Sacramento vs Santa Clara: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Sacramento, CA and Santa Clara, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Santa Clara, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $493,219▲ | $475,159 |
| Hourly Rate | $237.12▲ | $228.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $286,067▲ | $275,593 |
| 25th Percentile | $355,118▲ | $342,115 |
| 75th Percentile | $631,320▲ | $591,961 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $737,369▲ | $670,454 |
| Total Employed | 94▲ | 32 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Clara.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Santa Clara is $18,060 (3.80%). Sacramento's median is +20.56% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $451,302,Santa Clara spans $394,861. Sacramento 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, Sacramento ($436,091 effective) pays 3.80% more than Santa Clara ($420,123 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($493,219/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($737,369)
- ✓Larger job market (94 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $436,091)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Clara if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Sacramento grew -13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -13.0% growth in Santa Clara over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$542,520 (2024) → $471,980 (2025)
Santa Clara, CA
$522,655 (2024) → $454,698 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Santa Clara, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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