Healthcare San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Anesthesiologist Salary in San Diego, California

The median anesthesiologist salary in San Diego, CA is $454,455 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median and 2.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$454,455
vs State Avg
+$12,119
vs National
+$151,485
Cost of Living
142%

Anesthesiologist Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median anesthesiologist salary of $454,455, which is $12,119 above the California state average of $442,336. Compared to the national median of $302,970, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $454,455 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $320,039. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for anesthesiologists in San Diego spans from $217,500 at the 10th percentile to $675,000 at the 90th percentile — a $457,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $225,000, while senior anesthesiologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $645,000. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Anesthesiologist Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level anesthesiologist earns around $225,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $645,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$225,000
+$75,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$457,500
+$152,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$645,000
+$215,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $217,500
25th Percentile $330,000
Median (50th) $454,455
75th Percentile $585,000
90th Percentile $675,000

Anesthesiologist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$575,643
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$533,227
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$466,574
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$381,742
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Anesthesiologist in San Diego

Education

Most anesthesiologist positions require a doctoral degree. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AnesthesiaPharmacologyPatient MonitoringCritical CarePain ManagementAirway Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, anesthesiologist employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Anesthesiologist Jobs in San Diego

Browse open anesthesiologist positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Anesthesiologist Salary in San Diego

How much does a Anesthesiologist make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median anesthesiologist salary in San Diego, California is $454,455 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median of $302,970. Salaries range from $217,500 (10th percentile) to $675,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Anesthesiologist make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $454,455, a anesthesiologist in San Diego earns approximately $218 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for anesthesiologist pay? ▼
San Diego's median anesthesiologist salary of $454,455 is 2.7% above the California state average of $442,336. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a anesthesiologist salary of $454,455 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a anesthesiologist in San Diego? ▼
Most anesthesiologist positions in San Diego require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Anesthesia, Pharmacology, Patient Monitoring, Critical Care. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.