Fort Collins vs Golden: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Golden, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Golden, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $425,615▲ | $395,375 |
| Hourly Rate | $204.62▲ | $190.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $246,856▲ | $229,317 |
| 25th Percentile | $306,443▲ | $284,669 |
| 75th Percentile | $537,584▲ | $487,095 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $612,910▲ | $535,708 |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Golden.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Golden is $30,240 (7.65%). Fort Collins's median is +4.04% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $366,054,Golden spans $306,391. Fort Collins 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, Fort Collins ($405,348 effective) pays 7.65% more than Golden ($376,548 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($425,615/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($612,910)
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $405,348)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Golden if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Fort Collins grew 0.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.4% growth in Golden over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$405,737 (2024) → $407,287 (2025)
Golden, CO
$376,908 (2024) → $378,349 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Golden, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Fort Collins or Golden?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Golden?
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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