Anesthesiologist Hourly Pay in Merced, CA: $216.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a anesthesiologist working in Merced, CA runs $216.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $449,553 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1211). Weighted against Merced's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $191.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $269,726 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Anesthesiologists in Merced, California, earn a median hourly rate of $216.13, which is significantly higher than the national median of $196.69. This elevated hourly pay reflects the demand for skilled anesthesia professionals in various settings, including main operating rooms, cardiac catheterization labs, OB suites, and pain procedure rooms. For part-time anesthesiologists working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate to substantial earnings, depending on the number of hours worked each week. In Merced, hourly wages range from $125.36 at the lower end to as much as $305.31 for the most experienced anesthesiologists, providing a breadth of opportunities for both newcomers and seasoned professionals looking for lucrative per-diem positions.
About the Merced 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) | $125.36 | $1002.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $155.61 | $1244.89 |
| Median (P50) | $216.13 | $1729.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $270.40 | $2163.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $305.31 | $2442.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Merced
Based on $216.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $216.13/hr, a anesthesiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Merced, CA can expect to earn approximately $449,544 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $259,352. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Merced.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Merced
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $8,645.08 | $37,462 | $449,544 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $5,187.05 | $22,477 | $269,726 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $3,458.03 | $14,985 | $179,818 |
Compare ANES Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist (Merced) | $216.13 |
| 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 Merced, CA earn a median of $449,553 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.89% higher than the national median of $409,107 and 2.80% below the California state average of $462,503.
Anesthesiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $216.13/hr = $269,726/year (purchasing power: $238,485).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $449,544/year (purchasing power: $397,475).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$158.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$206.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$216.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Merced (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $158.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $165.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $173.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $181.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $189.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $237.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $206.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $216.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $225.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for anesthesiologists in Merced grew 30.2% from $158.82/hr (2019) to $206.82/hr (2025). At a 4.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $225.85/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 Merced 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 Merced
In terms of earning potential, a part-time anesthesiologist working a typical schedule of 24 hours a week could bring home around $268,000 annually, which contrasts with the financial landscape for full-time counterparts. Per diem anesthesiologists often take home more through daily billings ranging from $1,800 to $3,000 for services in general settings, while specialized procedures command higher rates. Hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer type in Merced; anesthesiologists may find variances between being employed at hospital systems, joining private practices, or opting for locum tenens opportunities. Some may choose lower hourly rates with benefits such as health insurance, while others might prioritize higher pay without those additional perks. Building negotiation skills specific to the local market can empower anesthesiologists to secure compensation that best meets their financial and personal needs.
More salary data for Merced, 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 Merced. 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 Merced 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