Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Irvine, CA: $292,415 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse anesthetist in Irvine, CA earns a median $292,415/year (≈ $140.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Once you factor in Irvine's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $258,546 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the nurse anesthetist salary in Irvine is projected to reach a substantial median of $292,415, significantly above the national average of $248,893. The local salary range is also notable, spanning from $189,001 at the 10th percentile to as high as $442,233 at the 90th percentile. Such figures reflect a market context influenced by both lifestyle considerations and call coverage arrangements. Nurse anesthetists in this region often face trade-offs, as demanding call schedules can vary widely depending on their employer and practice model, impacting their overall earning potential and quality of life. This dynamic is essential for those considering a career in nurse anesthesia in Irvine, CA, where the expectations for remuneration and job responsibilities can significantly differ.
About the Irvine Market
Salary estimated from California average ($260,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $189,001 | $90.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $252,900 | $121.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $292,415 | $140.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $374,291 | $179.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $442,233 | $212.61 |
Median Salary Position
17.49% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Irvine
In Irvine, CA, the nurse anesthetist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $253,232 (2026 est.). At $292,415, the local median is 17.49% above the national median of $248,893.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Irvine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Irvine Nurse Anesthetist Pay Compares
Irvine median: $292,415/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Irvine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $281,439 | +3.90% more |
| National Average | $248,893 | +17.49% more |
Nurse Anesthetists in Irvine, CA earn a median of $292,415 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.49% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 3.90% above the California state average of $281,439.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Irvine has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Irvine, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $292,415 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $258,546 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$205,354
2025 BLS Actual
$277,961
2026 Current Est.
$292,415
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Irvine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $205,354 | Actual |
| 2020 | $215,681 | Actual |
| 2021 | $229,815 | Actual |
| 2022 | $238,603 | Actual |
| 2023 | $249,835 | Actual |
| 2024 | $305,465 | Actual |
| 2025 | $277,961 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $292,415 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $307,621 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Irvine metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 35.4% from $205,354 (2019) to $277,961 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $307,621 by 2027 — a total increase of $102,267 (49.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Irvine 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) | $189,001 – $252,900 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $252,900 – $292,415 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $292,415 – $374,291 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $374,291 – $442,233 |
CRNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse anesthetist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Anesthetist Job Market in Irvine
Analyzing the local job market reveals that 72 nurse anesthetists are currently employed in Irvine, CA, amid a cost-of-living index of 113.1. This figure indicates a higher-than-average living expense, which certainly affects take-home purchasing power for CRNAs in the area. Major employers, including large hospital systems and ambulatory surgery centers, often provide the highest salaries, although employment structures—W-2 versus 1099—greatly influence compensation packages. Call coverage arrangements, with ratios such as 1-in-5 or 1-in-8, also contribute to pay variations. Additional factors like productivity bonuses and weekends or holiday stipends can further enhance earnings. For those aiming to maximize their nurse anesthetist pay in Irvine, strategic choices regarding employment type and coverage commitments are crucial in navigating the local market effectively.
More salary data for Irvine, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can nurse anesthetists make $100K in Irvine?
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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 $277,961 for nurse anesthetistsin the Irvine 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 Irvine 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