Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Tacoma, WA: $385,564 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Tacoma, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $385,564 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Tacoma's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $358,998 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($664,765) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tacoma, the starting anesthesiologist salary in 2026 is projected at approximately $385,564, which provides a basis for new graduates entering the profession. This figure sits significantly below the city's median annual salary for anesthesiologists of $664,765, creating a gap that can seem daunting initially. However, the potential for salary growth from entry-level positions to median rates is quite feasible within the first few years as practitioners build experience. As anesthesiologists advance in their careers, they may see salaries increase toward the first quartile figure of $478,631, helping to establish Tacoma as a promising market for new entrants despite the initial pay disparity.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Tacoma
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 Tacoma
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Tacoma, WA typically start between $385,564 and $478,631 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $626,361 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $664,765 — 62.49% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Washington of $320,000 represents just 83.00% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($385,564/year) in Tacoma. 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 Tacoma
- 1Research the Tacoma market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $385,564 to $478,631, 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 Tacoma, 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 Tacoma for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Tacoma'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 Tacoma is $626,361 ( 162.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $385,564, experienced hygienists can earn up to $1,011,925.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$451,219
2025 BLS Actual
$368,961
2026 Current Est.
$385,564
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $451,219 | Actual |
| 2020 | $495,221 | Actual |
| 2021 | $427,618 | Actual |
| 2022 | $272,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $308,886 | Actual |
| 2024 | $258,671 | Actual |
| 2025 | $368,961 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $385,564 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $402,915 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Tacoma, WA grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $451,219 in 2019 to $368,961 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $402,915. New graduates entering the Tacoma job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tacoma 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 Tacoma
Tacoma features various employment opportunities for early-career anesthesiologists. Major academic medical centers in the area typically hire graduates from residency programs, allowing them to gain exposure to a wide range of cases, including complex cardiac and pediatric anesthesiology. Additionally, large group practices seek to recruit new graduates, often offering a partnership track within a few years. For those pursuing a more balanced lifestyle, outpatient surgery centers provide appealing roles without on-call responsibilities. Achieving certifications, such as ABA board certification with MOCA, can enhance starting salaries as well. With the ongoing divide in compensation structures—stemming from evolution in employment models between hospital practices and private groups—new anesthesiologists can expect a gradual salary increment in their first three years, building towards more competitive figures as they establish themselves in the field.
More salary data for Tacoma, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is anesthesiology school worth it in Tacoma?
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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 Tacoma. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tacoma 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