Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Fort Collins, CO: $246,856 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Fort Collins, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $246,856 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fort Collins's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $235,101 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($425,615) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of anesthesiology in Fort Collins, Colorado, can anticipate a starting pay around $246,856 in 2026. This figure, while promising, sits significantly below the city’s median anesthesiologist salary of $425,615. For those just starting their careers, there is a path for improvement, as many can rise from the entry-level pay to $306,443 within a few years. This increase reflects the strong growth trajectory of approximately 4.50% annually, indicating that Fort Collins remains a favorable job market for new anesthesiologists looking to establish themselves in their first few years. Graduating with the requisite MD or DO degree and completing an anesthesiology residency are essential first steps toward building a successful career in this field.
About the Fort Collins Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fort Collins
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 Fort Collins
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Fort Collins, CO typically start between $246,856 and $306,443 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $366,054 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $425,615 — 4.04% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Colorado of $280,000 represents just 113.43% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($246,856/year) in Fort Collins. 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 Fort Collins
- 1Research the Fort Collins market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $246,856 to $306,443, 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 Fort Collins, 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 Fort Collins for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fort Collins'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 Fort Collins is $366,054 ( 148.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $246,856, experienced hygienists can earn up to $612,910.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$288,891
2025 BLS Actual
$236,226
2026 Current Est.
$246,856
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Fort Collins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $288,891 | Actual |
| 2020 | $317,063 | Actual |
| 2021 | $273,781 | Actual |
| 2022 | $174,294 | Actual |
| 2023 | $197,763 | Actual |
| 2024 | $235,327 | Actual |
| 2025 | $236,226 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $246,856 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $257,965 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Fort Collins, CO grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $288,891 in 2019 to $236,226 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $257,965. New graduates entering the Fort Collins job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins
In Fort Collins, several healthcare settings actively recruit new grad anesthesiologists, including academic medical centers that provide diverse case experiences, large group practices that offer immediate roles with a potential partnership track, and outpatient surgery centers focusing on lifestyle preferences with manageable schedules. Holders of an MD or DO degree, who complete their residency training, generally find opportunities that align with their preferences. To enhance starting pay, obtaining ABA board certification, participating in MOCA, and considering optional fellowships could be advantageous. Additionally, understanding the nuances of compensation models is crucial; the divergence between W-2 employment and private group partnerships significantly influences earnings. New anesthesiologists can expect to see gradual salary increases during the first three years, aligning success with both clinical experience and credentialing efforts, while also being mindful of the evolving practices within the field as they navigate their early careers in Fort Collins.
More salary data for Fort Collins, 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 Fort Collins. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fort Collins 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