San Jose vs Santa Monica: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between San Jose, CA and Santa Monica, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Jose, CA | Santa Monica, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $499,935▲ | $467,655 |
| Hourly Rate | $240.35▲ | $224.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $289,962▲ | $271,240 |
| 25th Percentile | $359,953▲ | $336,712 |
| 75th Percentile | $633,101▲ | $579,566 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $728,176▲ | $649,621 |
| Total Employed | 168▲ | 20 |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Monica.
The salary gap between San Jose and Santa Monica is $32,280 (6.90%). San Jose's median is +22.20% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Jose spans $438,214,Santa Monica spans $378,381. San Jose 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 Jose ($442,029 effective) pays 6.90% more than Santa Monica ($413,488 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($499,935/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($728,176)
- ✓Larger job market (168 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $442,029)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Monica if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in San Jose grew -13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -13.0% growth in Santa Monica over the same period.
San Jose, CA
$549,908 (2024) → $478,407 (2025)
Santa Monica, CA
$514,401 (2024) → $447,517 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Jose, CA
Santa Monica, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: San Jose or Santa Monica?
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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