Columbus vs Dalton: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Columbus, GA and Dalton, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, GA | Dalton, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $384,474▲ | $367,605 |
| Hourly Rate | $184.84▲ | $176.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $222,995▲ | $213,211 |
| 25th Percentile | $276,822▲ | $264,676 |
| 75th Percentile | $492,127▲ | $445,073 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $568,141▲ | $490,757 |
| Total Employed | 29▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Columbus, GA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dalton.
The salary gap between Columbus and Dalton is $16,869 (4.59%). Columbus's median is -6.02% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $345,146,Dalton spans $277,546. Columbus 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, Columbus ($412,969 effective) pays 4.59% more than Dalton ($394,850 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($384,474/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($568,141)
- ✓Larger job market (29 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $412,969)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Dalton if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Columbus grew 8.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.7% growth in Dalton over the same period.
Columbus, GA
$338,324 (2024) → $367,918 (2025)
Dalton, GA
$323,480 (2024) → $351,775 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, GA
Dalton, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Columbus or Dalton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Dalton?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Dalton as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Columbus vs Dalton?
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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