Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Decatur, IL: $233,617 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Decatur, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $233,617 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Decatur's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $240,594 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($402,788) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the anesthesiology field in Decatur, Illinois, can expect an entry-level anesthesiologist salary of approximately $233,617 in 2026. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $402,788, it establishes a realistic benchmark for new professionals navigating their first role in the field. Over the first three to five years, many early-career anesthesiologists can anticipate gradual salary increases, moving through various percentiles in the salary spectrum, reaching the P25 benchmark of $290,007 as they gain experience. With a projected growth rate of 4.50% annually, Decatur represents a promising market for recent graduates looking to establish their careers, offering competitive salaries within the context of overall living costs in the area.
About the Decatur Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Decatur
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 Decatur
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Decatur, IL typically start between $233,617 and $290,007 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $328,539 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $402,788 — 1.54% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Illinois of $340,000 represents just 145.54% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($233,617/year) in Decatur. 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 Decatur
- 1Research the Decatur market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $233,617 to $290,007, 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 IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Decatur, 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 Decatur for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Decatur'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 Decatur is $328,539 ( 140.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $233,617, experienced hygienists can earn up to $562,156.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$273,398
2025 BLS Actual
$223,557
2026 Current Est.
$233,617
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $273,398 | Actual |
| 2020 | $300,059 | Actual |
| 2021 | $259,098 | Actual |
| 2022 | $164,947 | Actual |
| 2023 | $187,157 | Actual |
| 2024 | $222,706 | Actual |
| 2025 | $223,557 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $233,617 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $244,130 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Decatur, IL grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $273,398 in 2019 to $223,557 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $244,130. New graduates entering the Decatur job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur 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 Decatur
Employers in Decatur that actively engage with new grads in anesthesiology include academic medical centers and large group practices. Academic institutions typically present a diverse array of cases, including cardiac and pediatric anesthesiology, offering a comprehensive training ground for those starting their careers. Large practices often hire directly from residency programs, providing a clear path to partnership within a couple of years. For those prioritizing work-life balance, outpatient surgery centers are also viable options, allowing entry-level anesthesiologists to avoid on-call duties. Credentials such as an MD or DO, completion of a four-year anesthesiology residency, and ABA board certification with MOCA, along with state registrations, are pivotal in enhancing earning potential. Given the recent trends in anesthesiology compensation, where W-2 hospital employment diverges from private group arrangements, understanding the different practice models is essential. In terms of salary growth, new anesthesiologists can realistically expect to advance in their earnings over the initial three years as they integrate into the local healthcare environment and establish their professional identities.
More salary data for Decatur, IL:
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 Decatur. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Decatur 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