Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Modesto, CA: $272,160 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Modesto, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $272,160 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Modesto's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $240,637 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($469,242) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of anesthesiology in Modesto, California, can expect a starting salary of around $272,160 in 2026. This figure represents the lower decile for entry-level positions and highlights a gap when compared to the estimated median annual salary of $469,242 for anesthesiologists in the area. While this initial pay may seem modest relative to the city median, new graduates should view it in the context of their early career trajectory, where the salary can rise significantly in just a few years. With experience and continued professional development, entry-level anesthesiologists can anticipate earning approximately $337,854 by their 25th percentile mark, aiming further toward the median as they gain expertise in their roles. Modesto currently presents a supportive market for recent graduates, combining competitive pay with additional opportunities for growth.
About the Modesto Market
Salary estimated from California average ($450,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Modesto
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 Modesto
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Modesto, CA typically start between $272,160 and $337,854 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $426,997 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $469,242 — 14.7% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in California of $340,000 represents just 124.93% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($272,160/year) in Modesto. 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 Modesto
- 1Research the Modesto market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $272,160 to $337,854, 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 Modesto, 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 Modesto for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Modesto'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 Modesto is $426,997 ( 156.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $272,160, experienced hygienists can earn up to $699,157.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$318,504
2025 BLS Actual
$260,440
2026 Current Est.
$272,160
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $318,504 | Actual |
| 2020 | $349,564 | Actual |
| 2021 | $301,844 | Actual |
| 2022 | $192,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $218,034 | Actual |
| 2024 | $299,365 | Actual |
| 2025 | $260,440 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $272,160 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $284,407 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Modesto, CA grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $318,504 in 2019 to $260,440 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $284,407. New graduates entering the Modesto job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Modesto 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 Modesto
Job prospects for entry-level anesthesiologists in Modesto are promising, particularly among larger hospital systems and group practices, which often seek fresh talent. Institutions like academic medical centers provide an attractive environment for new grads because of their diverse case mix, encompassing various specialties such as cardiac and pediatric anesthesia. Additionally, large group practices often hire directly from residency programs, allowing for partnership opportunities within just 2-3 years. Credentials can play a vital role in enhancing initial earnings; obtaining an MD or DO, completing a residency in anesthesiology, achieving ABA board certification, and maintaining DEA registrations are foundational for competitiveness in this market. Given the evolving dynamics of anesthesiology compensation, particularly the distinction between W-2 hospital employment and private practice arrangements, new anesthesiologists need to be strategic in their first few years. This strategic approach can lead to salary growth that reflects the changing landscape of the medical field, offering more lucrative outcomes compared to the entry-level salaries.
More salary data for Modesto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Modesto in 2026?
How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Modesto?
Is anesthesiology school worth it in Modesto?
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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
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 Modesto. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Modesto 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