Columbia vs Towson: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Columbia, MD and Towson, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MD | Towson, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $444,701▲ | $435,125 |
| Hourly Rate | $213.80▲ | $209.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $257,927▲ | $252,373 |
| 25th Percentile | $320,185▲ | $313,290 |
| 75th Percentile | $565,226▲ | $552,744 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $644,024▲ | $626,364 |
| Total Employed | 24▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Columbia, MD offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Towson.
The salary gap between Columbia and Towson is $9,576 (2.20%). Columbia's median is +8.70% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $386,097,Towson spans $373,991. Columbia 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, Columbia ($406,863 effective) pays 2.20% more than Towson ($398,102 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($444,701/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($644,024)
- ✓Larger job market (24 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $406,863)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Towson if…
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Columbia grew -4.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.2% growth in Towson over the same period.
Columbia, MD
$443,919 (2024) → $425,551 (2025)
Towson, MD
$425,759 (2024) → $416,388 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MD
Towson, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Columbia or Towson?
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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