Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Pullman, WA: $244,575 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Pullman, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $244,575 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pullman's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $227,723 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($421,682) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pullman, Washington, the starting anesthesiologist salary is projected at $244,575 for 2026. This initial compensation presents a noticeable gap from the median annual salary of $421,682 in the city, suggesting that new graduates can anticipate their earnings to increase significantly as they gain experience. The pathway from entry-level compensation to more seasoned pay is promising, with realistic growth trajectories observed, especially as new graduates move into higher percentiles like the P25, which stands at $303,611. Pullman currently demonstrates a stable market for entry-level anesthesiologists, providing an encouraging environment for those completing their training.
About the Pullman Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pullman
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 Pullman
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Pullman, WA typically start between $244,575 and $303,611 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $354,697 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $421,682 — 3.07% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Washington of $320,000 represents just 130.84% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($244,575/year) in Pullman. 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 Pullman
- 1Research the Pullman market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $244,575 to $303,611, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Pullman, 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 Pullman for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pullman'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 Pullman is $354,697 ( 145.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $244,575, experienced hygienists can earn up to $599,272.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$286,222
2025 BLS Actual
$234,043
2026 Current Est.
$244,575
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Pullman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $286,222 | Actual |
| 2020 | $314,133 | Actual |
| 2021 | $271,251 | Actual |
| 2022 | $172,683 | Actual |
| 2023 | $195,935 | Actual |
| 2024 | $245,109 | Actual |
| 2025 | $234,043 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $244,575 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $255,581 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Pullman, WA grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $286,222 in 2019 to $234,043 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $255,581. New graduates entering the Pullman job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pullman 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 Pullman
For aspiring anesthesiologists looking to start their careers in Pullman, academic medical centers represent a key employment avenue, as they typically offer a broad spectrum of practice opportunities that can include everything from cardiac procedures to pediatric cases. Large group practices also frequently recruit fresh graduates directly from residency, often featuring partnership tracks that can accelerate career advancement within 2-3 years. Gaining board certification from the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) further enhances starting pay, while credentials such as a MD or DO degree and successful completion of a four-year anesthesiology residency are foundational requirements. Those intending to thrive in the early years of their careers should focus on improving their credentials and networking within the industry, especially given the diverging compensation structures between hospital-owned groups and private practices. While salary growth in the first few years varies, physicians can realistically expect to capitalize on opportunities that arise in this evolving market.
More salary data for Pullman, WA:
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 Pullman. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pullman 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