Sacramento vs San Diego: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $493,219▲ | $490,262 |
| Hourly Rate | $237.12▲ | $235.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $286,067▲ | $284,352 |
| 25th Percentile | $355,118▲ | $352,988 |
| 75th Percentile | $631,320▲ | $627,535 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $737,369▲ | $725,535 |
| Total Employed | 94 | 307▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Diego is $2,957 (0.60%). Sacramento's median is +20.56% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $451,302,San Diego spans $441,183. Sacramento 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, Sacramento ($436,091 effective) pays 0.60% more than San Diego ($433,477 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($493,219/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($737,369)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $436,091)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (307 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Sacramento grew -13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -13.0% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$542,520 (2024) → $471,980 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$539,266 (2024) → $469,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Sacramento or San Diego?
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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