Lancaster vs Philadelphia: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Lancaster, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lancaster, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $460,901 | $513,413▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $221.59 | $246.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $267,322 | $297,779▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $331,849 | $369,657▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $578,983 | $657,168▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $654,987 | $788,518▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 379▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lancaster.
The salary gap between Lancaster and Philadelphia is $52,512 (11.39%). Philadelphia's median is +25.50% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lancaster spans $387,665,Philadelphia spans $490,739. Philadelphia 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, Philadelphia ($527,118 effective) pays 11.39% more than Lancaster ($473,204 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($513,413/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($788,518)
- ✓Larger job market (379 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $527,118)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Lancaster grew 20.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.5% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Lancaster, PA
$365,909 (2024) → $441,054 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$407,597 (2024) → $491,304 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lancaster, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Lancaster or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lancaster and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Lancaster to Philadelphia as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Lancaster vs Philadelphia?
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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