San Francisco vs Santa Cruz: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between San Francisco, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $306,024▲ | $281,525 |
| Hourly Rate | $147.12▲ | $135.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $183,733 | $193,403▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $252,943▲ | $250,385 |
| 75th Percentile | $391,710▲ | $342,566 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $473,097▲ | $417,245 |
| Total Employed | 142▲ | 12 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Cruz.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Santa Cruz is $24,499 (8.70%). 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 San Francisco spans $289,364,Santa Cruz spans $223,842. San Francisco 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 Francisco ($270,578 effective) pays 8.70% more than Santa Cruz ($248,917 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Santa Cruz if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in San Francisco grew 23.7% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -9.0% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$235,120 (2022) → $290,897 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$294,089 (2024) → $267,609 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: San Francisco or Santa Cruz?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Santa Cruz?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Santa Cruz as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in San Francisco vs Santa Cruz?
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