San Diego vs Sacramento: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between San Diego, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $490,262 | $493,219▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $235.70 | $237.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $284,352 | $286,067▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $352,988 | $355,118▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $627,535 | $631,320▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $725,535 | $737,369▲ |
| Total Employed | 307▲ | 94 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Diego and Sacramento 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 San Diego spans $441,183,Sacramento spans $451,302. Sacramento 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, 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 San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (307 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
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
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 Sacramento over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$539,266 (2024) → $469,150 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$542,520 (2024) → $471,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: San Diego or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Sacramento as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in San Diego vs Sacramento?
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