Columbus vs Lincoln: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Columbus, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $349,550 | $389,526▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $168.06 | $187.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $202,739 | $225,925▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $251,677 | $280,458▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $416,488 | $498,594▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $483,187 | $574,362▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 58▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Lincoln is $39,976 (11.44%). Lincoln's median is -4.79% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $280,448,Lincoln spans $348,437. Lincoln has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced anesthesiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lincoln ($425,711 effective) pays 11.44% more than Columbus ($382,022 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($389,526/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($574,362)
- ✓Larger job market (58 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $425,711)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Columbus grew 10.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.3% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Columbus, NE
$303,320 (2024) → $334,498 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$338,009 (2024) → $372,752 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Columbus or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Lincoln as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Columbus vs Lincoln?
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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