Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Albany, GA: $218,866 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Albany, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $218,866 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Albany's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $235,087 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($377,356) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Albany, Georgia, offers a competitive entry-level anesthesiologist salary, projected to begin at $218,866 in 2026. While this figure is substantially lower than the city’s median annual salary of $377,356, it reflects a typical starting point for new graduates entering the field. Over the first few years, new anesthesiologists can expect upward mobility in their earnings, with the potential to reach $271,696 by the 25th percentile as they gain experience. Given the anticipated growth rate of 4.50% annually for the profession, Albany presents a favorable market for newcomers looking to establish their careers while also taking into account the city's cost of living index of 93.1, which is below the national average.
About the Albany Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Albany
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 Albany
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Albany, GA typically start between $218,866 and $271,696 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $303,870 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $377,356 — 7.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Georgia of $250,000 represents just 114.23% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($218,866/year) in Albany. 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 Albany
- 1Research the Albany market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $218,866 to $271,696, 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 GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Albany, 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 Albany for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Albany's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Anesthesiologist Compensation Range
The anesthesiologist wage spread in Albany is $303,870 ( 138.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $218,866, experienced hygienists can earn up to $522,736.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$256,135
2025 BLS Actual
$209,441
2026 Current Est.
$218,866
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $256,135 | Actual |
| 2020 | $281,113 | Actual |
| 2021 | $242,738 | Actual |
| 2022 | $154,531 | Actual |
| 2023 | $175,339 | Actual |
| 2024 | $192,595 | Actual |
| 2025 | $209,441 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $218,866 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $228,715 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Albany, GA grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $256,135 in 2019 to $209,441 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $228,715. New graduates entering the Albany job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albany 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 Albany
Several employers in Albany actively recruit new graduates, particularly academic medical centers that provide a diverse array of cases, from cardiac to pediatric anesthesiology. Large group practices often hire directly from residency programs, offering attractive partnership opportunities within a few years, while outpatient surgery centers may cater to those seeking a lifestyle-focused position without the demands of overnight call shifts. To enhance starting pay in Georgia, credentials such as a MD or DO degree, completion of a four-year anesthesiology residency, and board certification from the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) with Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology (MOCA) are essential. Early-career strategies should involve understanding the differences between hospital-owned and physician-owned groups, especially in light of the compensation model shifts that have occurred in the past decade. Graduates can anticipate a realistic salary increase during their first three years, acknowledging that differences in practice models can significantly impact their earnings trajectory and career satisfaction.
More salary data for Albany, GA:
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 Albany. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Albany 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