Bethesda vs Bowie: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Bethesda, MD and Bowie, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bethesda, MD | Bowie, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $431,900 | $444,967▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $207.64 | $213.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $250,502 | $258,081▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $310,968 | $320,376▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $546,822 | $552,602▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $620,891▲ | $620,027 |
| Total Employed | 18▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Bethesda and Bowie are closely matched on overall anesthesiologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bethesda and Bowie is $13,067 (3.03%). Bowie's median is +8.77% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bethesda spans $370,389,Bowie spans $361,946. Bethesda has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bowie ($407,106 effective) pays 3.03% more than Bethesda ($395,151 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bethesda if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($620,891)
- ✓Larger job market (18 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Bowie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($444,967/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $407,106)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Bethesda grew -0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -0.9% growth in Bowie over the same period.
Bethesda, MD
$417,006 (2024) → $413,301 (2025)
Bowie, MD
$429,623 (2024) → $425,806 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bethesda, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Bethesda or Bowie?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bethesda and Bowie?
Should I relocate from Bethesda to Bowie as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Bethesda vs Bowie?
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