Lakewood vs Tacoma: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Lakewood, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lakewood, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $434,135 | $664,765▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $208.72 | $319.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $251,798 | $385,564▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $312,577 | $478,631▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $551,820 | $850,900▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $627,716 | $1,011,925▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 56▲ |
Verdict
Tacoma, WA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Lakewood and Tacoma is $230,630 (53.12%). Tacoma's median is +62.49% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lakewood spans $375,918,Tacoma spans $626,361. Tacoma 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, Tacoma ($618,962 effective) pays 53.12% more than Lakewood ($404,223 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($664,765/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($1,011,925)
- ✓Larger job market (56 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $618,962)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Lakewood grew -4.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.6% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Lakewood, WA
$435,082 (2024) → $415,440 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$445,985 (2024) → $636,139 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lakewood, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Lakewood or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lakewood and Tacoma?
Should I relocate from Lakewood to Tacoma as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Lakewood vs Tacoma?
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