Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in San Jose, CA: $146.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in San Jose, CA runs $146.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $304,151 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against San Jose's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $129.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $182,493 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay in San Jose, California is projected to reach $146.23, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $119.66. This lucrative pay scale offers flexibility, especially for those working part-time or per diem, often found in settings like main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and military facilities. Nurse anesthetists working three days a week can enjoy substantial compensation while maintaining a desirable work-life balance. With an hourly earning range spanning from $86.42 for entry-level positions to as much as $214.81 for the most experienced practitioners, the financial rewards within this field remain significant. These numbers, estimated from annual salary data, reflect the high demand and specialized skills required in nurse anesthesia.
About the San Jose 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) | $86.42 | $691.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $128.38 | $1027.00 |
| Median (P50) | $146.23 | $1169.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $183.85 | $1470.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $214.81 | $1718.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Jose
Based on $146.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $146.23/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Jose, CA can expect to earn approximately $304,154 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $175,474. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Jose.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Jose
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,849.12 | $25,346 | $304,154 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,509.47 | $15,208 | $182,493 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,339.65 | $10,138 | $121,662 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (San Jose) | $146.23 |
| 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 Jose, CA earn a median of $304,151 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.20% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 8.00% above the California state average of $281,621.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $146.23/hr = $182,493/year (purchasing power: $161,355).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $304,154/year (purchasing power: $268,925).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$102.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$139.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$146.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in San Jose (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $107.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $114.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $109.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $124.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $152.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $139.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $146.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $153.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in San Jose grew 35.4% from $102.69/hr (2019) to $139.00/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $153.83/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 Jose 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 Jose
For those considering part-time opportunities, a nurse anesthetist working 24 hours a week could realistically earn a competitive salary, particularly compared to full-time colleagues. The per diem model proves even more lucrative, as locum tenens nurse anesthetists in premium markets typically charge between $200 and $350 per hour, with some daily rates clocking in at $1,500 to $2,500. Different employer types also influence hourly rates; for instance, hospital systems might offer W-2 employed positions with benefits, while ambulatory and CRNA-owned facilities can operate under W-2 or 1099 models, potentially yielding higher hourly pay but fewer benefits. Many nurse anesthetists carefully weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without health benefits and lower rates with comprehensive insurance plans. For those working in San Jose, practical negotiation strategies such as emphasizing location, experience, and credentials can significantly impact hourly compensation.
More salary data for San Jose, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in San Jose in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in San Jose?
Are nurse anesthetists in San Jose paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in San Jose?
Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in San Jose?
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 Jose. 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 Jose 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