Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Durango, CO: $233,457 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Durango, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $233,457 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Durango's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $222,340 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($402,513) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new anesthesiologists entering the workforce in Durango, Colorado, the entry level anesthesiologist salary is projected to start at approximately $233,457 in 2026. This figure reflects a significant gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $402,513, indicating that early-career professionals can expect to earn less than the overall average for anesthesiologists in the area. However, over the first few years, new graduates may see a growth trajectory as they gain experience, with salaries moving from the 10th percentile to around $289,810 at the 25th percentile. Given the stable growth rate of 4.50% annually in this market, Durango presents reasonable opportunities for fresh graduates seeking to establish their careers in anesthesiology.
About the Durango Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Durango
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Durango
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Durango, CO typically start between $233,457 and $289,810 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $312,709 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $402,513 — 1.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Colorado of $280,000 represents just 119.94% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($233,457/year) in Durango. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AAMC tuition reports for LCME-accredited MD programs and COCA-accredited DO programs, plus ACGME-accredited anesthesiology residency data. Totals include 4 years of medical school tuition, fees, and living expenses; residency is salaried but adds opportunity cost. Actual debt varies widely by public vs. private institution and state residency status.
ANES Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Durango
- 1Research the Durango market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $233,457 to $289,810, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the anesthesiology field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Durango, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Durango for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Durango's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Anesthesiologist Compensation Range
The anesthesiologist wage spread in Durango is $312,709 ( 133.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $233,457, experienced hygienists can earn up to $546,166.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$273,211
2025 BLS Actual
$223,404
2026 Current Est.
$233,457
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $273,211 | Actual |
| 2020 | $299,854 | Actual |
| 2021 | $258,921 | Actual |
| 2022 | $164,834 | Actual |
| 2023 | $187,029 | Actual |
| 2024 | $222,554 | Actual |
| 2025 | $223,404 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $233,457 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $243,963 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Durango, CO grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $273,211 in 2019 to $223,404 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $243,963. New graduates entering the Durango job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Durango metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your anesthesiology Career in Durango
Employers in Durango that are particularly attractive for new graduates include academic medical centers, which typically provide a diverse range of cases that can enrich early experience in the field, including specialties like cardiac and pediatric anesthesiology. Large group practices often recruit directly from residency programs, offering partnership opportunities within 2-3 years, whereas outpatient surgery centers may appeal to those prioritizing work-life balance with reduced on-call requirements. Aspiring anesthesiologists should note that obtaining an MD or DO degree, completing a four-year anesthesiology residency, and acquiring ABA board certification collectively enhance earning potential. Enrollment in optional fellowships and maintaining DEA/state controlled-substance registrations can further bolster credentials. Given the shifting dynamics of anesthesiology compensation, which diverged significantly post-2010s due to hospital consolidation trends, early-career professionals should strategize their job search to find the right employment model that aligns with their financial expectations and lifestyle goals in the first few years post-residency.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Durango in 2026?
How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Durango?
Is anesthesiology school worth it in Durango?
What do new anesthesiologists make right out of school in Durango?
How do I become a anesthesiologist in Colorado?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new anesthesiology graduates. A 4.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Durango. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Durango is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for anesthesiologists (SOC 29-1211).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov