Mesa vs Tucson: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Mesa, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $529,559 | $540,032▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $254.59 | $259.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $307,144 | $313,219▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $381,283 | $388,823▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $668,011 | $691,241▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $764,029 | $801,458▲ |
| Total Employed | 98 | 137▲ |
Verdict
Tucson, AZ offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesa.
The salary gap between Mesa and Tucson is $10,473 (1.98%). Tucson's median is +32.00% 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,Tucson spans $488,239. Tucson 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, Tucson ($548,256 effective) pays 1.98% more than Mesa ($537,623 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($540,032/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($801,458)
- ✓Larger job market (137 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $548,256)
- ✓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 Tucson over the same period.
Mesa, AZ
$391,701 (2024) → $506,755 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$399,447 (2024) → $516,777 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Mesa or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mesa and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Mesa to Tucson as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Mesa vs Tucson?
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