Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Merced, CA: $131.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Merced, CA runs $131.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $273,499 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Merced's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $116.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $164,099 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nurse anesthetists in Merced, California, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $131.49, significantly higher than the national median of $119.66. This rate is particularly beneficial for those working part-time, such as three days a week, or those engaging in per-diem roles within the field. Typical clinical settings include main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and OB suites, where hourly compensation can range from $84.28 at the entry-level up to $187.31 for the most experienced practitioners. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, allowing for better understanding of how nurse anesthetists can capitalize financially in an evolving healthcare landscape in Merced, offering competitive pay despite the higher-than-average cost of living index in the area.
About the Merced 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) | $84.28 | $674.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112.41 | $899.25 |
| Median (P50) | $131.49 | $1051.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $163.34 | $1306.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187.31 | $1498.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Merced
Based on $131.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $131.49/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Merced, CA can expect to earn approximately $273,498 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $157,787. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Merced.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Merced
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,259.58 | $22,792 | $273,498 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,155.75 | $13,675 | $164,099 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,103.83 | $9,117 | $109,399 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Merced) | $131.49 |
| 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 Merced, CA earn a median of $273,499 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.89% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 2.80% below the California state average of $281,378.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $131.49/hr = $164,099/year (purchasing power: $145,092).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $273,498/year (purchasing power: $241,820).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$92.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$124.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$131.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Merced (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $96.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $103.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $107.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $112.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $137.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $124.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Merced grew 35.4% from $92.34/hr (2019) to $124.99/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $138.33/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 Merced 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 Merced
For part-time nurse anesthetists working 24 hours over three days a week, the annual take-home can be substantial, yet still falls short compared to full-time earnings. On the per diem side, those who work through locum tenens agencies can charge up to $350 per hour, translating into daily rates of $1,500 to $2,500 when covering full-week assignments, with benefits such as travel and lodging typically included. Variation exists across employer types in Merced, with traditional hospital systems often providing structured W-2 employment, while ambulatory surgery centers and CRNA-owned practices might offer 1099 contracting options. Consequently, some professionals may choose to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, reflecting a trade-off between immediate pay and long-term stability. As negotiations unfold, understanding the local market and articulating value can empower nurse anesthetists to secure favorable pay in this evolving market in CA.
More salary data for Merced, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Merced in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Merced?
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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 Merced. 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 Merced 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