Kansas City vs Columbia: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Kansas City, MO and Columbia, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | Columbia, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $499,395▲ | $372,462 |
| Hourly Rate | $240.10▲ | $179.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $232,533▲ | $216,028 |
| 25th Percentile | $310,783▲ | $268,173 |
| 75th Percentile | $507,285▲ | $476,751 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $548,238 | $554,421▲ |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 23 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Columbia is $126,933 (34.08%). Kansas City's median is +22.07% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $315,705,Columbia spans $338,393. Columbia 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, Kansas City ($539,636 effective) pays 29.82% more than Columbia ($415,694 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($499,395/year)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $539,636)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($554,421)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Kansas City grew 187.9% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 8.7% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$166,000 (2022) → $477,890 (2025)
Columbia, MO
$327,753 (2024) → $356,423 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
Columbia, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Kansas City or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Columbia?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Columbia as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Kansas City vs Columbia?
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