Bethesda vs Laurel: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Bethesda, MD and Laurel, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bethesda, MD | Laurel, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $431,900▲ | $424,771 |
| Hourly Rate | $207.64▲ | $204.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $250,502▲ | $246,367 |
| 25th Percentile | $310,968▲ | $305,835 |
| 75th Percentile | $546,822▲ | $532,158 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $620,891▲ | $594,301 |
| Total Employed | 18▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Bethesda, MD offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Laurel.
The salary gap between Bethesda and Laurel is $7,129 (1.68%). Bethesda's median is +5.57% 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,Laurel spans $347,934. 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, Bethesda ($395,151 effective) pays 1.68% more than Laurel ($388,629 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bethesda if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($431,900/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($620,891)
- ✓Larger job market (18 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $395,151)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓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 Laurel over the same period.
Bethesda, MD
$417,006 (2024) → $413,301 (2025)
Laurel, MD
$410,123 (2024) → $406,479 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bethesda, MD
Laurel, MD
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
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