Anesthesiologist Hourly Pay in El Cajon, CA: $221.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a anesthesiologist working in El Cajon, CA runs $221.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $460,280 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1211). Weighted against El Cajon's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $195.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $276,169 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In El Cajon, California, anesthesiologists earn a median hourly pay of $221.29, notably higher than the national median of $196.69. This competitive hourly rate significantly benefits part-time anesthesiologists working three days a week, potentially translating to considerable income while allowing for a balanced lifestyle. The hourly range for this specialty stretches from $128.35 for entry-level positions to $320.44 for top earners, reflecting the varied expertise and responsibilities within this field. Typical work settings include main operating rooms, cardiac catheterization labs, and ambulatory surgery centers, all demanding specialized skills. With such a range, anesthesiologists in El Cajon enjoy a financially rewarding profession, whether they work full-time, part-time, or on a per-diem basis.
About the El Cajon Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Anesthesiologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $128.35 | $1026.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $159.33 | $1274.65 |
| Median (P50) | $221.29 | $1770.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $280.55 | $2244.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $320.44 | $2563.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in El Cajon
Based on $221.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $221.29/hr, a anesthesiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in El Cajon, CA can expect to earn approximately $460,282 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $265,547. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in El Cajon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in El Cajon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $8,851.57 | $38,357 | $460,282 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $5,310.94 | $23,014 | $276,169 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $3,540.63 | $15,343 | $184,113 |
Compare ANES Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist (El Cajon) | $221.29 |
| Surgeon, All Other (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Radiologist (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Nurse Anesthetist (National Avg) | $106.73 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $64.13 |
Anesthesiologists in El Cajon, CA earn a median of $460,280 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.51% higher than the national median of $409,107 and 0.50% below the California state average of $462,593.
Anesthesiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $221.29/hr = $276,169/year (purchasing power: $244,181).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $460,282/year (purchasing power: $406,969).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$162.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$211.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$221.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in El Cajon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $162.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $169.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $177.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $185.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $193.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $243.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $211.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $221.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $231.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for anesthesiologists in El Cajon grew 30.2% from $162.61/hr (2019) to $211.76/hr (2025). At a 4.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $231.25/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem anesthesiologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the El Cajon 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 4.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Anesthesiologist in El Cajon
Exploring the part-time potential reveals that an anesthesiologist working just 24 hours a week would take home approximately $265,258 annually, a respectable sum that offers flexibility. Those entering the field as per-diem anesthesiologists could see earnings upwards of $1,800 to $3,000 per day, particularly for complex procedures like cardiology and pediatrics, with agencies covering essential benefits. However, employment type significantly influences compensation; anesthesiologists in hospital systems usually receive a steady W-2 paycheck, while private anesthesia groups may offer partnership tracks with higher pay but without the stability of full-time positions. This leads to a trade-off where some practitioners choose lower hourly rates for health insurance against higher hourly wages without benefits. Understanding the negotiation dynamics specific to El Cajon, particularly around workload and benefits offered, can be vital for anesthesiologists looking to maximize their earning potential in this prosperous region.
More salary data for El Cajon, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for anesthesiologists in El Cajon. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for El Cajon 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 4.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for anesthesiologists (SOC 29-1211).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov