Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Aurora, CO: $255,859 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Aurora, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $255,859 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Aurora's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $243,675 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($441,136) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career as an anesthesiologist in Aurora, Colorado, comes with varying expectations regarding salary. The projected entry-level anesthesiologist salary Aurora offers is around $255,859, which is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $441,136. However, new graduates can anticipate a gradual increase along the pay spectrum as they gain experience. The journey from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, with projected salaries of $255,859 to $317,618 respectively, illustrates a promising path for those initially entering the workforce. Given the competitive healthcare environment in Aurora and the growing demand for anesthesiologists, this city remains a viable option for new grads aiming to establish their careers.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Aurora
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 Aurora
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Aurora, CO typically start between $255,859 and $317,618 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $395,345 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $441,136 — 7.83% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Colorado of $280,000 represents just 109.44% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($255,859/year) in Aurora. 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 Aurora
- 1Research the Aurora market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $255,859 to $317,618, 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 CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Aurora, 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 Aurora for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Aurora's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Anesthesiologist Compensation Range
The anesthesiologist wage spread in Aurora is $395,345 ( 154.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $255,859, experienced hygienists can earn up to $651,204.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$299,427
2025 BLS Actual
$244,841
2026 Current Est.
$255,859
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $299,427 | Actual |
| 2020 | $328,627 | Actual |
| 2021 | $283,766 | Actual |
| 2022 | $180,650 | Actual |
| 2023 | $204,975 | Actual |
| 2024 | $243,909 | Actual |
| 2025 | $244,841 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $255,859 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $267,372 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Aurora, CO grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $299,427 in 2019 to $244,841 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $267,372. New graduates entering the Aurora job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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 Aurora
When considering employment opportunities, Aurora hosts a variety of employers that frequently hire new grad anesthesiologists. Academic medical centers, known for diverse case exposures, provide invaluable experience to newly minted physicians, covering specialties from cardiac to pediatric anesthesia. Large group practices often recruit directly from residency, offering a defined partnership track in two to three years, which can significantly enhance career prospects. To maximize starting anesthesiologist pay CO practitioners can achieve, securing board certification through the ABA and engaging in continuous education will be advantageous. It's essential for new graduates to develop a strategic approach during their first few years, especially as compensation models have evolved since the 2010s, impacting earnings based on employment structures. With careful navigation through these early career decisions, realistic salary growth expectations between years one and three can align closer to the city's median as new professionals enhance their skills and licensing credentials.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Aurora in 2026?
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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 Aurora. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora 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