Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Palo Alto, CA: $131.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Palo Alto, CA runs $131.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $274,457 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Palo Alto's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $116.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $164,677 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nurse anesthetists in Palo Alto, CA, earn a median hourly rate of $131.95, which is approximately 10.27% higher than the national median of $119.66. This rate provides a substantial income for both full-time and part-time work, especially in settings such as main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and dental anesthesia clinics. The hourly range for this profession in Palo Alto starts at $89.15 for entry-level positions, reaching up to $193.68 for the highest earners. Given the demanding schedules often associated with anesthesia work, those who choose to work part-time, such as three days a week, or opt for per-diem assignments have opportunities to maximize their earnings while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. These hourly figures are estimates derived from annual salary data and reflect the economic landscape tailored to local living standards.
About the Palo Alto 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) | $89.15 | $713.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116.22 | $929.80 |
| Median (P50) | $131.95 | $1055.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $167.35 | $1338.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193.68 | $1549.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palo Alto
Based on $131.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $131.95/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palo Alto, CA can expect to earn approximately $274,461 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $158,343. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Palo Alto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palo Alto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,278.09 | $22,872 | $274,461 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,166.86 | $13,723 | $164,677 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,111.24 | $9,149 | $109,784 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Palo Alto) | $131.95 |
| 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 Palo Alto, CA earn a median of $274,457 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.27% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 2.50% below the California state average of $281,495.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $131.95/hr = $164,677/year (purchasing power: $145,603).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $274,461/year (purchasing power: $242,671).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$92.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$125.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$131.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Palo Alto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $97.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $103.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $107.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $112.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $137.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $125.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Palo Alto grew 35.4% from $92.67/hr (2019) to $125.43/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $138.81/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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto
For those considering part-time or per-diem roles, a nurse anesthetist working a typical three-day, 24-hour workweek would see a significant annual income, while full-time positions provide more stable earnings. Per diem arrangements can yield high hourly rates, often ranging between $200-$350 in premium markets. Locum tenens assignments can yield daily rates from $1,500 to $2,500 on full-week engagements, making this an attractive option for many CRNAs. The hourly pay varies considerably based on employment type; for instance, hospital systems typically offer W-2 employment alongside benefits, while 1099 contracts through agencies or CRNA-owned practices may provide higher pay but lack health insurance and other advantages. Consequently, clinicians often weigh the trade-offs of lower hourly wages with benefits versus the allure of higher pay without specific job security. For those in Palo Alto, practical negotiation strategies can focus on leveraging the cost of living and professional demand to secure desired hourly rates, especially in niche specialties like chronic pain management and military facilities where CRNAs are invaluable.
More salary data for Palo Alto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Palo Alto in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Palo Alto?
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Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in Palo Alto?
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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 Palo Alto. 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 Palo Alto 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