Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Worcester, MA: $307,923 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Worcester, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $307,923 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Worcester's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $283,800 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($530,902) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the anesthesiology field in Worcester, Massachusetts, can anticipate a starting anesthesiologist salary of around $307,923 in 2026. This figure reflects the lower end of the salary spectrum and represents a significant gap from the city’s median annual salary of $530,902. For those beginning their careers, the trajectory can improve as they gain experience, with the potential to reach approximately $382,250 within a few years. Worcester’s healthcare market shows promise for new graduates, not only due to hospitals’ ongoing demand for anesthesiology services but also because of the city's favorable cost of living index, which is slightly above the national average, making it a viable location for new practitioners seeking to establish themselves in the field.
About the Worcester Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Worcester
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 Worcester
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Worcester, MA typically start between $307,923 and $382,250 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $512,183 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $530,902 — 29.77% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Massachusetts of $400,000 represents just 129.90% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($307,923/year) in Worcester. 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 Worcester
- 1Research the Worcester market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $307,923 to $382,250, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Worcester, 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 Worcester for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Worcester'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 Worcester is $512,183 ( 166.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $307,923, experienced hygienists can earn up to $820,106.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$360,357
2025 BLS Actual
$294,663
2026 Current Est.
$307,923
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Worcester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $360,357 | Actual |
| 2020 | $395,498 | Actual |
| 2021 | $341,508 | Actual |
| 2022 | $217,411 | Actual |
| 2023 | $246,685 | Actual |
| 2024 | $263,745 | Actual |
| 2025 | $294,663 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $307,923 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $321,779 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Worcester, MA grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $360,357 in 2019 to $294,663 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $321,779. New graduates entering the Worcester job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Worcester 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 Worcester
Employers in Worcester that are likely to hire new anesthesiologists include academic medical centers and large group practices, which often provide a well-rounded exposure to various cases, such as cardiac and pediatric anesthesiology. These settings recruit straight out of residency and may offer partnership tracks in just two to three years, appealing to many recent graduates. Credentials play an essential role in boosting starting pay; holding an MD or DO degree, completing a four-year anesthesiology residency, obtaining ABA board certification, and maintaining DEA/state registrations are typically required. In the first few years, new anesthesiologists should focus on maximizing their experience in diverse practice settings while preparing for the evolving landscape of compensation. Those navigating W-2 employment positions within hospital systems often find differing pay scales compared to private equity or physician-owned group models. By understanding these dynamics, early-career anesthesiologists can effectively position themselves for salary growth throughout their initial years in Worcester.
More salary data for Worcester, MA:
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 Worcester. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Worcester 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