Nurse Anesthetist Salary in California
Based on 2K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$292,410
$140.58/hr
vs National Average
$245,258
+19.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$201K – $336K
2K employed in California
Nurse Anesthetist salary in California averages $292,410 annually, positioning the state as a high-paying market for this specialized profession. This median sits 19% above the national average, reflecting California's elevated cost of living and robust healthcare infrastructure. With approximately 2,230 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists employed throughout the state, salaries typically range from $200,530 to $335,550 depending on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence nurse anesthetist compensation in California, including years of experience, clinical specialization, and employer type. Geographic location within the state matters significantly, with urban medical centers and specialized surgical facilities typically offering higher pay than rural regions. Advanced certifications, additional training in complex procedures, and work setting—whether in hospitals, surgical centers, or private practices—also play substantial roles in determining individual earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Nurse Anesthetist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $200,530 |
| 25th percentile | $277,920 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $292,410 |
| 75th percentile | $315,990 |
| 90th percentile | $335,550 |
Top-Paying Industries for Nurse Anesthetist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Nurse Anesthetists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Nurse Anesthetists in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $260,400 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $250,570 | — |
| Administrative and Support Services | $248,660 | 290 |
| Educational Services | $244,810 | 890 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $236,410 | 50K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Nurse Anesthetist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $235,120 |
| 2025 | $292,410 |
| 2026 (projected) | $309,955 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $235,120 | $202,477 |
| 2025 | $292,410 | $245,258 |
| 2026 (projected) | $309,955 | $259,973 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $277,920 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $292,410 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $315,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $335,550 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Other States
Related Nurse Anesthetist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Nurse Anesthetist ($292,410 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Nurse Anesthetist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +20.9% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +7.3% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +3.0% | $144.83/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | -7.5% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | -13.8% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | -26.8% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | -30.3% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | -31.2% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | -36.5% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | -42.4% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | -43.2% | $79.78/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CA | $165,650 | -43.4% | $79.64/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurse anesthetists make in California?
- Nurse anesthetists in California earn a median salary of $292,410 per year, or approximately $141 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 19.2% premium for working in California.
What is the salary range for nurse anesthetists in California?
- Nurse anesthetist salaries in California range from $200,530 on the lower end to $335,550 on the higher end, with the median falling at $292,410 annually.
Is being a nurse anesthetist in California paid more than the national average?
- Yes, nurse anesthetists in California earn 19.2% more than the national average salary for this profession, with California's median of $292,410 annually being substantially higher than comparable positions nationwide.
How many nurse anesthetists are employed in California?
- There are currently 2,230 nurse anesthetists employed in California, representing the workforce in this specialized healthcare field across the state.