Columbia vs Springfield: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Columbia, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $372,462 | $379,066▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $179.07 | $182.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $216,028 | $219,859▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $268,173 | $272,928▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $476,751 | $483,898▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $554,421 | $554,477▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 36▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MO offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Springfield is $6,604 (1.77%). Springfield's median is -7.34% 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,Springfield spans $334,618. 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, Springfield ($423,065 effective) pays 1.77% 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…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($379,066/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($554,477)
- ✓Larger job market (36 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $423,065)
- ✓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 8.7% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Columbia, MO
$327,753 (2024) → $356,423 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$333,565 (2024) → $362,743 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Columbia or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Springfield as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Columbia vs Springfield?
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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