Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Laguna Niguel, CA: $131.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Laguna Niguel, CA runs $131.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $273,320 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Laguna Niguel's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $116.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $163,994 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laguna Niguel, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay is projected to reach $131.41 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $119.66. This premium reflects the region's demand for highly skilled CRNAs in diverse clinical settings including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and pain management clinics. For part-time or per-diem nurse anesthetists, who often work around three days a week, this hourly rate translates into substantial weekly earnings, making it a viable option for those seeking flexible work schedules. Entry-level practitioners might start at approximately $87.38, while those at the top of their field could see compensation rise to $191.81 per hour, allowing a wide range of financial possibilities for CRNAs based on experience and clinical focus.
About the Laguna Niguel 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) | $87.38 | $699.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115.10 | $920.79 |
| Median (P50) | $131.41 | $1051.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $166.02 | $1328.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $191.81 | $1534.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laguna Niguel
Based on $131.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $131.41/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laguna Niguel, CA can expect to earn approximately $273,323 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $157,686. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laguna Niguel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laguna Niguel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,256.21 | $22,777 | $273,323 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,153.73 | $13,666 | $163,994 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,102.49 | $9,111 | $109,329 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Laguna Niguel) | $131.41 |
| 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 Laguna Niguel, CA earn a median of $273,320 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.81% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 2.90% below the California state average of $281,483.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $131.41/hr = $163,994/year (purchasing power: $144,999).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $273,323/year (purchasing power: $241,665).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$92.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$124.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$131.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Laguna Niguel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $96.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $103.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $107.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $112.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $137.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $124.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Laguna Niguel grew 35.4% from $92.28/hr (2019) to $124.91/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $138.24/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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel
Evaluating the financial prospects of nurse anesthetists in Laguna Niguel reveals significantly different earning potentials based on employment structures. For a nurse anesthetist working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home can amount to $165,724, compared to full-time practitioners earning upwards of $274,884. Per diem or locum tenens CRNAs can command rates of $200-$350 per hour, particularly in premium markets, alongside daily compensation ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 for full-week assignments. In this setting, nurses may choose between W-2 employment with full benefits and potentially lower hourly rates at hospital systems or opt for higher wages in partial arrangements through agencies without benefits. This trade-off often depends on personal circumstances and priorities regarding healthcare coverage. Practical negotiation strategies for hourly workers in the area might include articulating the value of experience while also considering the potential financial stability that comes with traditional employment versus higher, yet less stable, hourly rates from contractual work.
More salary data for Laguna Niguel, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Laguna Niguel in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Laguna Niguel?
Are nurse anesthetists in Laguna Niguel paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in Laguna Niguel?
Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in Laguna Niguel?
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 Laguna Niguel. 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 Laguna Niguel 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