Anesthesiologist Pay

Seattle vs Walla Walla: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)

Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Seattle, WA and Walla Walla, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Seattle, WA
$676,042
$325.02/hr
Walla Walla, WA
$417,078
$200.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSeattle, WAWalla Walla, WA
Median Salary$676,042$417,078
Hourly Rate$325.02$200.51
Entry Level (P10)$440,760$241,905
25th Percentile$522,490$300,296
75th Percentile$676,052$513,174
Top Earner (P90)$676,052$568,197
Total Employed9906
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Seattle ($676,042) and Walla Walla ($417,078) anesthesiologist salaries.SeattleWalla WallaMedian Salary$676,042$417,078Entry Level (P10)$440,760$241,905Top Earner (P90)$676,052$568,197US Median $409,107

Verdict

Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Walla Walla.

The salary gap between Seattle and Walla Walla is $258,964 (62.09%). Seattle's median is +65.25% compared to the US national median of $409,107.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $235,292,Walla Walla spans $326,292. Walla Walla has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced anesthesiologists.

Seattle
P10 (Entry)$440,760
P25$522,490
Median$676,042
P75$676,052
P90 (Top)$676,052
Walla Walla
P10 (Entry)$241,905
P25$300,296
Median$417,078
P75$513,174
P90 (Top)$568,197

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($608,318 effective) pays 56.65% more than Walla Walla ($388,341 effective).

Seattle
Nominal: $676,042
CoL Index: 111.133
Adjusted: $608,318
Walla Walla
Nominal: $417,078
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $388,341

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Seattle if…

  • Higher median salary ($676,042/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($676,052)
  • Larger job market (990 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $608,318)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Walla Walla if…

  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Seattle grew 33.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.5% growth in Walla Walla over the same period.

Seattle, WA

+33.4%

$484,831 (2024) → $646,930 (2025)

Walla Walla, WA

+-4.5%

$417,989 (2024) → $399,118 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Seattle or Walla Walla?

Seattle has a higher median anesthesiologist salary at $676,042/year, compared to Walla Walla at $417,078/year — a difference of $258,964 (62.09%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Walla Walla?

Seattle anesthesiologists earn $325.02/hr while Walla Walla hygienists earn $200.51/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Seattle to Walla Walla as a anesthesiologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Seattle and Walla Walla. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Seattle = $608,318, Walla Walla = $388,341), job availability (990 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Seattle vs Walla Walla?

Entry-level (10th percentile) anesthesiologists earn $440,760 in Seattle and $241,905 in Walla Walla. The Seattle area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Raj Patel, MDData verified by Dr. Amina Khan, MD

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