between San Bernardino, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Bernardino, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $314,844▲ | $306,024 |
| Hourly Rate | $151.37▲ | $147.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $186,456▲ | $183,733 |
| 25th Percentile | $276,692▲ | $252,943 |
| 75th Percentile | $396,659▲ | $391,710 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $483,188▲ | $473,097 |
| Total Employed | 33 | 142▲ |
Verdict
San Bernardino, CA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Francisco.
The salary gap between San Bernardino and San Francisco is $8,820 (2.88%). San Bernardino's median is +26.50% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Bernardino spans $296,732,San Francisco spans $289,364. San Bernardino 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 Bernardino ($278,377 effective) pays 2.88% more than San Francisco ($270,578 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Bernardino if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($314,844/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($483,188)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $278,377)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Larger job market (142 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in San Bernardino grew -1.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.7% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
San Bernardino, CA
$303,257 (2024) → $299,281 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$235,120 (2022) → $290,897 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Bernardino, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: San Bernardino or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Bernardino and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from San Bernardino to San Francisco as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in San Bernardino 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