Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Salina, KS: $231,074 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Salina, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $231,074 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Salina's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $254,207 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($398,403) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the anesthesiology field in Salina, Kansas can expect an entry-level anesthesiologist salary of approximately $231,074 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the city's median salary of $398,403, representing a significant gap that early-career professionals should prepare for. While the starting pay may feel discouraging, there is a clear growth trajectory, moving from entry-level to $286,850 within the first few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.50%, individuals who commit to their career can anticipate their salaries to increase significantly over a 3-5 year period. Thus, Salina presents a reasonable market for new grads looking to establish their careers, although it is essential to manage salary expectations based on the initial pay scale.
About the Salina Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Salina
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 Salina
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Salina, KS typically start between $231,074 and $286,850 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $302,778 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $398,403 — 2.62% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Kansas of $230,000 represents just 99.54% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($231,074/year) in Salina. 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 Salina
- 1Research the Salina market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $231,074 to $286,850, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Salina, 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 Salina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Salina's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Anesthesiologist Compensation Range
The anesthesiologist wage spread in Salina is $302,778 ( 131.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $231,074, experienced hygienists can earn up to $533,852.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$270,421
2025 BLS Actual
$221,123
2026 Current Est.
$231,074
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Salina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $270,421 | Actual |
| 2020 | $296,792 | Actual |
| 2021 | $256,277 | Actual |
| 2022 | $163,151 | Actual |
| 2023 | $185,119 | Actual |
| 2024 | $181,105 | Actual |
| 2025 | $221,123 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $231,074 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $241,472 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Salina, KS grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $270,421 in 2019 to $221,123 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $241,472. New graduates entering the Salina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salina 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 Salina
In terms of employment opportunities for new anesthesiologists in Salina, various institutions actively hire early-career professionals. Academic medical centers are particularly beneficial for new graduates, as they typically offer a diverse case mix, including cardiac, transplant, and pediatric cases, which can be invaluable for skill development. Alternatively, large group practices often recruit directly from residency and may present opportunities for partnership within a few years, while outpatient surgery centers attract lifestyle-focused new grads due to their favorable hours and lack of call responsibilities. With respect to credentials, holding an MD or DO degree, completing a four-year anesthesiology residency, obtaining ABA board certification with MOCA, and having the necessary DEA and state registrations can enhance starting positions. Considering the evolving compensation dynamics between hospital employment and private group partnerships post-2010s, those entering the field should be strategic about their career path in their first few years, understanding the implications of different practice models on their pay. While salaries can vary widely, thoughtful navigation of these factors can lead to realistic expectations for growth in the initial years.
More salary data for Salina, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Salina in 2026?
How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Salina?
Is anesthesiology school worth it in Salina?
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How do I become a anesthesiologist in Kansas?
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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 Salina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salina 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