Senior Anesthesiologist Salary in Little Rock, AR: $583,210 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of anesthesiologists working in Little Rock, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $583,210/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1211. Strip back Little Rock's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $671,128 in average-cost America. The 45% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For seasoned anesthesiologists in Little Rock, Arkansas, lucrative compensation is distinctly available, with top earners projected to secure an annual salary of $583,210 in 2026. In comparison to the national landscape, where the highest earners report roughly $409,107, Little Rock's top compensation levels showcase a competitive edge. The disparity between the median salary of $402,870 and the upper echelon of pay highlights the considerable experience premium that senior anesthesiologists can command. Reaching this pinnacle of income typically requires not only extensive clinical experience but also a focus on high-demand specialties and the successful negotiation of employment contracts that promote fiscal success.
About the Little Rock Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($325,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Little Rock
Experienced anesthesiologists at the top of the pay scale in Little Rock earn between $515,674 and $583,210 per year (2026 est.). This $349,545 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Little Rock median of $402,870 sits 1.52% below the US median.
Top ANES Salary Comparison
| Level | Little Rock | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $402,870 | $409,107 |
| 75th Percentile | $515,674 | $512,604 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $583,210 | $582,201 |
In Little Rock, experienced anesthesiologists (P90) earn 44.76% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Anesthesiologist Pay in Little Rock
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR anesthesiologists with additional specialty certifications within the anesthesiology field earn significantly above the $402,870 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Little Rock employers.
Specialty Focus
Anesthesiologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the anesthesiology field in Little Rock command premium compensation, often reaching the $515,674–$583,210 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Little Rock metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced anesthesiologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured anesthesiologists in Little Rock with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Anesthesiologists in Arkansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Anesthesiologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Little Rock
Clinical Anesthesiologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Anesthesiologist
5-10 yearsAnesthesiologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLittle Rock ranks #1 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner anesthesiologist salary (90th percentile: $583,210).
Top 10% anesthesiologist compensation in Little Rock ($583,210) is 7.17% above the Arkansas average P90 ($544,167).
2019 BLS Actual
$428,560
2025 BLS Actual
$558,096
2026 Current Est.
$583,210
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $428,560 | Actual |
| 2020 | $447,845 | Actual |
| 2021 | $467,998 | Actual |
| 2022 | $489,058 | Actual |
| 2023 | $511,065 | Actual |
| 2024 | $381,352 | Actual |
| 2025 | $558,096 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $583,210 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $609,455 | Projected |
Top-earning anesthesiologists (90th percentile) in Little Rock saw their compensation grow 30.2% from $428,560 in 2019 to $558,096 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.50% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $609,455 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Little Rock 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.
Maximizing Your Anesthesiologist Earnings in Little Rock
Advanced specialization significantly contributes to the earning potential for senior anesthesiologists in Little Rock, particularly in areas such as cardiac anesthesia, OB anesthesia, and neuroanesthesia. Compensation packages also vary considerably based on employment settings; those within academic medical centers may find different financial structures compared to private practice or hospital-based models. Leadership opportunities like anesthesiology department chair or the role of chief of perioperative services not only offer enhanced salaries but also bring greater influence within the healthcare system. Despite the looming challenges of call rotations and demand for workload management, other factors like case volume and RVU bonuses can further elevate compensation. In a climate where seasoned practitioners need ABA board certification and may pursue additional fellowships, prospects for both financial rewards and professional advancement remain promising in AR.
More salary data for Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced anesthesiologists make in Little Rock in 2026?
What drives higher anesthesiologist pay in Little Rock?
What certifications boost anesthesiologist salary in Little Rock?
Can experienced anesthesiologists make six figures in Little Rock?
How much does anesthesiologist salary increase over time in Little Rock?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $558,096 for anesthesiologists in the Little Rock metro area. A 4.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Little Rock 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