Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Pueblo, CO: $250,521 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Pueblo, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $250,521 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pueblo's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $238,591 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($431,932) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a new graduate entering the anesthesiology field in Pueblo, Colorado, can expect an entry-level salary around $250,521. While this starting anesthesiologist salary in Pueblo provides a solid foundation, it sits significantly below the median annual pay for more experienced professionals in the area, which is projected at $431,932. The gap between entry-level and median earnings may seem large, yet it's essential to recognize the potential for growth. New anesthesiologists can anticipate salary progression that could see them reaching $310,991 within a few years, as they gain experience and skills. Given the projected annual growth rate of 4.50% for the profession, Pueblo appears to be a promising market for newly minted graduates looking to establish their careers.
About the Pueblo Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pueblo
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 Pueblo
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Pueblo, CO typically start between $250,521 and $310,991 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $383,188 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $431,932 — 5.58% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Colorado of $280,000 represents just 111.77% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($250,521/year) in Pueblo. 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 Pueblo
- 1Research the Pueblo market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $250,521 to $310,991, 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 Pueblo, 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 Pueblo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pueblo'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 Pueblo is $383,188 ( 152.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $250,521, experienced hygienists can earn up to $633,709.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$293,180
2025 BLS Actual
$239,733
2026 Current Est.
$250,521
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Pueblo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $293,180 | Actual |
| 2020 | $321,771 | Actual |
| 2021 | $277,845 | Actual |
| 2022 | $176,882 | Actual |
| 2023 | $200,699 | Actual |
| 2024 | $238,820 | Actual |
| 2025 | $239,733 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $250,521 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $261,794 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Pueblo, CO grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $293,180 in 2019 to $239,733 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $261,794. New graduates entering the Pueblo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pueblo 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 Pueblo
Pueblo is home to diverse employment opportunities for newly licensed anesthesiologists, particularly within academic medical centers, large group practices, and outpatient surgery centers. Academic centers often provide exposure to a broad range of cases, including cardiac and pediatric anesthesiology, which can be invaluable in early career development. Large practices typically recruit directly from residency programs, offering a clear partnership track within just a few years, while outpatient surgery centers often cater to new grads seeking a balanced lifestyle with minimal on-call duties. To maximize starting pay in Colorado, candidates should hold either an MD or DO degree and complete an anesthesiology residency, followed by board certification from the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA), which includes maintenance of certification through the MOCA process. Early career anesthesiologists must understand the evolving compensation structures in the field, especially the divergence between W-2 employment models and private practice opportunities post-2010s consolidation. Realistic salary growth expectations over the first few years in Pueblo could lead to significant advancement if new practitioners strategically align themselves with the right employer and pursue ongoing education and certification.
More salary data for Pueblo, 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 Pueblo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pueblo 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