Houston vs Odessa: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Houston, TX and Odessa, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Odessa, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $219,690 | $388,466▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $105.62 | $186.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,696 | $225,310▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $219,690 | $279,695▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $221,070 | $489,871▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $510,660 | $558,082▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,160▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Odessa, TX offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Houston and Odessa is $168,776 (76.82%). Odessa's median is -5.05% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $422,964,Odessa spans $332,772. Houston 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, Odessa ($404,652 effective) pays 81.67% 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 Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Odessa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($388,466/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($558,082)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $404,652)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Houston grew 10.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -6.8% growth in Odessa over the same period.
Houston, TX
$190,180 (2021) → $210,230 (2025)
Odessa, TX
$398,810 (2024) → $371,738 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Odessa, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Houston or Odessa?
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Should I relocate from Houston to Odessa 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