Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Brookings, SD: $217,823 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Brookings, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $217,823 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brookings's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $234,723 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($375,557) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective anesthesiologists entering the workforce in Brookings, South Dakota, can expect a starting salary of around $217,823 in 2026. While this figure represents the lower end of the pay scale for newly minted anesthesiologists, it highlights the realities of beginning a career in this highly competitive field. Compared to the city's median annual salary of $375,557 for anesthesiologists, this initial compensation may seem modest. However, new graduates can anticipate a trajectory of growth as they gain experience—moving from the entry-level range through the P25 at $270,401, eventually aiming toward the median as they progress in their careers. Given Brookings' relatively low cost of living index of 92.8 (with 100 being the national average), the market remains somewhat favorable for new grads as they step into the job market, despite the overall earnings being slightly below the national average for this specialty.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brookings
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 Brookings
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Brookings, SD typically start between $217,823 and $270,401 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $281,882 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $375,557 — 8.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in South Dakota of $245,000 represents just 112.48% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($217,823/year) in Brookings. 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 Brookings
- 1Research the Brookings market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $217,823 to $270,401, 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 SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brookings, 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 Brookings for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brookings'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 Brookings is $281,882 ( 129.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $217,823, experienced hygienists can earn up to $499,705.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$254,914
2025 BLS Actual
$208,443
2026 Current Est.
$217,823
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Brookings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $254,914 | Actual |
| 2020 | $279,773 | Actual |
| 2021 | $241,581 | Actual |
| 2022 | $153,795 | Actual |
| 2023 | $174,504 | Actual |
| 2024 | $176,529 | Actual |
| 2025 | $208,443 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $217,823 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $227,625 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Brookings, SD grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $254,914 in 2019 to $208,443 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $227,625. New graduates entering the Brookings job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookings 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 Brookings
In Brookings, various employment avenues exist for new grad anesthesiologists, notably within academic medical centers and large group practices. These institutions often offer a diverse range of experiences, such as cardiac, transplant, and pediatric cases that are essential for early-career development. Newly graduated physicians can also target outpatient surgery centers, which provide a more predictable lifestyle and less demanding on-call commitments. Achieving board certification through the ABA with MOCA will enhance starting salaries and opportunities in South Dakota's evolving job market. Additionally, including fellowships can further elevate earning potential. Within the first few years of practice, salary growth is expected to steadily increase, reflecting both experience and the significant shifts in compensation structures within anesthesiology. This is particularly true as the divide between hospital-owned and privately owned physician practices becomes more pronounced, impacting new grad anesthesiologist pay in SD and influencing long-term career trajectories.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
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 Brookings. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookings 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