Mesa vs Surprise: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Mesa, AZ and Surprise, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Surprise, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $529,559▲ | $491,653 |
| Hourly Rate | $254.59▲ | $236.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $307,144▲ | $285,159 |
| 25th Percentile | $381,283▲ | $353,990 |
| 75th Percentile | $668,011▲ | $625,141 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $764,029▲ | $714,989 |
| Total Employed | 98▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Surprise.
The salary gap between Mesa and Surprise is $37,906 (7.71%). Mesa's median is +29.44% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mesa spans $456,885,Surprise spans $429,830. Mesa 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, Mesa ($537,623 effective) pays 7.71% more than Surprise ($499,140 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($529,559/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($764,029)
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $537,623)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Surprise if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Mesa grew 29.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.4% growth in Surprise over the same period.
Mesa, AZ
$391,701 (2024) → $506,755 (2025)
Surprise, AZ
$363,663 (2024) → $470,481 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Surprise, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Mesa or Surprise?
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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