Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in El Cajon, CA: $134.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in El Cajon, CA runs $134.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $280,025 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against El Cajon's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $119.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $168,011 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nurse anesthetists in El Cajon, California, can expect a median hourly rate of $134.62, which is notably higher than the national median of $119.66. This robust hourly pay is particularly advantageous for those seeking part-time employment, as working three days a week can still yield a substantial income. In various settings such as main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and dental anesthesia clinics, the hourly range reflects a spectrum of experience and expertise, with entry-level positions earning around $84.79 and top-tier practitioners commanding rates up to $196.58. Such favorable compensation estimates, derived from annual salary projections, highlight the attractive nature of the field for both full-time and per diem nurse anesthetists choosing to work in this vibrant California city.
About the El Cajon 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) | $84.79 | $678.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114.51 | $916.08 |
| Median (P50) | $134.62 | $1077.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169.48 | $1355.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $196.58 | $1572.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in El Cajon
Based on $134.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $134.62/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in El Cajon, CA can expect to earn approximately $280,019 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $161,549. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in El Cajon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in El Cajon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,384.98 | $23,335 | $280,019 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,230.99 | $14,001 | $168,011 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,153.99 | $9,334 | $112,008 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (El Cajon) | $134.62 |
| 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 El Cajon, CA earn a median of $280,025 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.51% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 0.50% below the California state average of $281,432.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $134.62/hr = $168,011/year (purchasing power: $148,551).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $280,019/year (purchasing power: $247,585).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$94.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$127.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$134.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in El Cajon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $99.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $105.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $109.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $115.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $140.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $127.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in El Cajon grew 35.4% from $94.54/hr (2019) to $127.97/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $141.62/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 El Cajon 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 El Cajon
For a nurse anesthetist working part-time at 24 hours a week, the annual take-home can still be significant, translating to nearly $104,000. In contrast, full-time positions can yield annual earnings upwards of $280,025, reflecting the difference in commitment level and job structure. Per diem nurse anesthetist pay in El Cajon can vary widely, with those working through locum tenens agencies often billing between $200 and $350 per hour, alongside day rates ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 for full-week assignments. Local employers, including hospital systems and anesthesia group practices, present a range of compensation structures, impacting overall pay due to benefits—some may prefer lower hourly rates with health insurance, while others may opt for higher pay without benefits. When negotiating hourly rates, it can be advantageous for nurse anesthetists to emphasize their experience and flexibility, particularly in a competitive market that includes both direct employment and agency opportunities.
More salary data for El Cajon, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in El Cajon in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in El Cajon?
Are nurse anesthetists in El Cajon paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in El Cajon?
Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in El Cajon?
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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 El Cajon. 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 El Cajon 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