Athens vs Augusta: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Athens, GA and Augusta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Augusta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $392,150 | $435,869▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $188.53 | $209.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $227,447▲ | $223,160 |
| 25th Percentile | $282,348 | $406,599▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $498,470▲ | $435,869 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $570,031▲ | $443,049 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Augusta is $43,719 (11.15%). Augusta's median is +6.54% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $342,584,Augusta spans $219,889. Athens 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, Augusta ($474,271 effective) pays 12.60% more than Athens ($421,214 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($570,031)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($435,869/year)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $474,271)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Athens grew 8.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 112.7% growth in Augusta over the same period.
Athens, GA
$345,079 (2024) → $375,263 (2025)
Augusta, GA
$196,100 (2024) → $417,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Augusta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Athens or Augusta?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Augusta?
Should I relocate from Athens to Augusta as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Athens vs Augusta?
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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