Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Champaign, IL: $232,066 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Champaign, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $232,066 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Champaign's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $238,997 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($400,114) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new physicians entering the field of anesthesiology in Champaign, Illinois, can realistically expect a starting anesthesiologist salary of approximately $232,066. This figure is below the city’s median annual salary of $400,114, highlighting a significant gap that new grads will need to navigate as they begin their careers. Early-career salaries can progress rapidly, with those in their first few years of practice potentially earning up to $288,081 as they hit the 25th percentile. This growth trajectory is promising, suggesting a strong upward movement into the higher salary ranges over the first three to five years, making Champaign a moderately appealing market for recent graduates considering their options.
About the Champaign Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Champaign
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 Champaign
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Champaign, IL typically start between $232,066 and $288,081 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $335,512 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $400,114 — 2.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Illinois of $340,000 represents just 146.51% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($232,066/year) in Champaign. 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 Champaign
- 1Research the Champaign market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $232,066 to $288,081, 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 IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Champaign, 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 Champaign for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Champaign'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 Champaign is $335,512 ( 144.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $232,066, experienced hygienists can earn up to $567,578.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$271,583
2025 BLS Actual
$222,073
2026 Current Est.
$232,066
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Champaign (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $271,583 | Actual |
| 2020 | $298,067 | Actual |
| 2021 | $257,378 | Actual |
| 2022 | $163,852 | Actual |
| 2023 | $185,914 | Actual |
| 2024 | $221,227 | Actual |
| 2025 | $222,073 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $232,066 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $242,509 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Champaign, IL grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $271,583 in 2019 to $222,073 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $242,509. New graduates entering the Champaign job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Champaign 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 Champaign
Several institutions in Champaign are known for hiring new graduate anesthesiologists, with academic medical centers providing a diverse case mix that is ideal for developing skills in various areas, including cardiac and pediatric anesthesia. Large group practices often recruit directly from residency programs and may offer structured paths toward partnership within two to three years. For those interested in a balanced lifestyle, outpatient surgery centers may present opportunities with less demanding schedules and fewer on-call requirements. To enhance their earning potential, new grads should focus on obtaining ABA board certification and consider pursuing fellowships in specialized areas. Realistic salary growth projections for the first three years in this market indicate that newly employed anesthesiologists can anticipate gradual increases as they navigate different practice models, from W-2 hospital employment to independent, private group settings. Adapting quickly to these environments and establishing strong credentials will be key to maximizing compensation in the evolving landscape of anesthesiology.
More salary data for Champaign, IL:
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
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 Champaign. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Champaign 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