Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Orange, CA: $133.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Orange, CA runs $133.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $277,296 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Orange's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $117.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $166,383 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Orange, California, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay is projected to reach $133.32 in 2026, which surpasses the national hourly median of $119.66. This higher rate reflects the demand for nurse anesthetists operating in various healthcare settings, such as main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and dental anesthesia clinics. For part-time and per-diem nurse anesthetists, who may work three days a week, this hourly rate can translate to a substantial income, particularly in niche environments like chronic pain management clinics and military facilities. The hourly compensation in Orange ranges from $86.31 for entry-level positions up to $192.05 for seasoned professionals, indicating a robust pay scale that rewards experience and specialization within the field. Such figures provide an attractive incentive for new graduates and seasoned clinicians alike to consider opportunities in the area.
About the Orange 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) | $86.31 | $690.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111.88 | $895.04 |
| Median (P50) | $133.32 | $1066.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $166.28 | $1330.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $192.05 | $1536.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Orange
Based on $133.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $133.32/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Orange, CA can expect to earn approximately $277,306 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $159,984. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Orange.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Orange
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,332.80 | $23,109 | $277,306 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,199.68 | $13,865 | $166,383 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,133.12 | $9,244 | $110,922 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Orange) | $133.32 |
| 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 Orange, CA earn a median of $277,296 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.41% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 1.50% below the California state average of $281,518.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $133.32/hr = $166,383/year (purchasing power: $147,112).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $277,306/year (purchasing power: $245,186).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$93.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$126.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$133.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $98.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $104.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $108.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $113.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $139.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $126.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Orange grew 35.4% from $93.63/hr (2019) to $126.73/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $140.25/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 Orange 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 Orange
When analyzing the earning potential for a nurse anesthetist in Orange, part-time practitioners who work 24 hours a week can expect a total income that potentially rivals full-time salaries due to the favorable hourly rate. Meanwhile, per diem or locum tenens roles often present lucrative opportunities, with many professionals billing between $200 and $350 per hour in premium markets. Agencies frequently add further value by covering travel, lodging, and malpractice insurance, making these positions attractive for those seeking flexible work arrangements. Hourly rates may also differ based on employer type; for instance, CRNAs working in hospital systems as W-2 employees might have different benefits and job security compared to independent contractors in ambulatory surgery centers. It’s essential for nurse anesthetists in Orange to negotiate effectively, weighing the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits versus stable employment with comprehensive health coverage. Understanding these dynamics equips CRNAs on how to maximize their earnings in this competitive market.
More salary data for Orange, 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 Orange. 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 Orange 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