Costa Mesa vs San Jose: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Costa Mesa, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Costa Mesa, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $464,915 | $499,935▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $223.52 | $240.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $269,651 | $289,962▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $334,739 | $359,953▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $595,021 | $633,101▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $682,632 | $728,176▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 168▲ |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Costa Mesa.
The salary gap between Costa Mesa and San Jose is $35,020 (7.53%). San Jose's median is +22.20% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Costa Mesa spans $412,981,San Jose spans $438,214. San Jose 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, San Jose ($442,029 effective) pays 7.53% more than Costa Mesa ($411,065 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Costa Mesa if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($499,935/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($728,176)
- ✓Larger job market (168 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $442,029)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Costa Mesa grew -13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -13.0% growth in San Jose over the same period.
Costa Mesa, CA
$511,387 (2024) → $444,895 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$549,908 (2024) → $478,407 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Costa Mesa, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Costa Mesa or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between Costa Mesa and San Jose?
Should I relocate from Costa Mesa to San Jose as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Costa Mesa vs San Jose?
Related Comparisons
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