Healthcare · State Rankings

Best US States for Anesthesiologists

All 50 states + DC ranked by Anesthesiologist salary. State tax structure noted for take-home math.

Top 10 states by salary
#StateEstimated salaryCost mult.State tax
1District of Columbia$420,0001.20×~5% effective
2California$413,0001.18×~5% effective
3Hawaii$402,5001.15×~5% effective
4New York$402,5001.15×~5% effective
5Alaska$395,5001.13×No state tax
6New Jersey$395,5001.13×~5% effective
7Massachusetts$392,0001.12×~5% effective
8Connecticut$385,0001.10×~5% effective
9Washington$385,0001.10×No state tax
10Maryland$378,0001.08×~5% effective
All 51 states + DC, ranked
#StateSalaryAfter state tax (rough)
1District of Columbia$420,000$308,070
2California$413,000$302,936
3Hawaii$402,500$295,234
4New York$402,500$295,234
5Alaska$395,500$309,874
6New Jersey$395,500$290,099
7Massachusetts$392,000$287,532
8Connecticut$385,000$282,398
9Washington$385,000$301,648
10Maryland$378,000$277,263
11Colorado$367,500$269,561
12New Hampshire$367,500$287,936
13Oregon$367,500$269,561
14Rhode Island$360,500$264,427
15Virginia$360,500$264,427
16Nevada$357,000$279,710
17Arizona$350,000$256,725
18Delaware$350,000$256,725
19Florida$350,000$274,225
20Illinois$350,000$256,725
21Minnesota$350,000$256,725
22Vermont$346,500$254,158
23Maine$339,500$249,023
24Pennsylvania$339,500$249,023
25Texas$339,500$265,998
26Utah$339,500$249,023
27Georgia$329,000$241,322
28North Carolina$329,000$241,322
29Idaho$325,500$238,754
30Michigan$325,500$238,754
31Montana$325,500$238,754
32Wisconsin$325,500$238,754
33Wyoming$325,500$255,029
34New Mexico$322,000$236,187
35North Dakota$322,000$236,187
36South Carolina$322,000$236,187
37Tennessee$322,000$252,287
38Indiana$318,500$233,620
39Kansas$318,500$233,620
40Nebraska$318,500$233,620
41Ohio$318,500$233,620
42South Dakota$318,500$249,545
43Iowa$315,000$231,053
44Louisiana$315,000$231,053
45Missouri$315,000$231,053
46Alabama$308,000$225,918
47Kentucky$308,000$225,918
48Oklahoma$308,000$225,918
49Arkansas$301,000$220,784
50West Virginia$301,000$220,784
51Mississippi$294,000$215,649
After-state-tax estimate uses federal ~14% + FICA 7.65% + state ~5% (or 0% in no-tax states).

Salary range across states

For Anesthesiologists, the estimated median salary ranges from $294,000 in Mississippi to $420,000 in District of Columbia — a 43% range. State-by-state variation reflects local cost of living, employer density, and labor market dynamics.

No-state-tax states

Nine US states have no state income tax: Alaska, Washington, New Hampshire, Nevada, Florida, Texas, Wyoming, Tennessee, South Dakota. For high earners, this can mean $5,000-15,000+ extra per year in take-home pay vs neighboring states with similar gross salaries. New Hampshire taxes interest/dividends only (phasing out).

But: many no-state-tax states make up revenue with higher property tax (Texas) or sales tax (Tennessee). And cost of living varies — Texas urban metros (Austin, Houston) have grown expensive while Florida coastal areas command premium real estate prices.

Cost of living matters more than nominal salary

California pays the most for Anesthesiologists on a nominal basis — but housing in coastal California (SF, LA, San Diego) eats 35-50% of net income for median earners. A Anesthesiologist earning $413,000 in California often has less spendable income than one earning $339,500 in Texas.

Use our cost-of-living comparison tool to see specific city pairs. For state-level take-home, use our state-specific Paycheck Calculator.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which state pays the most for Anesthesiologists?
Based on cost-of-living-adjusted estimates, District of Columbia pays the most with an estimated median of $420,000/year for Anesthesiologists. High-cost states (CA, NY, MA, HI) tend to top the list because employers compensate for local cost of living.
Do no-state-tax states pay better effective?
Often yes after taxes. Alaska, Washington, New Hampshire, Nevada, Florida have no state income tax. A 5% state tax savings on $100K = $5,000 more take-home. But verify cost of living too — Texas pays well and has no tax, but Houston/Austin housing has risen dramatically.
Why do some states pay so much more?
Three factors: (1) cost of living — coastal states cost 15-25% more, employers adjust pay; (2) employer concentration — CA dominates tech, NY finance, MA biotech; (3) regulatory environment — some states have higher unionization or licensing requirements that increase wages.
Are these salaries net or gross?
Gross — before federal income tax (~14% effective at this income), FICA (7.65%), state income tax (varies), and local taxes if applicable. Use our state-specific Paycheck Calculator for exact take-home in any state.
How does experience affect these numbers?
These are medians — entry-level often runs 25-35% below median, senior roles 40-60%+ above. A senior Anesthesiologist in District of Columbia can easily exceed $630,000, while an entry-level role in a low-cost state might be $205,800.