Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay in San Marcos, TX: $126.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse anesthetist working in San Marcos, TX runs $126.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $263,740 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 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $132.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $158,243 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In San Marcos, Texas, the nurse anesthetist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $126.80 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $119.66. This competitive hourly rate reflects the growing demand for CRNAs in various healthcare settings, including main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and dental anesthesia clinics. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates into substantial earnings that can significantly supplement income. The hourly wage ranges from $82.80 at entry-level positions to $178.58 for top earners, indicating a wealth of opportunity for both seasoned professionals and newcomers in the field. Estimates of these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, emphasizing the financial viability of the role for per-diem workers, who may find daily shifts in military and VA facilities or chronic pain management clinics particularly beneficial.
About the San Marcos Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($215,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82.80 | $662.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109.93 | $879.47 |
| Median (P50) | $126.80 | $1014.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156.29 | $1250.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $178.58 | $1428.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Marcos
Based on $126.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $126.80/hr, a nurse anesthetist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Marcos, TX can expect to earn approximately $263,739 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $152,157. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in San Marcos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Marcos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $5,071.90 | $21,978 | $263,739 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $3,043.14 | $13,187 | $158,243 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $2,028.76 | $8,791 | $105,496 |
Compare CRNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (San Marcos) | $126.80 |
| 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, TX earn a median of $263,740 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.97% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 8.10% above the Texas state average of $243,977.
Nurse Anesthetist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $126.80/hr = $158,243/year (purchasing power: $164,837).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $263,739/year (purchasing power: $274,728).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$89.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$120.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$126.80/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 | $89.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $93.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $99.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $103.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $108.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $100.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $120.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133.39/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 $89.05/hr (2019) to $120.53/hr (2025). At a 5.20% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $133.39/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 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
Considering the part-time earning potential, a nurse anesthetist working three days a week, or 24 hours total, could expect to take home about $157,824 annually, which is favorable compared to full-time earnings in other professions. Per diem opportunities abound in San Marcos, with locum tenens CRNAs frequently billing between $200 and $350 per hour, especially in premium markets. These agency roles also often include additional perks, such as travel, lodging, and malpractice coverage, making them an attractive option for many. Hourly rates can vary widely depending on employer type; hospital systems may offer W-2 employment with benefits, while anesthesia group practices may present partnership tracks or 1099 arrangements. Understandably, many CRNAs may opt for a lower hourly wage with health insurance over the potential for higher pay without benefits. Nurse anesthetists in San Marcos should consider practical negotiation tips, focusing on total compensation packages, to balance their financial goals against their work preferences in a variety of practice environments.
More salary data for San Marcos, TX:
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?
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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