Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Lancaster, CA: $138.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Lancaster, CA runs $138.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $287,235 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $122.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $172,344 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Lancaster, California, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay stands at a median of $138.10, significantly above the national hourly median of $119.66. This attractive rate enhances the viability for both part-time and per-diem positions in various clinical settings, including main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and chronic pain procedure rooms. For those working three days a week, this hourly rate translates well into a high level of income without the necessity of full-time commitment. Additionally, the range of pay stretches from $86.15 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $208.78 for top earners, thus highlighting the potential for career advancement and specialization that can influence earnings in this field. The hourly rates are estimated based on annual salary projections and thus reflect the expected earnings structure for nurse anesthetists in Lancaster as of 2026.
About the Lancaster 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) | $86.15 | $689.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116.41 | $931.31 |
| Median (P50) | $138.10 | $1104.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169.72 | $1357.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $208.78 | $1670.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $138.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $138.10/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, CA can expect to earn approximately $287,240 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $165,715. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,523.84 | $23,937 | $287,240 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,314.30 | $14,362 | $172,344 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,209.54 | $9,575 | $114,896 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Lancaster) | $138.10 |
| 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 Lancaster, CA earn a median of $287,235 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.41% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 2.00% above the California state average of $281,603.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $138.10/hr = $172,344/year (purchasing power: $152,382).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $287,240/year (purchasing power: $253,970).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$96.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$131.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$138.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $101.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $108.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $112.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $117.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $144.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $131.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Lancaster grew 35.4% from $96.98/hr (2019) to $131.27/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $145.28/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
For a nurse anesthetist working part-time in Lancaster, engaging in a 24-hour work week would yield a significant annual income in comparison to full-time roles. Many nurse anesthetists who opt for per diem positions find themselves earning a higher hourly rate, often in the range of $200 to $350 in premium markets. Locum tenens opportunities frequently offer $1,500 to $2,500 per day for full-week assignments, further enhancing the financial landscape for CRNAs. Moreover, the shift from hospital systems to ambulatory surgery centers or CRNA-owned practices allows for varied negotiations concerning hourly rates. While some may accept lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may choose higher pay rates without the safety net of employer-sponsored insurance. Understanding these nuances is critical for professionals navigating their employment options in Lancaster. For those considering agency work, it’s essential to negotiate travel and lodging reimbursements in addition to the hourly rate, which can heavily influence overall compensation.
More salary data for Lancaster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Lancaster in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Lancaster?
Are nurse anesthetists in Lancaster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in Lancaster?
Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in Lancaster?
Related Pages
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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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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