Anesthesiologist Hourly Pay in San Francisco, CA: $51.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a anesthesiologist working in San Francisco, CA runs $51.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,308 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1211). Weighted against San Francisco's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.6, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,786 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In San Francisco, anesthesiologists earn a median hourly pay of $51.11, which is significantly lower than the national median of $196.69 per hour. This discrepancy may impact those seeking part-time roles, such as a three-day work schedule, where they could expect to earn approximately $65,238 annually. Additionally, per-diem roles are common in this profession, with anesthesiologists typically working in various settings such as main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and ICU consult services. The hourly pay ranges from $51.11 for the lowest earners to $276.08 for those at the top of the wage spectrum, highlighting the income disparities that exist within this specialized field, according to projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Anesthesiologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51.11 | $408.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.11 | $408.89 |
| Median (P50) | $51.11 | $408.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $191.12 | $1528.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $276.08 | $2208.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Francisco
Based on $51.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.11/hr, a anesthesiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Francisco, CA can expect to earn approximately $106,311 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,333. With a cost-of-living index of 115.61 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Francisco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Francisco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,044.44 | $8,859 | $106,311 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,226.66 | $5,316 | $63,786 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $817.78 | $3,544 | $42,524 |
Compare ANES Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist (San Francisco) | $51.11 |
| Surgeon, All Other (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Radiologist (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Nurse Anesthetist (National Avg) | $106.73 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $64.13 |
Anesthesiologists in San Francisco, CA earn a median of $106,308 per year (2026 est.), which is 74.01% lower than the national median of $409,107 and 77.00% below the California state average of $462,208.
Anesthesiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.11/hr = $63,786/year (purchasing power: $55,172).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,311/year (purchasing power: $91,954).
CoL index: 115.613 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in San Francisco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $266.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for anesthesiologists in San Francisco grew 30.2% from $37.56/hr (2019) to $48.91/hr (2025). At a 4.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.41/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem anesthesiologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Francisco metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Anesthesiologist in San Francisco
For anesthesiologists considering part-time work in San Francisco, the financial rewards can differ greatly compared to full-time positions. A 24-hour weekly schedule yields an annual income that may seem modest in the bustling city, but it allows for flexibility and potentially higher hourly rates if one opts for per diem work. Locum anesthesiologists, for instance, often earn between $1,800 and $3,000 per day for general anesthesia coverage, with specialized positions like cardiac or pediatrics at the premium end of that range. Various employer types influence hourly earnings, with hospital systems, private practices, and academic centers offering different rates and benefits packages. While some may choose to accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for health insurance and job security, others capitalize on the opportunity to negotiate their pay, especially when addressing the high cost of living in San Francisco. Understanding these dynamics is vital for anesthesiology professionals aiming to make informed career choices.
More salary data for San Francisco, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for anesthesiologists in San Francisco in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for anesthesiologists in San Francisco. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for anesthesiologists (SOC 29-1211).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov