Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Chico, CA: $135.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Chico, CA runs $135.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $281,639 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Chico's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $119.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $168,983 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chico, California, the projected nurse anesthetist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $135.40, outpacing the national median of $119.66 by a notable margin. This hourly rate makes the profession appealing for part-time workers, such as those who may operate three days a week, allowing for a balanced work-life approach while maintaining a robust income stream. In various healthcare settings, including main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, OB suites, and dental anesthesia clinics, hourly rates are expected to range from $90.77 for entry-level positions up to $198.92 for top earners, creating diverse opportunities for both per diem and full-time professionals. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the unique financial dynamics of working in a region with a cost of living index of 113.1, slightly above the national average.
About the Chico 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) | $90.77 | $726.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $119.02 | $952.19 |
| Median (P50) | $135.40 | $1083.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $171.50 | $1371.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $198.92 | $1591.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chico
Based on $135.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $135.40/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chico, CA can expect to earn approximately $281,638 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $162,484. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chico.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chico
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,416.12 | $23,470 | $281,638 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,249.67 | $14,082 | $168,983 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,166.45 | $9,388 | $112,655 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Chico) | $135.40 |
| 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 Chico, CA earn a median of $281,639 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.16% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 0.10% above the California state average of $281,358.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $135.40/hr = $168,983/year (purchasing power: $149,410).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $281,638/year (purchasing power: $249,017).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$95.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$128.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$135.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $99.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $106.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $110.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $115.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $141.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $128.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Chico grew 35.4% from $95.09/hr (2019) to $128.71/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $142.44/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 Chico 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 Chico
Examining the earnings potential for nurse anesthetists who opt for part-time positions reveals intriguing contrasts with full-time schedules. A nurse anesthetist working three days a week at 24 hours may take home a substantial income without committing to a full 40-hour week. In the context of per diem nurse anesthetist pay in Chico, professionals often access premium hourly rates, particularly through locum tenens roles, where rates can reach $200-$350 per hour or even $1,500-$2,500 per day for extended assignments. The variability of hourly compensation across different employer types in Chico, from hospital systems to CRNA-owned practices and agency positions, allows for a tailored career approach. However, the decision between accepting lower hourly rates with comprehensive benefits versus higher pay without them often weighs heavily on personal circumstances. Those negotiating their pay should be prepared to leverage their skills and know the unique demands of the local healthcare market to maximize their compensation effectively.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Chico in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Chico?
Are nurse anesthetists in Chico paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in Chico?
Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in Chico?
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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 Chico. 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 Chico 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