Cedar Rapids vs Iowa City: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Iowa City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $367,749 | $425,555▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $176.80 | $204.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $213,295▲ | $85,721 |
| 25th Percentile | $264,779▲ | $85,721 |
| 75th Percentile | $466,064▲ | $425,555 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $532,221▲ | $450,917 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City is $57,806 (15.72%). Iowa City's median is +4.02% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $318,926,Iowa City spans $365,196. Iowa City 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, Iowa City ($465,042 effective) pays 14.32% more than Cedar Rapids ($406,802 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($532,221)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($425,555/year)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $465,042)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 8.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.6% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$323,606 (2024) → $351,913 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$324,132 (2024) → $407,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Cedar Rapids or Iowa City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Cedar Rapids vs Iowa City?
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