Austin vs Houston: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Austin, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $419,258▲ | $219,690 |
| Hourly Rate | $201.57▲ | $105.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $243,169▲ | $87,696 |
| 25th Percentile | $301,866▲ | $219,690 |
| 75th Percentile | $536,650▲ | $221,070 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $628,064▲ | $510,660 |
| Total Employed | 192 | 1,160▲ |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Austin and Houston is $199,568 (90.84%). Austin's median is +2.48% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $384,895,Houston spans $422,964. Houston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced anesthesiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($436,727 effective) pays 96.07% more than Houston ($222,744 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($419,258/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($628,064)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $436,727)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Austin grew -6.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.5% growth in Houston over the same period.
Austin, TX
$430,422 (2024) → $401,204 (2025)
Houston, TX
$190,180 (2021) → $210,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Austin or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Houston?
Should I relocate from Austin to Houston as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Austin vs Houston?
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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