Anesthesiologist Pay

Columbus vs Fairfield: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)

Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Columbus, OH and Fairfield, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Columbus, OH
$461,085
$221.68/hr
Fairfield, OH
$356,372
$171.33/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, OHFairfield, OH
Median Salary$461,085$356,372
Hourly Rate$221.68$171.33
Entry Level (P10)$181,684$206,696
25th Percentile$427,008$256,588
75th Percentile$553,505$429,687
Top Earner (P90)$642,926$506,071
Total EmployedN/A9
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($461,085) and Fairfield ($356,372) anesthesiologist salaries.ColumbusFairfieldMedian Salary$461,085$356,372Entry Level (P10)$181,684$206,696Top Earner (P90)$642,926$506,071US Median $409,107

Verdict

Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairfield.

The salary gap between Columbus and Fairfield is $104,713 (29.38%). Columbus's median is +12.71% compared to the US national median of $409,107.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $461,242,Fairfield spans $299,375. Columbus has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Columbus
P10 (Entry)$181,684
P25$427,008
Median$461,085
P75$553,505
P90 (Top)$642,926
Fairfield
P10 (Entry)$206,696
P25$256,588
Median$356,372
P75$429,687
P90 (Top)$506,071

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($482,968 effective) pays 22.92% more than Fairfield ($392,913 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $461,085
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $482,968
Fairfield
Nominal: $356,372
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $392,913

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 ($461,085/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($642,926)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $482,968)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Fairfield if…

  • Larger job market (9 employed)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Columbus grew 22.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.4% growth in Fairfield over the same period.

Columbus, OH

+22.5%

$360,267 (2024) → $441,230 (2025)

Fairfield, OH

+4.4%

$326,662 (2024) → $341,026 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Columbus or Fairfield?

Columbus has a higher median anesthesiologist salary at $461,085/year, compared to Fairfield at $356,372/year — a difference of $104,713 (29.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Fairfield?

Columbus anesthesiologists earn $221.68/hr while Fairfield hygienists earn $171.33/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Columbus to Fairfield as a anesthesiologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Fairfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $482,968, Fairfield = $392,913), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Columbus vs Fairfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) anesthesiologists earn $181,684 in Columbus and $206,696 in Fairfield. The Fairfield area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Raj Patel, MDData verified by Dr. Amina Khan, MD

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