Anesthesiologist Pay

Boston vs Chelsea: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)

Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boston, MA
$559,232
$268.86/hr
Chelsea, MA
$514,605
$247.40/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoston, MAChelsea, MA
Median Salary$559,232$514,605
Hourly Rate$268.86$247.40
Entry Level (P10)$324,354$298,471
25th Percentile$402,647$370,515
75th Percentile$705,826$628,453
Top Earner (P90)$847,802$693,952
Total Employed1746
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boston ($559,232) and Chelsea ($514,605) anesthesiologist salaries.BostonChelseaMedian Salary$559,232$514,605Entry Level (P10)$324,354$298,471Top Earner (P90)$847,802$693,952US Median $409,107

Verdict

Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chelsea.

The salary gap between Boston and Chelsea is $44,627 (8.67%). Boston's median is +36.70% compared to the US national median of $409,107.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $523,448,Chelsea spans $395,481. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Boston
P10 (Entry)$324,354
P25$402,647
Median$559,232
P75$705,826
P90 (Top)$847,802
Chelsea
P10 (Entry)$298,471
P25$370,515
Median$514,605
P75$628,453
P90 (Top)$693,952

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($515,421 effective) pays 8.67% more than Chelsea ($474,290 effective).

Boston
Nominal: $559,232
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $515,421
Chelsea
Nominal: $514,605
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $474,290

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boston if…

  • Higher median salary ($559,232/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($847,802)
  • Larger job market (174 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $515,421)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Chelsea if…

  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Boston grew 11.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.7% growth in Chelsea over the same period.

Boston, MA

+11.7%

$478,997 (2024) → $535,150 (2025)

Chelsea, MA

+11.7%

$440,773 (2024) → $492,445 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Boston or Chelsea?

Boston has a higher median anesthesiologist salary at $559,232/year, compared to Chelsea at $514,605/year — a difference of $44,627 (8.67%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Chelsea?

Boston anesthesiologists earn $268.86/hr while Chelsea hygienists earn $247.40/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boston to Chelsea as a anesthesiologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boston and Chelsea. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boston = $515,421, Chelsea = $474,290), job availability (174 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Boston vs Chelsea?

Entry-level (10th percentile) anesthesiologists earn $324,354 in Boston and $298,471 in Chelsea. The Boston area offers higher starting salaries.
MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Raj Patel, MDData verified by Dr. Amina Khan, MD

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