Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Littleton, CO: $236,694 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Littleton, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $236,694 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Littleton's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $225,423 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($408,092) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new anesthesiologists entering the field in 2026, starting salaries in Littleton, Colorado, present some intriguing prospects. The entry-level anesthesiologist salary in Littleton is projected at approximately $236,694, which is notably lower than the city median of $408,092. This initial figure offers a grounding point, with progression opportunities allowing for potential earnings to rise to $293,827 within a relatively short span of 3-5 years. For recent graduates, this growth trajectory indicates a robust market for new voices, especially as the demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow in the region. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.50%, now is an advantageous time for new graduates to establish their careers in the Littleton area, contributing to both their professional development and the well-being of the communities they serve.
About the Littleton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Littleton
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 Littleton
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Littleton, CO typically start between $236,694 and $293,827 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $334,336 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $408,092 — 0.25% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Colorado of $280,000 represents just 118.30% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($236,694/year) in Littleton. 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 Littleton
- 1Research the Littleton market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $236,694 to $293,827, 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 Littleton, 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 Littleton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Littleton'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 Littleton is $334,336 ( 141.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $236,694, experienced hygienists can earn up to $571,030.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$276,998
2025 BLS Actual
$226,501
2026 Current Est.
$236,694
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Littleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $276,998 | Actual |
| 2020 | $304,011 | Actual |
| 2021 | $262,510 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,119 | Actual |
| 2023 | $189,621 | Actual |
| 2024 | $225,639 | Actual |
| 2025 | $226,501 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $236,694 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $247,345 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Littleton, CO grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $276,998 in 2019 to $226,501 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $247,345. New graduates entering the Littleton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Littleton 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 Littleton
Employers in Littleton that typically hire entry-level anesthesiologists include academic medical centers such as those affiliated with teaching hospitals and larger group practices. These environments usually provide comprehensive case mixes, encompassing specialties like cardiac and pediatric anesthesiology, which can enrich a new grad's experience. Credentials play a significant role in starting pay in Colorado; holding an MD or DO degree along with successful completion of a residency and ABA board certification through MOCA can elevate a candidate’s desirability. Additionally, pursuing optional fellowships offers further enhancements to compensation. Given the distinct separation in compensation models post-2010s consolidation, new anesthesiologists should consider the origins of their employment—whether hospital-owned or private equity-backed—as these factors heavily influence pay trajectories. In their first few years, aspiring anesthesiologists should anticipate salary growth that aligns with their engagement in continuing education and gaining experience, reflecting the dynamics of the local healthcare market in Littleton, CO.
More salary data for Littleton, 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 Littleton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Littleton 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