Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in San Diego, CA: $143.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in San Diego, CA runs $143.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $298,265 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against San Diego's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $126.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $178,961 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nurse anesthetists in San Diego, CA command a robust median hourly rate of $143.40, significantly higher than the national median of $119.66. This competitive pay reflects the high demand for skilled CRNAs in various healthcare settings, including main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and military facilities. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this leads to substantial weekly earnings, enhancing the attractiveness of flexible work schedules. The hourly range extends from $91.44 for entry-level practitioners to $214.00 for experienced professionals, making the profession appealing for both per-diem workers and those seeking consistent shifts. Given the rising cost of living in San Diego, this hourly compensation underscores the vital role these practitioners play in delivering anesthesia care.
About the San Diego 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) | $91.44 | $731.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $122.63 | $981.05 |
| Median (P50) | $143.40 | $1147.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $183.55 | $1468.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $214.00 | $1711.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Diego
Based on $143.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $143.40/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Diego, CA can expect to earn approximately $298,268 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $172,078. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Diego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Diego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,735.92 | $24,856 | $298,268 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,441.55 | $14,913 | $178,961 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,294.37 | $9,942 | $119,307 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (San Diego) | $143.40 |
| 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 San Diego, CA earn a median of $298,265 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.84% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 6.00% above the California state average of $281,382.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $143.40/hr = $178,961/year (purchasing power: $158,232).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $298,268/year (purchasing power: $263,721).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$100.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$136.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$143.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in San Diego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $105.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $112.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $117.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $122.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $149.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $136.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $143.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in San Diego grew 35.4% from $100.70/hr (2019) to $136.31/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $150.85/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 San Diego 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 San Diego
Evaluating the financial dynamics of being a nurse anesthetist in San Diego reveals intriguing insights, especially for those considering part-time or per diem work. For instance, a nurse anesthetist working 24 hours a week could realistically take home around $111,532 annually, a comfortable income compared to the demands of the role. In contrast, CRNAs opting for per diem positions enjoy the flexibility to adjust their schedules and often receive higher pay rates; locum tenens opportunities frequently bill between $200 and $350 per hour, which can dramatically increase earnings when factoring in daily and weekly assignments. Different employment structures also yield varying rates—hospital systems, outpatient centers, and CRNA-owned practices all present unique negotiation landscapes. CRNAs may trade off higher hourly rates for benefits like health insurance, illustrating the complex decision-making process regarding compensation versus job security. For those pursuing positions in San Diego, understanding these variables can be critical in negotiating favorable terms that align with personal and professional goals.
More salary data for San Diego, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in San Diego in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in San Diego?
Are nurse anesthetists in San Diego paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in San Diego?
Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in San Diego?
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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 San Diego. 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 San Diego 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