San Diego vs Irvine: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between San Diego, CA and Irvine, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $490,262▲ | $480,646 |
| Hourly Rate | $235.70▲ | $231.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $284,352▲ | $278,775 |
| 25th Percentile | $352,988▲ | $346,065 |
| 75th Percentile | $627,535▲ | $615,226 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $725,535▲ | $720,913 |
| Total Employed | 307▲ | 72 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Irvine.
The salary gap between San Diego and Irvine is $9,616 (2.00%). San Diego's median is +19.84% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $441,183,Irvine spans $442,138. Irvine 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, San Diego ($433,477 effective) pays 2.00% more than Irvine ($424,974 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($490,262/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($725,535)
- ✓Larger job market (307 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $433,477)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Irvine if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in San Diego grew -13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -13.0% growth in Irvine over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$539,266 (2024) → $469,150 (2025)
Irvine, CA
$528,690 (2024) → $459,948 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Irvine, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: San Diego or Irvine?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Irvine?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Irvine as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in San Diego vs Irvine?
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