Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Colorado Springs, CO: $258,894 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Colorado Springs, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $258,894 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Colorado Springs's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $246,566 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($446,369) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Embarking on a career as an anesthesiologist in Colorado Springs holds promising financial prospects for new graduates. In 2026, the starting anesthesiologist salary in Colorado Springs is projected at $258,894, marking a significant difference from the median salary of $446,369 for all anesthesiologists in the area. While the gap may seem daunting, early-career professionals can anticipate gradual salary growth, moving from this entry-level figure to approximately $321,386 at the 25th percentile after a few years in the field. This steady increase highlights that Colorado Springs offers a viable market for new graduates, especially considering the projected 4.50% annual growth in salaries over the next five years.
About the Colorado Springs Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Colorado Springs
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 Colorado Springs
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Colorado Springs, CO typically start between $258,894 and $321,386 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $426,805 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $446,369 — 9.11% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Colorado of $280,000 represents just 108.15% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($258,894/year) in Colorado Springs. 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 Colorado Springs
- 1Research the Colorado Springs market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $258,894 to $321,386, 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 Colorado Springs, 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 Colorado Springs for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Colorado Springs'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 Colorado Springs is $426,805 ( 164.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $258,894, experienced hygienists can earn up to $685,699.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$302,979
2025 BLS Actual
$247,745
2026 Current Est.
$258,894
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Colorado Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $302,979 | Actual |
| 2020 | $332,524 | Actual |
| 2021 | $287,131 | Actual |
| 2022 | $182,793 | Actual |
| 2023 | $207,406 | Actual |
| 2024 | $246,802 | Actual |
| 2025 | $247,745 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $258,894 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $270,544 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Colorado Springs, CO grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $302,979 in 2019 to $247,745 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $270,544. New graduates entering the Colorado Springs job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs
In terms of employment opportunities, several organizations in Colorado Springs are well-positioned to hire newly graduated anesthesiologists. Academic medical centers tend to offer the broadest range of case types, including cardiac, transplant, and pediatric anesthesia, which can be an invaluable learning experience for new grads. Alternatively, large group practices might attract those looking for a path toward partnership within two to three years following residency. For graduates prioritizing work-life balance, outpatient surgery centers present an appealing option, with no on-call requirements. To maximize starting pay, credentials like an MD or DO degree, completion of a four-year anesthesiology residency, and board certification through the ABA with MOCA are essential. Given the shifting dynamics of compensation models post-2010s, understanding the differences between hospital employment and private group practices will be crucial. Realistically, early-career anesthesiologists can expect to see steady income progression within their first few years as they navigate this complex market in Colorado Springs.
More salary data for Colorado Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Colorado Springs. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Colorado Springs 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