Anesthesiologist Salary in Athens, GA: $392,150 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time anesthesiologist in Athens, GA earns a median $392,150/year (≈ $188.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1211). Once you factor in Athens's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $421,214 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% above the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Athens, Georgia, anesthesiologists can expect a median annual salary of $392,150 in 2026, which reflects the unique dynamics of the local healthcare market shaped by employment models. This compensation is slightly below the national median of $409,107, highlighting the regional factors at play. Across the salary spectrum, the earnings range from $227,447 at the 10th percentile to $570,031 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variation based on experience, case volume, and employment structure. With estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost differences, the result is a compensation environment that aligns closely with the local context, particularly for those deciding between W-2 hospital employment and private partnership roles. Understanding the nuances of these arrangements is crucial in navigating the job market in Athens.
About the Athens Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $227,447 | $109.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $282,348 | $135.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $392,150 | $188.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $498,470 | $239.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $570,031 | $274.05 |
Median Salary Position
4.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Athens
In Athens, GA, the anesthesiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $342,584 (2026 est.). At $392,150, the local median is 4.14% below the national median of $409,107.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Athens: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Athens Anesthesiologist Pay Compares
Athens median: $392,150/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Athens Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $380,728 | +3.00% more |
| National Average | $409,107 | -4.14% less |
Anesthesiologists in Athens, GA earn a median of $392,150 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.14% lower than the national median of $409,107 and 3.00% above the Georgia state average of $380,728.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Athens has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Athens, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A anesthesiologist earning $392,150 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $421,214 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$288,163
2025 BLS Actual
$375,263
2026 Current Est.
$392,150
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $288,163 | Actual |
| 2020 | $301,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $314,681 | Actual |
| 2022 | $328,842 | Actual |
| 2023 | $343,640 | Actual |
| 2024 | $345,079 | Actual |
| 2025 | $375,263 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $392,150 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $409,797 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Athens metropolitan area, the median anesthesiologist salary grew 30.2% from $288,163 (2019) to $375,263 (2025). At a 4.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $409,797 by 2027 — a total increase of $121,634 (42.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Athens 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) | $227,447 – $282,348 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $282,348 – $392,150 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $392,150 – $498,470 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $498,470 – $570,031 |
ANES salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual anesthesiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Anesthesiologist Job Market in Athens
The local job market features approximately 31 anesthesiologists, offering a concentrated but competitive environment. With a cost of living index of 93.1, Athens provides a favorable platform for anesthesiologist pay in relation to expenses, allowing for better purchasing power compared to national averages. Among local employers, W-2 hospital systems typically offer more stability, but private anesthesia practices often provide higher earnings potential related to partnership tracks. Factors driving the disparity in salaries include variables such as case volume, call burden distribution, and RVU bonus opportunities tied to hospital employment. Anesthesiologists seeking to maximize their earnings in Athens should consider pursuing subspecialty fellowships, negotiating favorable contract terms, and carefully weighing their employment options to align with their financial goals.
More salary data for Athens, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do anesthesiologists make in Athens, GA in 2026?
Is Athens, GA a good place to work as a anesthesiologist?
Can anesthesiologists make $100K in Athens?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted anesthesiologist salary in Athens?
How much does a anesthesiologist make per hour in Athens?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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 $375,263 for anesthesiologistsin the Athens 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 Athens 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