Columbus vs Lancaster: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Columbus, OH and Lancaster, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Lancaster, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $461,085▲ | $368,581 |
| Hourly Rate | $221.68▲ | $177.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $181,684 | $213,777▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $427,008▲ | $265,378 |
| 75th Percentile | $553,505▲ | $458,905 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $642,926▲ | $512,825 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 7 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lancaster.
The salary gap between Columbus and Lancaster is $92,504 (25.10%). Columbus's median is +12.71% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $461,242,Lancaster spans $299,048. Columbus 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, Columbus ($482,968 effective) pays 18.85% more than Lancaster ($406,374 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($461,085/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($642,926)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $482,968)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓Larger job market (7 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Columbus grew 22.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.4% growth in Lancaster over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$360,267 (2024) → $441,230 (2025)
Lancaster, OH
$337,853 (2024) → $352,709 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Lancaster, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Columbus or Lancaster?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Lancaster?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Lancaster 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