Los Angeles vs San Francisco: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $498,776▲ | $106,308 |
| Hourly Rate | $239.80▲ | $51.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $289,290▲ | $106,308 |
| 25th Percentile | $359,119▲ | $106,308 |
| 75th Percentile | $638,433▲ | $397,528 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $757,324▲ | $574,248 |
| Total Employed | 714 | N/A |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Francisco.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Francisco is $392,468 (369.18%). Los Angeles's median is +21.92% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $468,034,San Francisco spans $467,940. Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles ($441,004 effective) pays 379.60% 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 Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($498,776/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($757,324)
- ✓Larger job market (714 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $441,004)
- ✓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 Los Angeles grew -13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -81.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$548,633 (2024) → $477,298 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$553,294 (2024) → $101,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Los Angeles or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Francisco as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Los Angeles vs San Francisco?
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