Anesthesiologist Hourly Pay in Boulder, CO: $207.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a anesthesiologist working in Boulder, CO runs $207.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $431,932 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1211). Weighted against Boulder's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $197.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $259,163 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Boulder, Colorado, the anesthesiologist hourly pay stands at $207.66, which is notably higher than the national median of $196.69. This elevated rate offers a lucrative option for both part-time anesthesiologists working three days a week and those seeking per-diem opportunities. Typical environments for these practitioners include main operating rooms, cardiac catheterization labs, and ambulatory surgery centers. Within the local market, hourly rates vary significantly, ranging from an entry-level rate of $120.45 to a top-end rate of $305.21 for highly experienced anesthesiologists. These figures, derived from annual salary data, reflect the robust compensation landscape for anesthesiologists in Boulder, making it an attractive option for those in the field.
About the Boulder Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Anesthesiologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $120.45 | $963.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $149.52 | $1196.15 |
| Median (P50) | $207.66 | $1661.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $265.81 | $2126.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $305.21 | $2441.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boulder
Based on $207.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $207.66/hr, a anesthesiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boulder, CO can expect to earn approximately $431,938 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $249,195. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boulder.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boulder
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $8,306.50 | $35,995 | $431,938 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $4,983.90 | $21,597 | $259,163 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $3,322.60 | $14,398 | $172,775 |
Compare ANES Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist (Boulder) | $207.66 |
| Surgeon, All Other (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Radiologist (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Nurse Anesthetist (National Avg) | $106.73 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $64.13 |
Anesthesiologists in Boulder, CO earn a median of $431,932 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.58% higher than the national median of $409,107 and 0.60% above the Colorado state average of $429,356.
Anesthesiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $207.66/hr = $259,163/year (purchasing power: $246,822).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $431,938/year (purchasing power: $411,369).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$152.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$198.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$207.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $152.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $159.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $166.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $174.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $181.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $197.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $198.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $207.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $217.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for anesthesiologists in Boulder grew 30.2% from $152.60/hr (2019) to $198.72/hr (2025). At a 4.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $217.01/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem anesthesiologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boulder 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.
Working as an Hourly Anesthesiologist in Boulder
When examining the financial implications of working as an anesthesiologist in Boulder, part-time professionals can expect to earn a substantial income while maintaining a desirable work-life balance. For instance, a practitioner working a 3-day week at the hourly rate may take home about $161,175 annually, compared to full-time colleagues earning even more. Additionally, locum tenens anesthesiologists frequently charge between $1,800 and $3,000 per day for coverage, especially in specialized settings, a factor that enhances the appeal of flexibility in this role. Employer types significantly affect hourly rates; those employed within hospital systems may receive comprehensive benefits, while private practices might offer higher compensation with fewer perks. Understanding the trade-offs in compensation, such as choosing between a higher hourly pay without health insurance versus a lower rate with full benefits, can greatly influence decisions. Negotiation is essential; as such, anesthesiologists in Boulder should be prepared to discuss their value in relation to these market nuances.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for anesthesiologists in Boulder. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Boulder 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