Columbia vs Kansas City: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Columbia, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MO | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $372,462 | $499,395▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $179.07 | $240.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $216,028 | $232,533▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $268,173 | $310,783▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $476,751 | $507,285▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $554,421▲ | $548,238 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 290▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Kansas City is $126,933 (34.08%). Kansas City's median is +22.07% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $338,393,Kansas City spans $315,705. 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, Kansas City ($539,636 effective) pays 29.82% more than Columbia ($415,694 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 ($554,421)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($499,395/year)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $539,636)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Columbia grew 8.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 187.9% growth in Kansas City over the same period.
Columbia, MO
$327,753 (2024) → $356,423 (2025)
Kansas City, MO
$166,000 (2022) → $477,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MO
Kansas City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Columbia or Kansas City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Kansas City?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Kansas City as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Columbia vs Kansas City?
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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