Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in San Francisco, CA: $147.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in San Francisco, CA runs $147.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $306,024 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against San Francisco's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $130.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $183,609 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nurse anesthetists in San Francisco earn a median hourly rate of $147.12, significantly above the national median of $119.66. This competitive pay reflects the high cost of living in the Bay Area and the specialized skills required for this role. For part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a substantial income, which can be quite appealing when considering roles in diverse environments like main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and military facilities. Moreover, the hourly rate ranges from $88.34 for entry-level positions to $227.45 for the top earners, highlighting the potential for professional advancement and increased income as practitioners gain experience and expertise in their field.
About the San Francisco 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) | $88.34 | $706.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $121.61 | $972.89 |
| Median (P50) | $147.12 | $1176.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $188.32 | $1506.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $227.45 | $1819.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Francisco
Based on $147.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $147.12/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Francisco, CA can expect to earn approximately $306,014 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $176,547. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Francisco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Francisco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,884.89 | $25,501 | $306,014 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,530.93 | $15,301 | $183,609 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,353.96 | $10,200 | $122,406 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (San Francisco) | $147.12 |
| 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 Francisco, CA earn a median of $306,024 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.95% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 8.70% above the California state average of $281,530.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $147.12/hr = $183,609/year (purchasing power: $162,342).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $306,014/year (purchasing power: $270,570).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$103.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$139.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$147.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in San Francisco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $108.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $115.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $113.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $125.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $153.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $139.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $147.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $154.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in San Francisco grew 35.4% from $103.32/hr (2019) to $139.85/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $154.77/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 Francisco 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 Francisco
For those considering a part-time schedule, the annual earnings for a nurse anesthetist working 24 hours a week can still be lucrative, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle in San Francisco. Some CRNAs opt for per diem positions, where they can enjoy the flexibility of choosing their hours, though compensation can vary greatly; locum tenens CRNAs may bill $200 to $350 per hour, sometimes reaching $1,500 to $2,500 per day on longer assignments. In this competitive market, nurse anesthetists can find opportunities across various employer types, including hospital systems, ambulatory surgery centers, and independent practices. While higher hourly rates often come without benefits, many prefer the security of lower pay that includes health insurance. When negotiating in San Francisco’s market, it’s advantageous to consider not only the hourly rate but also the entire compensation package, aligning career goals with financial needs.
More salary data for San Francisco, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in San Francisco in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in San Francisco?
Are nurse anesthetists in San Francisco paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in San Francisco?
Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in San Francisco?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Francisco. 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 Francisco 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