Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Compton, CA: $265,799 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Compton, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $265,799 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Compton's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $235,012 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($458,274) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, new graduates entering the field of anesthesiology in Compton, California can expect a starting salary around $265,799. While this figure is notably lower than the city median of $458,274, it marks a reasonable entry-level point for recent graduates beginning their careers. The salary trajectory for new anesthesiologists shows potential for growth; new doctors can expect to advance through various pay scales, with a progression from $265,799 to approximately $329,958 within the first few years. Overall, Compton presents a promising environment for recent anesthesiology graduates, particularly considering the increased demand for such roles in the area.
About the Compton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Compton
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 Compton
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Compton, CA typically start between $265,799 and $329,958 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $368,738 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $458,274 — 12.02% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in California of $340,000 represents just 127.92% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($265,799/year) in Compton. 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 Compton
- 1Research the Compton market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $265,799 to $329,958, 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 CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Compton, 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 Compton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Compton's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Anesthesiologist Compensation Range
The anesthesiologist wage spread in Compton is $368,738 ( 138.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $265,799, experienced hygienists can earn up to $634,537.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$311,060
2025 BLS Actual
$254,353
2026 Current Est.
$265,799
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Compton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $311,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $341,394 | Actual |
| 2021 | $294,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $187,669 | Actual |
| 2023 | $212,939 | Actual |
| 2024 | $292,368 | Actual |
| 2025 | $254,353 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $265,799 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $277,760 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Compton, CA grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $311,060 in 2019 to $254,353 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $277,760. New graduates entering the Compton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Compton 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 Compton
For entry-level anesthesiologists, Compton offers diverse employment opportunities, with academic medical centers typically hiring new grads to provide a wide variety of case experiences, from cardiac anesthesia to pediatric cases. Graduates are also often recruited by large group practices that provide a clear pathway to partnership within two to three years. Credentials such as an MD or DO, completion of an anesthesiology residency, and ABA board certification significantly enhance starting pay, with optional fellowships further boosting earning potential. In the first few years of practice, it’s crucial for new anesthesiologists to understand the variations in compensation tied to practice models—W-2 hospital employment versus private partnerships—and to align their career strategies according to their long-term goals. Realistically, those starting may see gradual increases in salary, reflecting the shifting landscape in anesthesiology compensation in Compton, CA, amid evolving market dynamics.
More salary data for Compton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Compton in 2026?
How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Compton?
Is anesthesiology school worth it in Compton?
What do new anesthesiologists make right out of school in Compton?
How do I become a anesthesiologist in California?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Compton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Compton 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