Los Angeles vs Santa Ana: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Ana, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $498,776▲ | $490,246 |
| Hourly Rate | $239.80▲ | $235.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $289,290▲ | $284,342 |
| 25th Percentile | $359,119▲ | $352,977 |
| 75th Percentile | $638,433▲ | $626,425 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $757,324▲ | $721,640 |
| Total Employed | 714▲ | 69 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Ana.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Ana is $8,530 (1.74%). 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,Santa Ana spans $437,298. 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 1.74% more than Santa Ana ($433,462 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 Santa Ana 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 -13.0% growth in Santa Ana over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$548,633 (2024) → $477,298 (2025)
Santa Ana, CA
$539,250 (2024) → $469,135 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Ana, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Los Angeles or Santa Ana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Ana?
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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