Columbia vs Wheaton: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Columbia, MD and Wheaton, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MD | Wheaton, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $444,701 | $447,092▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $213.80 | $214.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $257,927 | $259,314▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $320,185 | $321,906▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $565,226▲ | $557,644 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $644,024▲ | $628,710 |
| Total Employed | 24▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Columbia and Wheaton are closely matched on overall anesthesiologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Columbia and Wheaton is $2,391 (0.54%). Wheaton's median is +9.28% 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,Wheaton spans $369,396. 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, Wheaton ($409,050 effective) pays 0.54% more than Columbia ($406,863 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($644,024)
- ✓Larger job market (24 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($447,092/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $409,050)
- ✓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 -0.9% growth in Wheaton over the same period.
Columbia, MD
$443,919 (2024) → $425,551 (2025)
Wheaton, MD
$431,675 (2024) → $427,839 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MD
Wheaton, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Columbia or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Wheaton as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Columbia vs Wheaton?
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