Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Erie, CO: $246,515 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Erie, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $246,515 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Erie's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $234,776 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($425,027) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Launching a career as a new anesthesiologist in Erie, Colorado, can be quite promising. In 2026, the entry-level anesthesiologist salary for fresh graduates starts at approximately $246,515, significantly lower than the median annual salary of $425,027 for all anesthesiologists in the area. However, there is potential for growth over the initial years. As new professionals gain experience, salaries can rise from that starting point to around $306,019 at the 25th percentile and move closer to the median within the first few years of practice. With an annual salary growth rate projected at 4.50%, Erie is an advantageous market for new grads eager to establish themselves in anesthesiology.
About the Erie Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Erie
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 Erie
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Erie, CO typically start between $246,515 and $306,019 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $326,508 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $425,027 — 3.89% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Colorado of $280,000 represents just 113.58% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($246,515/year) in Erie. 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 Erie
- 1Research the Erie market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $246,515 to $306,019, 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 Erie, 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 Erie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Erie'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 Erie is $326,508 ( 132.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $246,515, experienced hygienists can earn up to $573,023.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$288,493
2025 BLS Actual
$235,900
2026 Current Est.
$246,515
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $288,493 | Actual |
| 2020 | $316,626 | Actual |
| 2021 | $273,403 | Actual |
| 2022 | $174,054 | Actual |
| 2023 | $197,490 | Actual |
| 2024 | $235,001 | Actual |
| 2025 | $235,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $246,515 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $257,609 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Erie, CO grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $288,493 in 2019 to $235,900 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $257,609. New graduates entering the Erie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Erie 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 Erie
Looking at employment opportunities in Erie, several local health organizations and large group practices actively recruit new anesthesiology graduates. Academic medical centers provide diverse case mixes that can enhance early-career experiences, while larger groups often offer swift entry into partnership tracks. Credentials such as an MD or DO, completion of a four-year residency, and ABA board certification with MOCA are essential to boost starting pay in Colorado. The shift in compensation models—particularly between W-2 hospital employment and private group arrangements—illustrates a complex dynamic impacting earnings. As new anesthesiologists navigate their first few years, realistic salary growth is likely as they transition from entry-level roles to positions that can achieve compensation nearing or exceeding the regional median, especially as they consider opportunities in various practice settings that align with lifestyle preferences and career ambitions.
More salary data for Erie, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Erie in 2026?
How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Erie?
Is anesthesiology school worth it in Erie?
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How do I become a anesthesiologist in Colorado?
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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 Erie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Erie 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