Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Meridian, MS: $210,297 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Meridian, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $210,297 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Meridian's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $245,387 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($362,582) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of anesthesiology in Meridian, MS, can expect a starting salary around $210,297 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $362,582. This entry-level pay offers a realistic baseline for new grad anesthesiologists as they begin their careers, but it illustrates a considerable gap that may take time to close. Over the first few years, earnings can potentially increase to approximately $261,059, reflecting a growth trajectory that builds on experience and skill development. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.50%, the increasing demand for anesthesiology services could make Meridian a favorable market for newcomers, allowing them to advance both in responsibilities and earnings as they establish their practice.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($320,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Meridian
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 Meridian
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Meridian, MS typically start between $210,297 and $261,059 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $282,758 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $362,582 — 11.37% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Mississippi of $215,000 represents just 102.24% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($210,297/year) in Meridian. 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 Meridian
- 1Research the Meridian market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $210,297 to $261,059, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Meridian, 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 Meridian for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Meridian'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 Meridian is $282,758 ( 134.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $210,297, experienced hygienists can earn up to $493,055.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$246,107
2025 BLS Actual
$201,241
2026 Current Est.
$210,297
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $246,107 | Actual |
| 2020 | $270,106 | Actual |
| 2021 | $233,234 | Actual |
| 2022 | $148,481 | Actual |
| 2023 | $168,474 | Actual |
| 2024 | $150,788 | Actual |
| 2025 | $201,241 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $210,297 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $219,760 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Meridian, MS grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $246,107 in 2019 to $201,241 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $219,760. New graduates entering the Meridian job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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 Meridian
In Meridian, new grad anesthesiologists will find opportunities primarily in academic medical centers and large group practices. Academic settings often provide a comprehensive case mix, allowing early-career physicians to gain experience with a variety of procedures, including cardiac and pediatric cases. Large group practices frequently recruit from residency programs and may present pathways to partnership within 2-3 years, providing significant career growth. Credentials play a vital role in advancing new grad anesthesiologist pay in Mississippi; possessing an MD or DO alongside ABA board certification is essential. Participation in optional fellowships and maintaining DEA and state controlled substance registrations can further enhance competitiveness. Over the first 1-3 years, starting anesthesiologists should aim for gradual salary increases in line with their experience, transitioning from initial employment models that may vary due to ongoing changes in the anesthesiology compensation landscape. The contrast between W-2 hospital jobs and private practice or partnerships continues to shape earning potential and opportunities for growth.
More salary data for Meridian, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Meridian?
Is anesthesiology school worth it in Meridian?
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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 Meridian. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Meridian 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