Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Costa Mesa, CA: $282,845 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse anesthetist in Costa Mesa, CA earns a median $282,845/year (≈ $135.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Once you factor in Costa Mesa's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $250,084 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the nurse anesthetist salary in Costa Mesa, California, reaches a notable median of $282,845, reflecting a competitive edge of 13.64% over the national median of $248,893. The salary range for this role varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $183,684 at the 10th percentile, while the upper echelon can command as much as $418,723 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are shaped by local economic conditions and regional price parities derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. Such compensation packages highlight how Costa Mesa's market supports both the independent practice model utilized across federal opt-out states and the supportive structure found within the Anesthesia Care Team model, catering to a highly varied clientele.
About the Costa Mesa Market
Salary estimated from California average ($260,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $183,684 | $88.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $243,919 | $117.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $282,845 | $135.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $359,472 | $172.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $418,723 | $201.31 |
Median Salary Position
13.64% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Costa Mesa
In Costa Mesa, CA, the nurse anesthetist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $235,039 (2026 est.). At $282,845, the local median is 13.64% above the national median of $248,893.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Costa Mesa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Costa Mesa Nurse Anesthetist Pay Compares
Costa Mesa median: $282,845/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Costa Mesa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $281,438 | +0.50% more |
| National Average | $248,893 | +13.64% more |
Nurse Anesthetists in Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $282,845 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.64% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 0.50% above the California state average of $281,438.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Costa Mesa has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Costa Mesa, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $282,845 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $250,084 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$198,634
2025 BLS Actual
$268,864
2026 Current Est.
$282,845
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Costa Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $198,634 | Actual |
| 2020 | $208,623 | Actual |
| 2021 | $222,294 | Actual |
| 2022 | $230,794 | Actual |
| 2023 | $241,658 | Actual |
| 2024 | $295,468 | Actual |
| 2025 | $268,864 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $282,845 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $297,553 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Costa Mesa metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 35.4% from $198,634 (2019) to $268,864 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $297,553 by 2027 — a total increase of $98,919 (49.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Costa Mesa 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) | $183,684 – $243,919 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $243,919 – $282,845 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $282,845 – $359,472 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $359,472 – $418,723 |
CRNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse anesthetist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Anesthetist Job Market in Costa Mesa
The local job market for nurse anesthetists in Costa Mesa consists of 23 professionals, indicating a niche but established presence within the healthcare system. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the purchasing power for healthcare staff is cautiously robust, yet higher than the national average. Noteworthy employers vary across the spectrum, including large hospital systems offering W-2 employment and CRNA-owned group practices where profit-sharing models often translate into higher earnings. Factors influencing pay disparities include differences in call coverage frequency, which can significantly impact work-life balance. Furthermore, aspects such as weekend differentials and OR productivity bonuses contribute to variations in income. For those aiming to maximize nurse anesthetist pay in Costa Mesa, pursuing opportunities within high-volume environments or considering partnerships in anesthesia groups may yield the most substantial financial returns.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurse anesthetists make in Costa Mesa, CA in 2026?
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Can nurse anesthetists make $100K in Costa Mesa?
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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 $268,864 for nurse anesthetistsin the Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa 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