Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Pasadena, CA: $136.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Pasadena, CA runs $136.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $283,664 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $120.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $170,204 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nurse anesthetists in Pasadena, California earn a median hourly rate of $136.38, which is significantly higher than the national median of $119.66. This elevated hourly pay is reflective of the specialized skills and expertise required in this field, particularly in a diverse range of settings including main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and OB suites. For part-time nurses who may work three days a week, this hourly rate translates into substantial earnings, making it an attractive option for those seeking a flexible work schedule. The hourly range in Pasadena varies from approximately $89.18 for entry-level positions to about $202.34 for experienced professionals, allowing for diverse earning potentials based on experience and setting, although these figures are derived from annual salary data.
About the Pasadena 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) | $89.18 | $713.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118.08 | $944.61 |
| Median (P50) | $136.38 | $1091.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $174.01 | $1392.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $202.34 | $1618.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $136.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $136.38/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, CA can expect to earn approximately $283,673 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $163,658. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,455.25 | $23,639 | $283,673 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,273.15 | $14,184 | $170,204 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,182.10 | $9,456 | $113,469 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Pasadena) | $136.38 |
| 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 Pasadena, CA earn a median of $283,664 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.97% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 0.80% above the California state average of $281,413.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $136.38/hr = $170,204/year (purchasing power: $150,490).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $283,673/year (purchasing power: $250,816).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$95.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$129.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$136.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $100.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $107.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $111.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $116.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $142.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $129.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Pasadena grew 35.4% from $95.78/hr (2019) to $129.64/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $143.47/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
A three-day workweek for a nurse anesthetist translates into an annual take-home income considerably below that of full-time counterparts, yet still offers a competitive edge given the hourly wage structure. For those working per diem, the pay can vary widely, particularly as locum tenens CRNAs often command rates from $200 to $350 per hour in premium markets, leading to daily earnings that can reach between $1,500 and $2,500 on longer assignments. Organizations in Pasadena offer varying hourly rates depending on the type of employment; for instance, hospital systems might provide stable W-2 positions with added benefits, while CRNA-owned practices may offer partnership tracks but without health insurance. Negotiating hourly pay can be pivotal, especially when weighing the trade-offs between higher hourly compensation with no benefits versus lower rates that include health coverage. This context emphasizes the need for nurse anesthetists to tailor their career choices to align with their financial and personal health needs.
More salary data for Pasadena, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Pasadena in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Pasadena?
Are nurse anesthetists in Pasadena paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in Pasadena?
Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in Pasadena?
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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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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