Anesthesiologist Pay

Detroit vs Waterford: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)

Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Detroit, MI and Waterford, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Detroit, MI
$408,283
$196.29/hr
Waterford, MI
$372,085
$178.88/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDetroit, MIWaterford, MI
Median Salary$408,283$372,085
Hourly Rate$196.29$178.88
Entry Level (P10)$236,804$215,809
25th Percentile$293,964$267,901
75th Percentile$522,601$467,448
Top Earner (P90)$614,229$528,830
Total Employed12616
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Detroit ($408,283) and Waterford ($372,085) anesthesiologist salaries.DetroitWaterfordMedian Salary$408,283$372,085Entry Level (P10)$236,804$215,809Top Earner (P90)$614,229$528,830US Median $409,107

Verdict

Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterford.

The salary gap between Detroit and Waterford is $36,198 (9.73%). Detroit's median is -0.20% compared to the US national median of $409,107.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $377,425,Waterford spans $313,021. Detroit has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Detroit
P10 (Entry)$236,804
P25$293,964
Median$408,283
P75$522,601
P90 (Top)$614,229
Waterford
P10 (Entry)$215,809
P25$267,901
Median$372,085
P75$467,448
P90 (Top)$528,830

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Detroit ($438,072 effective) pays 9.73% more than Waterford ($399,233 effective).

Detroit
Nominal: $408,283
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $438,072
Waterford
Nominal: $372,085
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $399,233

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Detroit if…

  • Higher median salary ($408,283/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($614,229)
  • Larger job market (126 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $438,072)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Waterford if…

  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Detroit grew 3.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.0% growth in Waterford over the same period.

Detroit, MI

+3.0%

$379,234 (2024) → $390,701 (2025)

Waterford, MI

+3.0%

$345,612 (2024) → $356,062 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Detroit or Waterford?

Detroit has a higher median anesthesiologist salary at $408,283/year, compared to Waterford at $372,085/year — a difference of $36,198 (9.73%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Waterford?

Detroit anesthesiologists earn $196.29/hr while Waterford hygienists earn $178.88/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Detroit to Waterford as a anesthesiologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Detroit and Waterford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Detroit = $438,072, Waterford = $399,233), job availability (126 vs 16 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Detroit vs Waterford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) anesthesiologists earn $236,804 in Detroit and $215,809 in Waterford. The Detroit 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