San Diego vs Santa Maria: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between San Diego, CA and Santa Maria, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $298,265▲ | $281,526 |
| Hourly Rate | $143.40▲ | $135.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $190,201▲ | $188,834 |
| 25th Percentile | $255,081▲ | $247,330 |
| 75th Percentile | $381,779▲ | $356,211 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $445,118▲ | $414,106 |
| Total Employed | 307▲ | 16 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Maria.
The salary gap between San Diego and Santa Maria is $16,739 (5.95%). San Diego's median is +19.84% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $254,917,Santa Maria spans $225,272. San Diego 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 Diego ($263,718 effective) pays 5.95% more than Santa Maria ($248,918 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($298,265/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($445,118)
- ✓Larger job market (307 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $263,718)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Maria if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in San Diego grew -9.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -9.0% growth in Santa Maria over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$311,576 (2024) → $283,522 (2025)
Santa Maria, CA
$294,090 (2024) → $267,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: San Diego or Santa Maria?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Santa Maria?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Santa Maria as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in San Diego vs Santa Maria?
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