Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Brea, CA: $128.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Brea, CA runs $128.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $267,078 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Brea's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $113.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $160,252 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Brea, California, nurse anesthetists command a robust hourly median pay of $128.41, which is notably higher than the national average of $119.66. This pivotal rate provides attractive options for both part-time and per diem roles in various settings, including operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and military facilities. For those working three days each week, the compensation not only reflects the complexity and responsibility of the role but also allows flexibility within work-life dynamics. Entry-level nurse anesthetists in the area can expect to earn around $87.87 per hour, while top earners can reach rates as high as $180.83. Such estimates arise from analyzing annual salary data, thereby illustrating a strong compensation structure for this profession in Brea.
About the Brea Market
Salary estimated from California average ($260,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87.87 | $702.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113.78 | $910.27 |
| Median (P50) | $128.41 | $1027.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159.46 | $1275.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $180.83 | $1446.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brea
Based on $128.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $128.41/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brea, CA can expect to earn approximately $267,087 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $154,089. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brea.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brea
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,136.28 | $22,257 | $267,087 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,081.77 | $13,354 | $160,252 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,054.51 | $8,903 | $106,835 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Brea) | $128.41 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $60.12 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $60.58 |
| Nurse Midwife (National Avg) | $63.01 |
| Anesthesiologist (National Avg) | $174.04 |
Nurse Anesthetists in Brea, CA earn a median of $267,078 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.31% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 5.10% below the California state average of $281,431.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $128.41/hr = $160,252/year (purchasing power: $141,691).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $267,087/year (purchasing power: $236,151).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$90.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$122.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$128.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Brea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $94.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $100.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $104.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $109.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $134.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $122.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Brea grew 35.4% from $90.18/hr (2019) to $122.06/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $135.08/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem nurse anesthetists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brea metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Nurse Anesthetist in Brea
When considering part-time opportunities, a nurse anesthetist working 24 hours a week may see a significant difference in annual earnings compared to full-timers. For instance, within Brea's dynamic healthcare landscape, part-time CRNAs might take home a solid annual compensation while enjoying the flexibility of their schedules. In contrast, locum tenens CRNAs often have the potential to charge significantly higher rates, typically ranging from $200 to $350 per hour, with agencies sometimes covering travel and accommodation. Within Brea, variations in hourly rates can be influenced by employer types, such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, or private practices, with each setting offering different benefits. Many nurse anesthetists opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance and other benefits, highlighting the trade-offs involved in roles within the healthcare system. For optimal pay negotiations, CRNAs should fully understand their worth in the local market and keep abreast of prevailing rates while considering the financial implications of benefits offered.
More salary data for Brea, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Brea in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Brea?
Are nurse anesthetists in Brea paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in Brea?
Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in Brea?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for nurse anesthetists in Brea. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brea is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse anesthetists (SOC 29-1151).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov