Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Chico, CA: $281,639 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse anesthetist in Chico, CA earns a median $281,639/year (≈ $135.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Once you factor in Chico's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $249,018 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected salary for nurse anesthetists in Chico, California, is around $281,639, surpassing the national average by a notable 13.16%. The salary range reflects significant variation, with practitioners earning between $188,803 at the 10th percentile and reaching up to $413,767 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from state-level data and adjusted for local cost factors, are indicative of the economic landscape specific to Chico. The employment structure in this region presents unique compensation dynamics, where the choice between W-2 hospital positions and 1099 group-practice setups deeply influences effective earnings. Given that nurse anesthetists contribute to a crucial facet of healthcare delivery in various settings, the job market in Chico remains promising for those considering this career path.
About the Chico Market
Salary estimated from California average ($260,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $188,803 | $90.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $247,564 | $119.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $281,639 | $135.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $356,710 | $171.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $413,767 | $198.92 |
Median Salary Position
13.16% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chico
In Chico, CA, the nurse anesthetist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $224,964 (2026 est.). At $281,639, the local median is 13.16% above the national median of $248,893.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chico: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chico Nurse Anesthetist Pay Compares
Chico median: $281,639/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chico Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $281,358 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $248,893 | +13.16% more |
Nurse Anesthetists in Chico, CA earn a median of $281,639 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.16% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 0.10% above the California state average of $281,358.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chico has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chico, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $281,639 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $249,018 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$197,787
2025 BLS Actual
$267,718
2026 Current Est.
$281,639
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $197,787 | Actual |
| 2020 | $207,734 | Actual |
| 2021 | $221,346 | Actual |
| 2022 | $229,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $240,628 | Actual |
| 2024 | $294,209 | Actual |
| 2025 | $267,718 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $281,639 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $296,285 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chico metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 35.4% from $197,787 (2019) to $267,718 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $296,285 by 2027 — a total increase of $98,498 (49.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $188,803 – $247,564 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $247,564 – $281,639 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $281,639 – $356,710 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $356,710 – $413,767 |
CRNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse anesthetist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Anesthetist Job Market in Chico
With around 20 nurse anesthetists currently employed in Chico, the local job market is relatively specialized, providing ample opportunities for skilled CRNAs. The cost of living index in the area stands at 113.1, which means purchasing power can be impacted compared to the national average. In the Chico area, substantial earnings often stem from employment with major hospital systems, while ambulatory surgery centers and CRNA-owned practices also offer competitive compensation packages. The variation in pay is largely dependent on factors such as call coverage rotation, weekend and holiday bonuses, and overall productivity metrics. Those seeking to maximize their salary in Chico should consider strategies such as negotiating for trauma center stipends, understanding the benefits associated with W-2 versus 1099 roles, and leveraging potential partnership opportunities within anesthesia group practices.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurse anesthetists make in Chico, CA in 2026?
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Can nurse anesthetists make $100K in Chico?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $267,718 for nurse anesthetistsin the Chico metropolitan area. A 5.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chico 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