El Paso vs Houston: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between El Paso, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | El Paso, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $416,747▲ | $219,690 |
| Hourly Rate | $200.36▲ | $105.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $241,714▲ | $87,696 |
| 25th Percentile | $300,058▲ | $219,690 |
| 75th Percentile | $533,436▲ | $221,070 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $619,122▲ | $510,660 |
| Total Employed | 163 | 1,160▲ |
Verdict
El Paso, TX offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between El Paso and Houston is $197,057 (89.70%). El Paso's median is +1.87% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in El Paso spans $377,408,Houston spans $422,964. Houston 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, El Paso ($434,111 effective) pays 94.89% more than Houston ($222,744 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose El Paso if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($416,747/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($619,122)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $434,111)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in El Paso grew -6.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.5% growth in Houston over the same period.
El Paso, TX
$427,844 (2024) → $398,801 (2025)
Houston, TX
$190,180 (2021) → $210,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
El Paso, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: El Paso or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between El Paso and Houston?
Should I relocate from El Paso to Houston as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in El Paso vs Houston?
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