Columbia vs Greenville: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Columbia, SC and Greenville, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Greenville, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $303,698 | $376,979▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $146.01 | $181.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $206,586 | $218,647▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $206,586 | $271,424▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $460,281 | $465,236▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $562,220▲ | $521,852 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Columbia and Greenville are closely matched on overall anesthesiologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Columbia and Greenville is $73,281 (24.13%). Greenville's median is -7.85% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $355,634,Greenville spans $303,205. 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, Greenville ($411,999 effective) pays 27.06% more than Columbia ($324,249 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 ($562,220)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($376,979/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $411,999)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Columbia grew -11.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 97.4% growth in Greenville over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$328,615 (2024) → $290,620 (2025)
Greenville, SC
$182,770 (2019) → $360,745 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Greenville, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Columbia or Greenville?
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Should I relocate from Columbia to Greenville as a anesthesiologist?
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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