Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in Santa Monica, CA: $136.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in Santa Monica, CA runs $136.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $284,512 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Weighted against Santa Monica's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $120.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $170,703 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Monica, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay stands at a robust $136.78, which reflects a compelling rise compared to the national hourly median of $119.66. This rate positions California as an attractive option for nurse anesthetists considering part-time roles, such as those working three days a week or those looking to pick up per-diem shifts in various settings—including operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and military facilities. For entry-level nurse anesthetists, the hourly pay begins at approximately $89.22, while those at the top of the earning spectrum can make about $191.63 per hour. The hourly wages presented are drawn from estimated annual salary data, shedding light on the impressive earning potential in a vibrant market that often requires specialized anesthesia services in various healthcare contexts.
About the Santa Monica 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) | $89.22 | $713.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118.20 | $945.62 |
| Median (P50) | $136.78 | $1094.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $168.31 | $1346.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $191.63 | $1533.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Monica
Based on $136.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $136.78/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Monica, CA can expect to earn approximately $284,505 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $164,137. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Monica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Monica
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,471.24 | $23,709 | $284,505 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,282.74 | $14,225 | $170,703 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,188.50 | $9,483 | $113,802 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (Santa Monica) | $136.78 |
| 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 Monica, CA earn a median of $284,512 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.31% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 1.10% above the California state average of $281,417.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $136.78/hr = $170,703/year (purchasing power: $150,931).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $284,505/year (purchasing power: $251,551).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$96.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$130.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$136.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Santa Monica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $100.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $107.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $111.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $116.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $142.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $130.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Santa Monica grew 35.4% from $96.06/hr (2019) to $130.02/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $143.89/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 Monica 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 Monica
For nurse anesthetists exploring their work options in Santa Monica, the earnings potential can vary widely based on the type of employment structure. A 24-hour work week translates to an annual income of about $105,494, significantly lower than what full-time counterparts make, but still competitive for part-time roles. Those choosing per-diem positions can earn from $200 to $350 per hour in high-demand markets, with contracts offering $1,500 to $2,500 for full week assignments, often covering travel and accommodations—benefits that are not always available in every practice setting. Most nurse anesthetists in the area are employed by hospital systems or outpatient surgery centers; however, considerations between W-2 employment with full benefits versus higher hourly pay in 1099 structures are critical trade-offs. Negotiation strategies in Santa Monica should reflect awareness of local market conditions, including payer reimbursements and average hourly rates, to secure favorable contracts while balancing benefits and compensation.
More salary data for Santa Monica, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse anesthetists in Santa Monica in 2026?
How much do part-time nurse anesthetists make in Santa Monica?
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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 Monica. 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 Monica 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