Anesthesiologist Salary in Los Angeles, CA: $498,776 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time anesthesiologist in Los Angeles, CA earns a median $498,776/year (≈ $239.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1211). Once you factor in Los Angeles's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $441,004 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Anesthesiologists in Los Angeles, CA, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $498,776 in 2026, surpassing the national median by 21.92%. The salary range for these physicians varies significantly, with the lowest earners making around $289,290 and the top earners reaching $757,324. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, reflecting the unique cost of living in Los Angeles. Subspecialty fellowships in areas such as pain management or critical care can further enhance earning potential, making these roles particularly lucrative in a city known for its high demand for specialized anesthetic services. The job market remains robust, with a healthy number of anesthesiologists employed, reflecting the growing complexity and volume of medical procedures in the region.
About the Los Angeles Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $289,290 | $139.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $359,119 | $172.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $498,776 | $239.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $638,433 | $306.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $757,324 | $364.10 |
Median Salary Position
21.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, CA, the anesthesiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $468,034 (2026 est.). At $498,776, the local median is 21.92% above the national median of $409,107.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Los Angeles: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Los Angeles Anesthesiologist Pay Compares
Los Angeles median: $498,776/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Los Angeles Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $462,687 | +7.80% more |
| National Average | $409,107 | +21.92% more |
Anesthesiologists in Los Angeles, CA earn a median of $498,776 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.92% higher than the national median of $409,107 and 7.80% above the California state average of $462,687.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Los Angeles has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Los Angeles, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $498,776 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $441,004 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$366,515
2025 BLS Actual
$477,298
2026 Current Est.
$498,776
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Los Angeles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $366,515 | Actual |
| 2020 | $383,008 | Actual |
| 2021 | $400,244 | Actual |
| 2022 | $418,255 | Actual |
| 2023 | $437,076 | Actual |
| 2024 | $548,633 | Actual |
| 2025 | $477,298 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $498,776 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $521,221 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the median anesthesiologist salary grew 30.2% from $366,515 (2019) to $477,298 (2025). At a 4.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $521,221 by 2027 — a total increase of $154,706 (42.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Angeles 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $289,290 – $359,119 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $359,119 – $498,776 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $498,776 – $638,433 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $638,433 – $757,324 |
ANES salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual anesthesiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Anesthesiologist Job Market in Los Angeles
Within the local job market, approximately 714 anesthesiologists are currently employed, yet the cost of living remains elevated, as indicated by a cost-of-living index of 113.1. This means that while salaries are comparatively higher, the purchasing power may not be as substantial as it seems. Notably, hospital systems typically offer more stable salaries for W-2 employed positions, while private anesthesia group practices often pay higher through potential partnership tracks. Factors such as case volume, the burden of call rotations, and subspecialty fellowship training all contribute to the disparity in anesthesiologist pay in Los Angeles. To maximize income, anesthesiologists should consider aligning with high-volume practices, exploring locum tenens opportunities, or pursuing roles in academic medical centers, where RVU-based bonuses can significantly boost overall compensation. Investing in growth through board certification via ASA or ABMS recognition will enhance job prospects and opening up higher-paying positions.
More salary data for Los Angeles, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do anesthesiologists make in Los Angeles, CA in 2026?
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Can anesthesiologists make $100K in Los Angeles?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted anesthesiologist salary in Los Angeles?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $477,298 for anesthesiologistsin the Los Angeles metropolitan area. A 4.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Los Angeles is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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