Atlanta vs Athens: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Atlanta, GA and Athens, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Athens, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $237,037 | $392,150▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $113.97 | $188.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $177,347 | $227,447▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $230,767 | $282,348▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $273,017 | $498,470▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $365,750 | $570,031▲ |
| Total Employed | 770▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Athens, GA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlanta.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Athens is $155,113 (65.44%). Athens's median is -4.14% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $188,403,Athens spans $342,584. Athens has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced anesthesiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Athens ($421,214 effective) pays 77.80% more than Atlanta ($236,900 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($392,150/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($570,031)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $421,214)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Atlanta grew 14.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.7% growth in Athens over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$197,860 (2019) → $226,830 (2025)
Athens, GA
$345,079 (2024) → $375,263 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Athens, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Atlanta or Athens?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Athens?
Should I relocate from Atlanta to Athens as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Atlanta vs Athens?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov