Denver vs Thornton: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Denver, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $187,254 | $436,305▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $90.03 | $209.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $135,202 | $253,057▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $176,135 | $314,140▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $365,060 | $558,471▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $474,796 | $649,097▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | 34 |
Verdict
Thornton, CO offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Thornton is $249,051 (133.00%). Thornton's median is +6.65% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $339,594,Thornton spans $396,040. Thornton 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, Thornton ($415,529 effective) pays 134.74% more than Denver ($177,019 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($436,305/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($649,097)
- ✓Larger job market (34 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $415,529)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Denver grew -60.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.4% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Denver, CO
$450,734 (2024) → $179,190 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$415,928 (2024) → $417,517 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Denver or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Denver to Thornton as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Denver vs Thornton?
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