Roanoke vs Virginia Beach: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Roanoke, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $510,284 | $523,535▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $245.33 | $251.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,389 | $41,967▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $502,990▲ | $215,970 |
| 75th Percentile | $510,294 | $530,338▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $510,294 | $530,338▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | N/A |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Virginia Beach is $13,251 (2.60%). Virginia Beach's median is +27.97% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $469,905,Virginia Beach spans $488,371. Virginia Beach 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, Roanoke ($545,070 effective) pays 1.97% more than Virginia Beach ($534,541 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $545,070)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($523,535/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($530,338)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Roanoke grew 25.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 159.4% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$388,810 (2024) → $488,310 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$193,160 (2019) → $500,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Roanoke or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Roanoke to Virginia Beach as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Roanoke vs Virginia Beach?
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