Houston vs McAllen: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Houston, TX and McAllen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $219,690 | $400,240▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $105.62 | $192.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,696 | $232,139▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $219,690 | $288,173▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $221,070 | $495,172▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $510,660 | $598,186▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,160▲ | 25 |
Verdict
McAllen, TX offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Houston and McAllen is $180,550 (82.18%). McAllen's median is -2.17% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $422,964,McAllen spans $366,047. Houston 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, McAllen ($416,917 effective) pays 87.17% 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 Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose McAllen if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($400,240/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($598,186)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $416,917)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Houston grew 10.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -6.8% growth in McAllen over the same period.
Houston, TX
$190,180 (2021) → $210,230 (2025)
McAllen, TX
$410,897 (2024) → $383,005 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
McAllen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Houston or McAllen?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and McAllen?
Should I relocate from Houston to McAllen as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Houston vs McAllen?
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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