Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Modesto, CA: $285,477 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse anesthetist in Modesto, CA earns a median $285,477/year (≈ $137.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Once you factor in Modesto's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $252,411 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Nurse anesthetists in Modesto, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $285,477 in 2026, which positions them well above the national median of $248,893, reflecting a 14.70% premium for local practitioners. Salary estimates indicate a wide range of earnings, with entry-level positions starting at about $175,643 and experienced professionals making as much as $428,911. These figures derive from 2025 BLS data and have been adjusted for regional cost factors that impact overall compensation, particularly in a city with a cost of living index of 113.1. This healthy salary landscape allows Modesto's nurse anesthetists to capitalize on both the state’s comprehensive healthcare framework and the shifting dynamics in the anesthesia delivery model.
About the Modesto Market
Salary estimated from California average ($260,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $175,643 | $84.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $239,223 | $115.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $285,477 | $137.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $364,519 | $175.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $428,911 | $206.20 |
Median Salary Position
14.70% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Modesto
In Modesto, CA, the nurse anesthetist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $253,268 (2026 est.). At $285,477, the local median is 14.7% above the national median of $248,893.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Modesto: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Modesto Nurse Anesthetist Pay Compares
Modesto median: $285,477/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Modesto Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $281,536 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $248,893 | +14.70% more |
Nurse Anesthetists in Modesto, CA earn a median of $285,477 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.70% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 1.40% above the California state average of $281,536.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Modesto has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Modesto, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $285,477 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $252,411 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$200,482
2025 BLS Actual
$271,366
2026 Current Est.
$285,477
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $200,482 | Actual |
| 2020 | $210,564 | Actual |
| 2021 | $224,362 | Actual |
| 2022 | $232,942 | Actual |
| 2023 | $243,907 | Actual |
| 2024 | $298,217 | Actual |
| 2025 | $271,366 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $285,477 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $300,322 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Modesto metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 35.4% from $200,482 (2019) to $271,366 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $300,322 by 2027 — a total increase of $99,840 (49.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Modesto 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) | $175,643 – $239,223 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $239,223 – $285,477 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $285,477 – $364,519 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $364,519 – $428,911 |
CRNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse anesthetist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Anesthetist Job Market in Modesto
Given that Modesto currently employs around 45 nurse anesthetists, the job market remains robust, but potential earnings can vary significantly based on practice setting. Hospital systems tend to offer higher salaries in W-2 employed positions, while ambulatory surgery centers may provide flexible contracts with 1099 structures that appeal to some practitioners. Factors driving compensation differences include call coverage rotations and additional pay for weekends and holidays. As many CRNAs seek to maximize their earning potential, understanding the local market—including the financial benefits of joining CRNA-owned anesthesia groups or taking locum tenens positions—can be advantageous in negotiating salaries. Strategic career choices, such as targeting trauma centers or facilities that provide productivity bonuses, can further enhance overall nurse anesthetist pay in Modesto, CA.
More salary data for Modesto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurse anesthetists make in Modesto, CA in 2026?
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Can nurse anesthetists make $100K in Modesto?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted nurse anesthetist salary in Modesto?
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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 $271,366 for nurse anesthetistsin the Modesto 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 Modesto 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