Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Costa Mesa, CA: $135.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Costa Mesa, CA runs $135.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $282,845 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Costa Mesa's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $120.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $169,705 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Costa Mesa, California, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay has reached a median rate of $135.98, notably exceeding the national hourly median of $119.66. This elevated pay scale reflects the city's rising demand for skilled nurse anesthetists in various clinical settings such as main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, OB suites, and dental anesthesia clinics. The hourly compensation for nurse anesthetists in Costa Mesa ranges significantly, with entry-level practitioners earning around $88.30 per hour, while experienced professionals can command up to $201.31 per hour. For those considering part-time or per-diem work, such as a 3-day-per-week schedule, the hourly rates provide a substantial income, especially in comparison to similar roles elsewhere, embodying the local market dynamics that drive nurse anesthetist compensation in CA.
About the Costa Mesa 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) | $88.30 | $706.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117.27 | $938.13 |
| Median (P50) | $135.98 | $1087.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172.82 | $1382.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $201.31 | $1610.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Costa Mesa
Based on $135.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $135.98/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Costa Mesa, CA can expect to earn approximately $282,842 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $163,178. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Costa Mesa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Costa Mesa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,439.26 | $23,570 | $282,842 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,263.56 | $14,142 | $169,705 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,175.70 | $9,428 | $113,137 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Costa Mesa) | $135.98 |
| 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 Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $282,845 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.64% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 0.50% above the California state average of $281,438.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $135.98/hr = $169,705/year (purchasing power: $150,049).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $282,842/year (purchasing power: $250,081).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$95.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$129.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$135.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Costa Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $100.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $106.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $110.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $116.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $142.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $129.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Costa Mesa grew 35.4% from $95.50/hr (2019) to $129.26/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $143.05/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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa
For nurse anesthetists working part-time, the earning potential varies significantly compared to full-time positions. A typical part-time schedule of 24 hours per week can yield an annual income significantly below what full-time CRNAs earn, even though they may enjoy more flexibility in their schedules. Conversely, per diem or agency nurse anesthetists often benefit from premium rates that can range from $200 to $350 per hour, with weekly assignments earning between $1,500 and $2,500. The disparities in hourly pay also correlate with employer types in Costa Mesa, including W-2 employed positions at hospital systems, 1099 contracts with ambulatory surgery centers, and roles in CRNA-owned anesthesia practices, which may offer a partnership track. Many opt for lower hourly wages when seeking comprehensive benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize higher rates in locum tenens roles despite lacking benefits. For those negotiating hourly pay, understanding the local market and the trade-offs associated with benefits versus higher pay can provide a significant advantage in discussions with employers across the region.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Costa Mesa in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Costa Mesa?
Are nurse anesthetists in Costa Mesa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in Costa Mesa?
Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in Costa Mesa?
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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 Costa Mesa. 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 Costa Mesa 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