Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $213,295 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Cedar Rapids, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $213,295 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cedar Rapids's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $235,946 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($367,749) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering anesthesiology in Cedar Rapids, Iowa can expect an entry-level anesthesiologist salary around $213,295 in 2026. While this figure falls short of the city's median salary of $367,749, it provides a pragmatic starting point for early-career professionals. As new grads build their experience, they can realistically anticipate gradual salary growth, moving toward the 25th percentile earning of $264,779 within their initial years. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.50%, Cedar Rapids presents a stable environment for entry-level positions, making it a viable option for those starting their careers in this field.
About the Cedar Rapids Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cedar Rapids
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 Cedar Rapids
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Cedar Rapids, IA typically start between $213,295 and $264,779 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $318,926 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $367,749 — 10.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Iowa of $240,000 represents just 112.52% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($213,295/year) in Cedar Rapids. 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 Cedar Rapids
- 1Research the Cedar Rapids market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $213,295 to $264,779, 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 IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cedar Rapids, 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 Cedar Rapids for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cedar Rapids'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 Cedar Rapids is $318,926 ( 149.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $213,295, experienced hygienists can earn up to $532,221.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$249,615
2025 BLS Actual
$204,110
2026 Current Est.
$213,295
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Cedar Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $249,615 | Actual |
| 2020 | $273,957 | Actual |
| 2021 | $236,559 | Actual |
| 2022 | $150,598 | Actual |
| 2023 | $170,876 | Actual |
| 2024 | $187,691 | Actual |
| 2025 | $204,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $213,295 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $222,893 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cedar Rapids, IA grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $249,615 in 2019 to $204,110 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $222,893. New graduates entering the Cedar Rapids job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids
Employers in Cedar Rapids looking to hire entry-level anesthesiologists primarily include large academic medical centers, which typically offer diverse case experiences ranging from cardiac to pediatric anesthesia. Large group practices also recruit new graduates directly from residency, often providing a pathway to partnership within just two to three years. For those focused on work-life balance, outpatient surgery centers can be appealing as they usually involve a more predictable schedule and limited call responsibilities. Achieving board certification from the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA), alongside maintaining DEA and state registrations, can enhance earning potential. Starting in a position that aligns with the compensation structures of either W-2 hospital employment or private practice models will be essential, especially as the landscape of anesthesiology compensation has diverged significantly post-2010s consolidation. New grads should expect steady salary increases as they gain proficiency, ideally positioning themselves for growth in the Cedar Rapids market.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, IA:
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 Cedar Rapids. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar Rapids 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