Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Santa Maria, CA: $135.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Santa Maria, CA runs $135.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $281,526 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Santa Maria's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $119.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $168,917 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected nurse anesthetist hourly pay in Santa Maria, California, is approximately $135.35, surpassing the national median of $119.66 per hour. This elevated hourly rate benefits not only full-time professionals but also part-time and per-diem workers, who often practice in diverse environments such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and chronic pain management clinics. For those working part-time, such as 24 hours per week, the financial gains can be substantial, allowing a decent standard of living without the commitment of full-time hours. Entry-level nurse anesthetists can expect to earn around $90.79 per hour, while experienced CRNAs at the top of the pay scale can command up to $199.09. These hourly rates represent an estimate based on annual salary figures, reflecting the potential for a rewarding career in this specialty in Santa Maria.
About the Santa Maria 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) | $90.79 | $726.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118.91 | $951.26 |
| Median (P50) | $135.35 | $1082.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $171.26 | $1370.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199.09 | $1592.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Maria
Based on $135.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $135.35/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Maria, CA can expect to earn approximately $281,529 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $162,420. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Maria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Maria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,414.01 | $23,461 | $281,529 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,248.41 | $14,076 | $168,917 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,165.61 | $9,384 | $112,611 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Santa Maria) | $135.35 |
| 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 Maria, CA earn a median of $281,526 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.11% higher than the national median of $248,893.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $135.35/hr = $168,917/year (purchasing power: $149,352).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $281,529/year (purchasing power: $248,920).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$95.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$128.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$135.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Santa Maria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $99.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $106.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $110.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $115.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $141.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $128.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Santa Maria grew 35.4% from $95.05/hr (2019) to $128.66/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $142.39/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 Maria 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 Maria
When considering part-time opportunities, a nurse anesthetist working three days a week may take home a substantial annual income compared to full-timers, though it often varies according to specific employment settings. With the rise of per-diem opportunities, many CRNAs find themselves drawn to locum tenens work, where rates commonly range from $200 to $350 per hour, and daily pay can reach between $1,500 and $2,500 for full-week assignments. In Santa Maria, the hourly rates can differ significantly based on the type of employer, including hospital systems offering W-2 employment, ambulatory surgery centers providing both W-2 and 1099 options, or CRNA-owned practices that may offer a partnership track. While higher hourly wages might entice some to work without benefits, others might prioritize job security and health coverage over pay. Those navigating this sector should consider negotiating their rates carefully, especially in a rapidly growing market like Santa Maria, to maximize their financial outcomes in a variety of work scenarios.
More salary data for Santa Maria, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Santa Maria in 2026?
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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 Maria. 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 Maria 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