Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Fullerton, CA: $289,169 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse anesthetist in Fullerton, CA earns a median $289,169/year (≈ $139.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Once you factor in Fullerton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $255,676 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fullerton, California, the compensation landscape for nurse anesthetists reflects both the choice of employment structure and regional economic factors. The projected median annual salary for this role in 2026 is $289,169, positioning it favorably above the national median of $248,893, indicating a competitive local market that exceeds national standards by 16.18%. Salaries for nurse anesthetists in the area range from $182,312 at the 10th percentile to $422,468 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, underscore how hospital employment (W-2) versus independent practice (1099) influences overall compensation. Fullerton’s job market demonstrates strong demand, providing opportunities for those considering how much nurse anesthetists make in Fullerton.
About the Fullerton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($260,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $182,312 | $87.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $246,102 | $118.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $289,169 | $139.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $364,172 | $175.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $422,468 | $203.11 |
Median Salary Position
16.18% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fullerton
In Fullerton, CA, the nurse anesthetist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $240,156 (2026 est.). At $289,169, the local median is 16.18% above the national median of $248,893.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fullerton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fullerton Nurse Anesthetist Pay Compares
Fullerton median: $289,169/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fullerton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $281,566 | +2.70% more |
| National Average | $248,893 | +16.18% more |
Nurse Anesthetists in Fullerton, CA earn a median of $289,169 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.18% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 2.70% above the California state average of $281,566.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fullerton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fullerton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $289,169 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $255,676 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$203,075
2025 BLS Actual
$274,875
2026 Current Est.
$289,169
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Fullerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $203,075 | Actual |
| 2020 | $213,287 | Actual |
| 2021 | $227,264 | Actual |
| 2022 | $235,954 | Actual |
| 2023 | $247,061 | Actual |
| 2024 | $302,073 | Actual |
| 2025 | $274,875 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $289,169 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $304,205 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fullerton metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 35.4% from $203,075 (2019) to $274,875 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $304,205 by 2027 — a total increase of $101,130 (49.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fullerton 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) | $182,312 – $246,102 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $246,102 – $289,169 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $289,169 – $364,172 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $364,172 – $422,468 |
CRNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse anesthetist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Anesthetist Job Market in Fullerton
With 25 nurse anesthetists employed in Fullerton and a higher-than-average cost of living index at 113.1, effective financial planning for these professionals becomes essential. While W-2 positions in local hospital systems may offer stability, CRNA-owned group practices and ambulatory surgery centers can provide lucrative pay through partnership tracks or productivity bonuses. Additionally, variations in compensation often stem from call coverage rotations, weekend and holiday pay differentials, and productivity incentives. Those willing to navigate these employment choices effectively can maximize their take-home compensation in Fullerton's evolving anesthesia landscape. Pursuing opportunities in high-demand facilities like VA hospitals or trauma centers could yield significant rewards, making it crucial for nurse anesthetists in Fullerton, CA, to consider the breadth of their professional options.
More salary data for Fullerton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $274,875 for nurse anesthetistsin the Fullerton 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 Fullerton 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