Tacoma vs Vancouver: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Tacoma, WA and Vancouver, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tacoma, WA | Vancouver, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $664,765▲ | $446,632 |
| Hourly Rate | $319.60▲ | $214.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $385,564▲ | $259,046 |
| 25th Percentile | $478,631▲ | $321,575 |
| 75th Percentile | $850,900▲ | $571,689 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $1,011,925▲ | $666,355 |
| Total Employed | 56▲ | 37 |
Verdict
Tacoma, WA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Vancouver.
The salary gap between Tacoma and Vancouver is $218,133 (48.84%). Tacoma's median is +62.49% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tacoma spans $626,361,Vancouver spans $407,309. Tacoma 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, Tacoma ($618,962 effective) pays 48.84% more than Vancouver ($415,858 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($664,765/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($1,011,925)
- ✓Larger job market (56 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $618,962)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Vancouver if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Tacoma grew 42.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.5% growth in Vancouver over the same period.
Tacoma, WA
$445,985 (2024) → $636,139 (2025)
Vancouver, WA
$447,608 (2024) → $427,399 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tacoma, WA
Vancouver, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Tacoma or Vancouver?
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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