Nurse Anesthetist Salary in San Mateo, CA: $284,483 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse anesthetist in San Mateo, CA earns a median $284,483/year (≈ $136.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Once you factor in San Mateo's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $251,532 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the median compensation for nurse anesthetists in San Mateo, California, is projected to reach $284,483, significantly surpassing the national median of $248,893 by about 14.30%. The salary range varies widely from $172,860 at the 10th percentile to $423,748 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the range of roles and responsibilities within this specialty. These figures are derived from local estimates using 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. This disparity in earnings can largely be attributed to factors such as call coverage commitments and lifestyle preferences, where professionals may opt for positions with better hours or responsibilities that align with their personal circumstances.
About the San Mateo Market
Salary estimated from California average ($260,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $172,860 | $83.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $253,444 | $121.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $284,483 | $136.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $352,809 | $169.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $423,748 | $203.72 |
Median Salary Position
14.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Mateo
In San Mateo, CA, the nurse anesthetist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $250,888 (2026 est.). At $284,483, the local median is 14.3% above the national median of $248,893.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Mateo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Mateo Nurse Anesthetist Pay Compares
San Mateo median: $284,483/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Mateo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $281,388 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $248,893 | +14.30% more |
Nurse Anesthetists in San Mateo, CA earn a median of $284,483 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.30% higher than the national median of $248,893 and 1.10% above the California state average of $281,388.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Mateo has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Mateo, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $284,483 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $251,532 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$199,784
2025 BLS Actual
$270,421
2026 Current Est.
$284,483
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in San Mateo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $199,784 | Actual |
| 2020 | $209,831 | Actual |
| 2021 | $223,581 | Actual |
| 2022 | $232,131 | Actual |
| 2023 | $243,058 | Actual |
| 2024 | $297,179 | Actual |
| 2025 | $270,421 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $284,483 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $299,276 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Mateo metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 35.4% from $199,784 (2019) to $270,421 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $299,276 by 2027 — a total increase of $99,492 (49.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Mateo 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) | $172,860 – $253,444 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $253,444 – $284,483 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $284,483 – $352,809 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $352,809 – $423,748 |
CRNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse anesthetist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Anesthetist Job Market in San Mateo
The job market for nurse anesthetists in San Mateo is relatively strong, with 21 professionals currently employed, but navigating the compelling economic context is essential. The area's cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, illustrating that while salaries are attractive, the local expenses can impact purchasing power. The highest-paying opportunities frequently occur within large hospital systems and outpatient surgical centers, but CRNA-owned practices and locum tenens agencies also offer competitive compensation structures. Differences in pay can result from call coverage differences—such as a rotation of 1-in-5 compared to 1-in-8—and the inclusion of holiday differentials or productivity bonuses. To maximize earnings, CRNAs should consider positions that offer partnership tracks or utilize strategic networking within local practices, as these avenues can enhance both income potential and job satisfaction in a vibrant San Mateo market.
More salary data for San Mateo, 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 $270,421 for nurse anesthetistsin the San Mateo 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 San Mateo 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