San Diego vs Westminster: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between San Diego, CA and Westminster, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Westminster, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $490,262▲ | $467,693 |
| Hourly Rate | $235.70▲ | $224.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $284,352▲ | $271,262 |
| 25th Percentile | $352,988▲ | $336,739 |
| 75th Percentile | $627,535▲ | $589,536 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $725,535▲ | $668,007 |
| Total Employed | 307▲ | 21 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Westminster.
The salary gap between San Diego and Westminster is $22,569 (4.83%). 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,Westminster spans $396,745. San Diego 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, San Diego ($433,477 effective) pays 4.83% more than Westminster ($413,522 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 Westminster 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 Westminster over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$539,266 (2024) → $469,150 (2025)
Westminster, CA
$514,442 (2024) → $447,553 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Westminster, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: San Diego or Westminster?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Westminster?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Westminster as a anesthesiologist?
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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