Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Urbana, IL: $222,676 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Urbana, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $222,676 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Urbana's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $229,326 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($383,924) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Urbana, Illinois offers an enticing opportunity for newly graduated anesthesiologists regarding salary potential. While entry-level positions generally start at around $222,676, there's room for advancement in the early years of a career. As new graduates gain experience, they could expect their income to grow closer to the city’s median annual salary of $383,924. The salary range for less experienced professionals in this field shows promising growth; over the first three to five years, the transition from $222,676 to $276,425—reaching towards median levels—indicates a positive trajectory. Given that Urbana's cost of living index is slightly below the national average, aspiring anesthesiologists may find this market favorable for their initial employment, making it an attractive option for those starting their careers in the medical field.
About the Urbana Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Urbana
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 Urbana
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Urbana, IL typically start between $222,676 and $276,425 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $314,534 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $383,924 — 6.16% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Illinois of $340,000 represents just 152.69% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($222,676/year) in Urbana. 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 Urbana
- 1Research the Urbana market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $222,676 to $276,425, 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 Urbana, 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 Urbana for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Urbana'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 Urbana is $314,534 ( 141.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $222,676, experienced hygienists can earn up to $537,210.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$260,594
2025 BLS Actual
$213,087
2026 Current Est.
$222,676
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Urbana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $260,594 | Actual |
| 2020 | $286,006 | Actual |
| 2021 | $246,963 | Actual |
| 2022 | $157,221 | Actual |
| 2023 | $178,392 | Actual |
| 2024 | $212,275 | Actual |
| 2025 | $213,087 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $222,676 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $232,696 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Urbana, IL grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $260,594 in 2019 to $213,087 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $232,696. New graduates entering the Urbana job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Urbana 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 Urbana
Various healthcare entities within Urbana actively recruit new grad anesthesiologists. Academic medical centers are among the most notable employers, providing a varied case mix that includes surgical specialties such as cardiac and pediatric anesthesia, which can be attractive to new graduates eager for broad clinical exposure. Additionally, large group practices often hire directly out of residency, offering a swift pathway to partnership within two to three years. For those with lifestyle priorities, outpatient surgery centers frequently provide weekend-free schedules with no call responsibilities. To maximize entry-level salaries in Illinois, candidates should prioritize obtaining their MD or DO degree, successfully complete an anesthesiology residency, and pursue ABA board certification. Continued education options such as fellowships can further enhance earning potential. Newly minted anesthesiologists should consider the distinct compensation structures between hospital-employed W-2 positions and private group practices, as the latter often yields higher earnings over time amid evolving market dynamics. Entry-level professionals in this field may anticipate steady salary increases as they navigate the early years of their careers.
More salary data for Urbana, 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 Urbana. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Urbana 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