Laguna Niguel vs San Francisco: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Laguna Niguel, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Laguna Niguel, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $449,259▲ | $106,308 |
| Hourly Rate | $215.99▲ | $51.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $260,571▲ | $106,308 |
| 25th Percentile | $323,466▲ | $106,308 |
| 75th Percentile | $571,561▲ | $397,528 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $650,447▲ | $574,248 |
| Total Employed | 16 | N/A |
Verdict
Laguna Niguel, CA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Francisco.
The salary gap between Laguna Niguel and San Francisco is $342,951 (322.60%). Laguna Niguel's median is +9.81% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Laguna Niguel spans $389,876,San Francisco spans $467,940. San Francisco 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, Laguna Niguel ($397,223 effective) pays 331.99% more than San Francisco ($91,952 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Laguna Niguel if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($449,259/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($650,447)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $397,223)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Laguna Niguel grew -13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -81.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Laguna Niguel, CA
$494,166 (2024) → $429,913 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$553,294 (2024) → $101,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Laguna Niguel, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Laguna Niguel or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Laguna Niguel and San Francisco?
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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