Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Russellville, AR: $215,859 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Russellville, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $215,859 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Russellville's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $248,399 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($372,170) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the anesthesiology field in Russellville, Arkansas, the starting anesthesiologist salary is projected to be around $215,859 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary for all anesthesiologists in the city, which stands at $372,170, highlighting a notable gap. However, the compensation trajectory appears promising, with the potential for growth to approximately $267,963 at the 25th percentile shortly after entering the workforce. Given the city's cost of living index of 86.9, Russellville presents a favorable market for new grad anesthesiologists, as salaries in this region may stretch further compared to areas with higher living costs. With a growth rate of 4.50% projected annually, those starting their careers now could see substantial increases in their earning potential over the next few years.
About the Russellville Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($325,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Russellville
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 Russellville
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Russellville, AR typically start between $215,859 and $267,963 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $304,906 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $372,170 — 9.03% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Arkansas of $210,000 represents just 97.29% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($215,859/year) in Russellville. 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 Russellville
- 1Research the Russellville market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $215,859 to $267,963, 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 AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Russellville, 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 Russellville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Russellville's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Anesthesiologist Compensation Range
The anesthesiologist wage spread in Russellville is $304,906 ( 141.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $215,859, experienced hygienists can earn up to $520,765.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$252,616
2025 BLS Actual
$206,564
2026 Current Est.
$215,859
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Russellville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $252,616 | Actual |
| 2020 | $277,251 | Actual |
| 2021 | $239,403 | Actual |
| 2022 | $152,409 | Actual |
| 2023 | $172,931 | Actual |
| 2024 | $158,314 | Actual |
| 2025 | $206,564 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $215,859 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $225,573 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Russellville, AR grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $252,616 in 2019 to $206,564 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $225,573. New graduates entering the Russellville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Russellville 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 Russellville
In Russellville, many healthcare employers are keen to recruit new graduates, especially from academic medical centers that offer diverse case experiences such as cardiac and pediatric anesthesiology. Large group practices in the area often hire directly from residency programs, providing a pathway to partnership within a few years. New graduates can also consider outpatient surgery centers for a more lifestyle-focused career, typically without the demands of on-call work. To enhance starting pay in Arkansas, maintaining up-to-date credentials such as ABA board certification and possibly pursuing fellowship training can be beneficial. Understanding the compensation dynamics between hospital employment and private group settings is crucial, as the landscape has changed significantly post-2010s consolidation. With effective strategies and a keen awareness of the market, new anesthesiologists can expect realistic salary growth and meaningful career advancement in their first years in Russellville.
More salary data for Russellville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Russellville in 2026?
How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Russellville?
Is anesthesiology school worth it in Russellville?
What do new anesthesiologists make right out of school in Russellville?
How do I become a anesthesiologist in Arkansas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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
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 Russellville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Russellville 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