Chesapeake vs Richmond: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $525,566▲ | $433,108 |
| Hourly Rate | $252.68▲ | $208.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $304,829▲ | $251,202 |
| 25th Percentile | $378,407▲ | $311,837 |
| 75th Percentile | $672,725▲ | $546,087 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $802,946▲ | $626,764 |
| Total Employed | 63▲ | 33 |
Verdict
Chesapeake, VA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Richmond is $92,458 (21.35%). Chesapeake's median is +28.47% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $498,117,Richmond spans $375,562. Chesapeake 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, Chesapeake ($509,269 effective) pays 21.35% more than Richmond ($419,678 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($525,566/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($802,946)
- ✓Larger job market (63 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $509,269)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Chesapeake grew 24.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 107.3% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$405,492 (2024) → $502,934 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$199,890 (2019) → $414,457 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Chesapeake or Richmond?
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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