Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Washington, UT: $267,898 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Washington, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $267,898 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Washington's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $273,087 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($461,893) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for new anesthesiologists in Washington, Utah, in 2026 are projected to be around $267,898, reflecting a considerable gap from the median annual salary of $461,893 in the area. For recent graduates just entering the field, this initial pay can feel discouraging, but it’s essential to consider typical salary growth over the first few years. Entry-level professionals can expect a gradual increase, potentially moving from $267,898 to about $332,563 as they gain experience and skills, eventually approaching the median as they establish their practice. With dynamic compensation trends in the region, Washington could be a promising market for new anesthesiologists, especially as the demand for quality anesthetic care remains robust.
About the Washington Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($365,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Washington
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 Washington
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Washington, UT typically start between $267,898 and $332,563 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $383,001 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $461,893 — 12.9% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Utah of $260,000 represents just 97.05% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($267,898/year) in Washington. 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 Washington
- 1Research the Washington market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $267,898 to $332,563, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Washington, 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 Washington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Washington'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 Washington is $383,001 ( 142.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $267,898, experienced hygienists can earn up to $650,899.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$313,517
2025 BLS Actual
$256,362
2026 Current Est.
$267,898
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $313,517 | Actual |
| 2020 | $344,090 | Actual |
| 2021 | $297,118 | Actual |
| 2022 | $189,151 | Actual |
| 2023 | $214,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $201,745 | Actual |
| 2025 | $256,362 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $267,898 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $279,954 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Washington, UT grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $313,517 in 2019 to $256,362 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $279,954. New graduates entering the Washington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Washington 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 Washington
In Washington, hiring opportunities for new grad anesthesiologists often originate from academic medical centers, which provide a varied case mix that can significantly enhance a newcomer’s training. Large group practices are also appealing, frequently recruiting straight from residency with paths toward partnership available in a few years. To boost their entry-level salaries, new anesthesiologists should focus on obtaining critical credentials like the MD or DO degree, completing a 4-year anesthesiology residency, and attaining ABA board certification. Engaging in optional fellowship training can further elevate their standing. As they build their careers, coordinating their strategies according to the emerging trends in compensation derived from various practice models will be crucial. Effective salary growth within the first few years often stems from understanding the nuances between W-2 hospital employment and independent practice structures, allowing for informed career progression in a competitive field like anesthesiology.
More salary data for Washington, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Washington in 2026?
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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 Washington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Washington 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