Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Santa Ana, CA: $143.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Santa Ana, CA runs $143.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $298,256 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Santa Ana's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $126.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $178,948 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nurse anesthetists in Santa Ana, CA, can expect a substantial median hourly rate of $143.39, which surpasses the national median of $119.66. This hourly rate provides a considerable advantage for those working part-time or per diem schedules, as they can comfortably earn a competitive income in various settings such as main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, OB suites, and chronic pain management clinics. The hourly range for this profession in Santa Ana extends from $86.50 for entry-level positions to $212.86 for the most experienced nurse anesthetists, allowing for significant variation based on skills and market demand. These figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, showcasing the earning potential inherent in the role of a nurse anesthetist.
About the Santa Ana 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) | $86.50 | $691.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118.94 | $951.51 |
| Median (P50) | $143.39 | $1147.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $181.92 | $1455.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $212.86 | $1702.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Ana
Based on $143.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $143.39/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Ana, CA can expect to earn approximately $298,246 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $172,065. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Ana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Ana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,735.50 | $24,854 | $298,246 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,441.30 | $14,912 | $178,948 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,294.20 | $9,942 | $119,298 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Santa Ana) | $143.39 |
| 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 Santa Ana, CA earn a median of $298,256 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.83% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 6.00% above the California state average of $281,373.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $143.39/hr = $178,948/year (purchasing power: $158,221).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $298,246/year (purchasing power: $263,701).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$100.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$136.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$143.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Santa Ana (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 | $105.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $112.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $117.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $122.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $149.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $136.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $143.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Santa Ana grew 35.4% from $100.70/hr (2019) to $136.30/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $150.84/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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana
Part-time nurse anesthetists operating three days a week for 24 hours can bring home an annual income exceeding $178,000, which reflects a noteworthy amount when compared to full-time counterparts. For per diem nurse anesthetists in Santa Ana, the flexibility of agency or locum tenens work often leads to billing rates ranging from $200 to $350 per hour in competitive markets, sometimes netting $1,500 to $2,500 for full-day assignments. Various employment types lead to differing hourly rates, with hospital systems typically providing W-2 employment, while agencies offer 1099 contracts. CRNA-owned practices may present partnership opportunities, which can influence compensation models. While some may gravitate towards lower hourly rates for the benefits of health insurance, others may select higher hourly compensation without benefits for greater financial freedom. For hourly workers, clear negotiation tactics, including knowledge of the local compensation trends and specific employer practices, can yield a greater financial outcome in this field.
More salary data for Santa Ana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Santa Ana in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Santa Ana?
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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 Santa Ana. 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 Santa Ana 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