Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in San Marcos, CA: $135.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in San Marcos, CA runs $135.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $281,458 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against San Marcos's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $119.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $168,878 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist in San Marcos, California, is projected to be $135.32, significantly higher than the national median of $119.66. This competitive rate not only reflects the higher cost of living in the region but also the various environments in which nurse anesthetists operate. Those working part-time—say, three days a week—can expect to earn around $10,000 a month if maintaining standard hours in settings like operating rooms or ambulatory surgery centers. New entrants into the field might earn as low as $85.48 per hour, while top-tier professionals could command up to $200.49 per hour. The hourly pay data is derived from the annual salary statistics but provides valuable insight into the flexibility and financial viability of per-diem arrangements in this profession.
About the San Marcos 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) | $85.48 | $683.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115.15 | $921.22 |
| Median (P50) | $135.32 | $1082.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $167.58 | $1340.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $200.49 | $1603.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Marcos
Based on $135.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $135.32/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Marcos, CA can expect to earn approximately $281,463 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $162,383. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Marcos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Marcos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,412.75 | $23,455 | $281,463 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,247.65 | $14,073 | $168,878 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,165.10 | $9,382 | $112,585 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (San Marcos) | $135.32 |
| 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 Marcos, CA earn a median of $281,458 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.08% higher than the national median of $248,893.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $135.32/hr = $168,878/year (purchasing power: $149,317).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $281,463/year (purchasing power: $248,862).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$95.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$128.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$135.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in San Marcos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $99.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $106.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $110.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $115.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $141.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $128.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in San Marcos grew 35.4% from $95.03/hr (2019) to $128.63/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $142.36/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 Marcos 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 Marcos
Practicing as a part-time nurse anesthetist can yield earnings vastly different from full-time roles, particularly when considering work schedules. For instance, someone working 24 hours a week can earn an annual income significantly lower than a full-time colleague unless they seek out per-diem or locum tenens opportunities. Those in locum roles can charge premium rates, sometimes billing $200-$350 per hour, or earning $1,500-$2,500 daily for multi-day assignments. Various employer types across San Marcos influence hourly rates; hospital systems typically offer W-2 employment with benefits, while CRNA-owned practices or ambulatory centers might offer 1099 arrangements that provide higher pay but lack job security benefits. Nurse anesthetists should weigh the trade-offs of hourly rates against benefits carefully, as some positions may offer lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance and retirement plans. Negotiating hourly rates may also hinge on the facility type, local demand, and individual experience, so understanding the local market is critical for maximizing earnings potential.
More salary data for San Marcos, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in San Marcos in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in San Marcos?
Are nurse anesthetists in San Marcos paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nurse anesthetist make per year in San Marcos?
Do nurse anesthetists earn more per hour working part-time in San Marcos?
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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 Marcos. 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 Marcos 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