San Francisco vs Riverside: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between San Francisco, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,308 | $155,747▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.11 | $74.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,308▲ | $83,516 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,308 | $155,747▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $397,528▲ | $155,747 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $574,248▲ | $155,747 |
| Total Employed | N/A | N/A |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 2 out of 4 metrics compared to San Francisco.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Riverside is $49,439 (46.51%). Riverside's median is -61.93% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $467,940,Riverside spans $72,231. San Francisco 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, Riverside ($146,321 effective) pays 59.13% more than San Francisco ($91,952 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($574,248)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($155,747/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,321)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in San Francisco grew -81.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -72.0% growth in Riverside over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$553,294 (2024) → $101,730 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$532,623 (2024) → $149,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: San Francisco or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Riverside?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Riverside as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in San Francisco vs Riverside?
Related Comparisons
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