Raleigh vs Winston-Salem: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Raleigh, NC and Winston-Salem, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $444,332▲ | $436,459 |
| Hourly Rate | $213.62▲ | $209.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $257,713▲ | $253,146 |
| 25th Percentile | $319,919▲ | $314,250 |
| 75th Percentile | $565,091▲ | $555,807 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $651,293▲ | $641,000 |
| Total Employed | 104▲ | 59 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Winston-Salem.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Winston-Salem is $7,873 (1.80%). Raleigh's median is +8.61% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $393,580,Winston-Salem spans $387,854. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($474,714 effective) pays 1.80% more than Winston-Salem ($466,302 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($444,332/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($651,293)
- ✓Larger job market (104 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $474,714)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston-Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Raleigh grew 16.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.4% growth in Winston-Salem over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$365,396 (2024) → $425,198 (2025)
Winston-Salem, NC
$358,921 (2024) → $417,664 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Raleigh or Winston-Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Winston-Salem?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Winston-Salem as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Raleigh vs Winston-Salem?
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