Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Portland, ME: $229,618 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Portland, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $229,618 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Portland's local price level (BEA RPP 101.9 — 2% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $225,430 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($458,285) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting salaries for entry-level anesthesiologists in Portland, Maine, are projected to be around $229,618 in 2026. This amount marks a significant gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $458,285, highlighting the pay progression new graduates can expect as they move through their early years of practice. Over the first three to five years, many anesthesiologists will experience notable salary growth as they gain experience and expertise, potentially reaching the median salary by their mid-career stage. Given the strong healthcare market in Portland, new graduates entering this field can find promising opportunities, making it a favorable locale for starting a career in anesthesiology.
Career Earnings Timeline in Portland
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 Portland
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Portland, ME typically start between $229,618 and $458,285 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $302,726 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $458,285 — 12.02% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Maine of $340,000 represents just 148.07% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($229,618/year) in Portland. 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 Portland
- 1Research the Portland market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $229,618 to $458,285, 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 ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Portland, 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 Portland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Portland'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 Portland is $302,726 ( 131.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $229,618, experienced hygienists can earn up to $532,344.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$268,718
2025 BLS Actual
$219,730
2026 Current Est.
$229,618
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $268,718 | Actual |
| 2020 | $294,922 | Actual |
| 2021 | $254,662 | Actual |
| 2022 | $162,123 | Actual |
| 2023 | $183,953 | Actual |
| 2024 | $206,104 | Actual |
| 2025 | $219,730 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $229,618 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $239,951 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Portland, ME grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $268,718 in 2019 to $219,730 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $239,951. New graduates entering the Portland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portland 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 Portland
Employers in Portland that typically recruit newly graduated anesthesiologists include academic medical centers and large group practices, which offer diverse case experiences that are essential for early-career development. Internships or residency placements may pave the way for positions that provide not just immediate employment but also pathways to partnership opportunities within two to three years. To enhance starting pay in Maine, obtaining credentials like an MD or DO degree, passing the ABA board certification, and completing a residency are crucial steps. Continuing education in the form of fellowships, though optional, can further increase a new grad anesthesiologist's earning power. Given the distinct compensation models currently shaping the field, new anesthesiologists should keep in mind that the divergence between W-2 hospital employment and private group arrangements can greatly influence their starting salaries and growth expectations in the first few years. In this market, a realistic outlook for salary progression can include moderate increases as experience and responsibilities grow, especially for those entering positions at established medical facilities.
More salary data for Portland, ME:
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 Portland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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