Anesthesiologist Salary in Santa Monica, CA: $467,655 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time anesthesiologist in Santa Monica, CA earns a median $467,655/year (≈ $224.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1211). Once you factor in Santa Monica's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $413,488 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation landscape for anesthesiologists in Santa Monica, California, reveals a median annual salary of $467,655. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $409,107, reflecting a 14.31% premium attributable to various local factors. The salary range for this role spans from $271,240 at the 10th percentile to $649,621 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant variability based on experience, type of practice structure, and case volume. As compensation models evolve, anesthesiologists employed in hospital settings may experience more predictable salaries, typically structured as W-2 employees. In contrast, those aligned with private groups often have greater earnings potential through partnerships and bonuses, driven by their case load and operational efficiencies. Understanding this distinction is key for those considering their options in Santa Monica's competitive job market.
About the Santa Monica Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $271,240 | $130.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $336,712 | $161.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $467,655 | $224.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $579,566 | $278.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $649,621 | $312.32 |
Median Salary Position
14.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Monica
In Santa Monica, CA, the anesthesiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $378,381 (2026 est.). At $467,655, the local median is 14.31% above the national median of $409,107.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Monica: You'd be above the median
How Santa Monica Anesthesiologist Pay Compares
Santa Monica median: $467,655/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Monica Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $462,567 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $409,107 | +14.31% more |
Anesthesiologists in Santa Monica, CA earn a median of $467,655 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.31% higher than the national median of $409,107 and 1.10% above the California state average of $462,567.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Monica has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Monica, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $467,655 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $413,488 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$343,646
2025 BLS Actual
$447,517
2026 Current Est.
$467,655
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Santa Monica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $343,646 | Actual |
| 2020 | $359,110 | Actual |
| 2021 | $375,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $392,158 | Actual |
| 2023 | $409,805 | Actual |
| 2024 | $514,401 | Actual |
| 2025 | $447,517 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $467,655 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $488,700 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Monica metropolitan area, the median anesthesiologist salary grew 30.2% from $343,646 (2019) to $447,517 (2025). At a 4.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $488,700 by 2027 — a total increase of $145,054 (42.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Monica 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) | $271,240 – $336,712 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $336,712 – $467,655 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $467,655 – $579,566 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $579,566 – $649,621 |
ANES salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual anesthesiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Anesthesiologist Job Market in Santa Monica
Analyzing the specifics of anesthesiologist pay in Santa Monica CA underscores a dynamic local job market, with around 20 anesthesiologists currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, exceeding the national average and implying that take-home purchasing power may be constrained by higher expenses. Generally, anesthesiologists in academic medical centers and larger hospital systems tend to earn more, while private anesthesia groups might offer substantial bonuses linked to performance and case management. The disparity in pay within this profession can be influenced by several factors, including the frequency of on-call duties, subspecialty fellowship training, and the potential bonuses tied to productivity metrics. For maximization of pay in Santa Monica, seeking opportunities in high-volume settings or engaging in locum tenens positions may be beneficial, as these avenues often provide enhanced remuneration flexibility and can lead to faster career advancement.
More salary data for Santa Monica, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can anesthesiologists make $100K in Santa Monica?
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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 $447,517 for anesthesiologistsin the Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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