Phoenix vs Tempe: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Tempe, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $533,305▲ | $494,798 |
| Hourly Rate | $256.40▲ | $237.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $309,317▲ | $286,983 |
| 25th Percentile | $383,980▲ | $356,255 |
| 75th Percentile | $676,933▲ | $613,885 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $812,888▲ | $693,884 |
| Total Employed | 365▲ | 43 |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tempe.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Tempe is $38,507 (7.78%). Phoenix's median is +30.36% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $503,571,Tempe spans $406,901. Phoenix 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, Phoenix ($541,426 effective) pays 7.78% more than Tempe ($502,333 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($533,305/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($812,888)
- ✓Larger job market (365 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $541,426)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tempe if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Phoenix grew 29.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.4% growth in Tempe over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$394,472 (2024) → $510,340 (2025)
Tempe, AZ
$365,989 (2024) → $473,491 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
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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