Philadelphia vs State College: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Philadelphia, PA and State College, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | State College, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $513,413▲ | $450,418 |
| Hourly Rate | $246.83▲ | $216.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $297,779▲ | $261,243 |
| 25th Percentile | $369,657▲ | $324,301 |
| 75th Percentile | $657,168▲ | $565,609 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $788,518▲ | $634,589 |
| Total Employed | 379▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to State College.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and State College is $62,995 (13.99%). Philadelphia's median is +25.50% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $490,739,State College spans $373,346. Philadelphia 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, Philadelphia ($527,118 effective) pays 13.99% more than State College ($462,441 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($513,413/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($788,518)
- ✓Larger job market (379 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $527,118)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose State College if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Philadelphia grew 20.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.5% growth in State College over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$407,597 (2024) → $491,304 (2025)
State College, PA
$357,586 (2024) → $431,022 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
State College, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Philadelphia or State College?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and State College?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to State College as a anesthesiologist?
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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