Anesthesiologist Salary in Waltham, MA: $505,389 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time anesthesiologist in Waltham, MA earns a median $505,389/year (≈ $242.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1211). Once you factor in Waltham's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $465,796 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the expected median income for anesthesiologists in Waltham, Massachusetts, is projected at $505,389, noticeably higher than the national median of $409,107 by about 23.53%. This salary reflects a wide range of earnings, with compensation estimates ranging from $293,126 at the lower decile to $715,460 at the upper decile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, highlight the significant call-burden gradient in the local market. Anesthesiologists in Waltham face differences in pay primarily due to call schedules and practice type, where those on a lighter call rotation may see different compensation levels compared to their peers facing heavier demands. With only 11 anesthesiologists currently practicing in the area, the limited workforce may contribute to competitive salary offers.
About the Waltham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $293,126 | $140.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $363,880 | $174.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $505,389 | $242.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $644,281 | $309.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $715,460 | $343.97 |
Median Salary Position
23.53% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waltham
In Waltham, MA, the anesthesiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $422,334 (2026 est.). At $505,389, the local median is 23.53% above the national median of $409,107.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waltham: You'd be above the median
How Waltham Anesthesiologist Pay Compares
Waltham median: $505,389/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waltham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $519,413 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $409,107 | +23.53% more |
Anesthesiologists in Waltham, MA earn a median of $505,389 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.53% higher than the national median of $409,107 and 2.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $519,413.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waltham has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waltham, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $505,389 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $465,796 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$371,374
2025 BLS Actual
$483,626
2026 Current Est.
$505,389
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Waltham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $371,374 | Actual |
| 2020 | $388,086 | Actual |
| 2021 | $405,550 | Actual |
| 2022 | $423,800 | Actual |
| 2023 | $442,871 | Actual |
| 2024 | $432,879 | Actual |
| 2025 | $483,626 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $505,389 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $528,132 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waltham metropolitan area, the median anesthesiologist salary grew 30.2% from $371,374 (2019) to $483,626 (2025). At a 4.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $528,132 by 2027 — a total increase of $156,758 (42.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waltham 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $293,126 – $363,880 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $363,880 – $505,389 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $505,389 – $644,281 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $644,281 – $715,460 |
ANES salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual anesthesiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Anesthesiologist Job Market in Waltham
Examining the local job market reveals a strong potential for growth along with a cost-of-living index of 108.5, which suggests a higher-than-average expense for residents, affecting take-home pay. The variation in earnings among anesthesiologists can largely be attributed to factors such as case volume, equity options in private practice, and the distinction between hospital-employed roles and independent contractors. Hospital systems may provide stable W-2 employment but often have lower base salaries compared to private practice options, which can offer partnership tracks with significant revenue potentials. In Waltham, anesthesiologists looking to maximize their earnings might consider securing positions in high-volume practices, seeking subspecialty fellowships for enhanced skill sets, or opting for group practices that allow for RVU bonuses. Engaging with local academic institutions and leveraging hospital relationships can also open doors to lucrative positions, aligning with Waltham's unique healthcare ecosystem.
More salary data for Waltham, MA:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $483,626 for anesthesiologistsin the Waltham metropolitan area. A 4.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waltham 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