Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Springfield, IL: $228,135 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Springfield, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $228,135 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Springfield's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $234,949 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($393,336) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Springfield, Illinois, new graduates entering the anesthesiology field can expect their starting salaries to fall around $228,135, laying a solid foundation for their early careers. This entry-level compensation is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $393,336, reflecting the common salary progression newly minted anesthesiologists can anticipate throughout their initial years. Over the course of three to five years, entry-level anesthesiologists can expect their earnings to increase significantly, with realistic salary expectations rising through the first quartile at $283,202 and ultimately approaching the median figure. For new graduates in 2026, Springfield is shaping up to be a competitive market, particularly for those willing to adapt and grow within various local healthcare settings.
About the Springfield Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Springfield
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 Springfield
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Springfield, IL typically start between $228,135 and $283,202 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $352,414 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $393,336 — 3.85% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Illinois of $340,000 represents just 149.03% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($228,135/year) in Springfield. 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 Springfield
- 1Research the Springfield market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $228,135 to $283,202, 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Springfield'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 Springfield is $352,414 ( 154.48%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $228,135, experienced hygienists can earn up to $580,549.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$266,982
2025 BLS Actual
$218,311
2026 Current Est.
$228,135
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $266,982 | Actual |
| 2020 | $293,018 | Actual |
| 2021 | $253,018 | Actual |
| 2022 | $161,076 | Actual |
| 2023 | $182,765 | Actual |
| 2024 | $217,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $218,311 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $228,135 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $238,401 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Springfield, IL grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $266,982 in 2019 to $218,311 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $238,401. New graduates entering the Springfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield 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 Springfield
In Springfield, prominent employers, such as academic medical centers, large group practices, and outpatient surgery centers, are actively recruiting new graduates, each presenting unique opportunities for career advancement. Academic institutions offer a rich case mix that includes cardiac, transplant, and pediatric anesthesiology, which can enhance the breadth of experience for new grad anesthesiologists. Many large group practices provide a clearer pathway to partnership within a few years, while those prioritizing work-life balance often find desirable roles in outpatient settings with minimal on-call responsibilities. To boost earning potential in Illinois, aspiring anesthesiologists should pursue board certification from the ABA, maintain DEA and state-controlled substance registrations, and consider fellowship opportunities. Realistically, those starting their careers in this evolving landscape can expect gradual salary growth in the first few years, particularly as they navigate the diverging compensation structures between hospital employment and private group partnerships heightened by industry consolidation trends in recent years.
More salary data for Springfield, 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 Springfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Springfield 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