Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Oakland, CA: $145.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Oakland, CA runs $145.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $302,300 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Oakland's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $128.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $181,377 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Oakland, California, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay stands at a projected median of $145.33 for 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $119.66. This attractive rate reflects not only the demand for nurse anesthetists in various healthcare settings—such as main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, OB suites, chronic pain procedure rooms, and military or VA facilities—but also compensates for the cost of living index in the area, which is above the national average. Entry-level positions may earn around $90.84 per hour, while the top 10% can command up to $220.31. For those opting for part-time work, such as three days a week or per diem roles, these figures translate into substantial earnings potential, making it an appealing choice for healthcare professionals seeking flexibility.
About the Oakland 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) | $90.84 | $726.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $122.87 | $982.99 |
| Median (P50) | $145.33 | $1162.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $186.04 | $1488.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $220.31 | $1762.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oakland
Based on $145.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $145.33/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oakland, CA can expect to earn approximately $302,294 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $174,401. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oakland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oakland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,813.35 | $25,191 | $302,294 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,488.01 | $15,115 | $181,377 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,325.34 | $10,076 | $120,918 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Oakland) | $145.33 |
| 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 Oakland, CA earn a median of $302,300 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.46% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 7.40% above the California state average of $281,471.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $145.33/hr = $181,377/year (purchasing power: $160,368).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $302,294/year (purchasing power: $267,281).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$102.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$138.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$145.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Oakland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $107.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $114.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $118.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $124.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $151.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $138.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $152.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Oakland grew 35.4% from $102.06/hr (2019) to $138.15/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $152.89/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 Oakland 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 Oakland
For a part-time nurse anesthetist working three days a week—totalling around 24 hours—annual earnings could amount to approximately $183,999, which is considerably less than what full-time positions can yield. Per diem or agency nurse anesthetists operating in Oakland can expect to see rates between $200 to $350 per hour, especially in more premium markets, leading to daily incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 for full-week assignments. The variation in hourly rates across different types of employers in Oakland—ranging from hospital systems and ambulatory surgery centers to CRNA-owned practices and locum tenens agencies—also warrants consideration. Some nurse anesthetists may accept lower rates for W-2 positions that provide benefits such as health insurance, while others in 1099 roles may negotiate higher hourly contracts without these perks. Understanding the trade-offs and being prepared to discuss such points in negotiations can significantly impact one's overall compensation experience in this profession.
More salary data for Oakland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Oakland in 2026?
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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 Oakland. 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 Oakland 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