Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Lake Forest, CA: $132.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Lake Forest, CA runs $132.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $276,375 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Lake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $117.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $165,819 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Forest, California, the typical compensation for a nurse anesthetist is estimated at an hourly median rate of $132.87, which is significantly higher than the national average of $119.66. This favorable rate positions local nurse anesthetists well for part-time roles, particularly those who may work three days a week, allowing for a flexible schedule while still earning a competitive income. Per-diem opportunities are also robust, with roles across main operating rooms, outpatient surgery centers, and specialty clinics. Nurse anesthetists in Lake Forest can anticipate hourly earnings ranging from $90.68 for entry-level positions to as high as $192.02 for top earners, reflecting the complexities and demands of anesthesia care.
About the Lake Forest 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) | $90.68 | $725.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115.23 | $921.80 |
| Median (P50) | $132.87 | $1062.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $166.71 | $1333.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $192.02 | $1536.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Forest
Based on $132.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $132.87/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Forest, CA can expect to earn approximately $276,365 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $159,441. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,314.70 | $23,030 | $276,365 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,188.82 | $13,818 | $165,819 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,125.88 | $9,212 | $110,546 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Lake Forest) | $132.87 |
| 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 Lake Forest, CA earn a median of $276,375 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.04% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 1.80% below the California state average of $281,441.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $132.87/hr = $165,819/year (purchasing power: $146,613).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $276,365/year (purchasing power: $244,354).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$93.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$126.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$132.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Lake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $98.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $104.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $108.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $113.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $138.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $126.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Lake Forest grew 35.4% from $93.31/hr (2019) to $126.30/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $139.78/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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest
The earning potential for part-time nurse anesthetists working in Lake Forest can be substantial. A 3-day workweek totaling approximately 24 hours translates into significant annual take-home pay depending on shifts worked. For those pursuing per diem roles, the financial landscape becomes even more promising; locum tenens CRNAs frequently command rates between $200 and $350 per hour in high-demand markets, and some weekly assignments can yield anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 daily. Additionally, wage differences across employer types—such as hospital systems, ambulatory surgery centers, and VA facilities—play a critical role in compensation. While some CRNAs might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and benefits, others may leverage their skills for higher pay as independent contractors or through locum tenens positions. Understanding these dynamics and the nuances of the local job market equips nurse anesthetists in Lake Forest to negotiate effectively and enhance their professional journey.
More salary data for Lake Forest, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Lake Forest. 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 Lake Forest 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