Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Hays, KS: $223,586 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Hays, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $223,586 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hays's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $245,969 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($385,493) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Starting off as an anesthesiologist in Hays, Kansas, can lead to a starting anesthesiologist salary Hays of approximately $223,586 in 2026. While this initial figure may seem modest compared to the regional median of $385,493, it provides a foundational entry point for new graduates entering the field. The growth trajectory is promising, with salaries expected to rise significantly as early-career professionals gain experience and skills, moving from the lower percentiles like P10 into more competitive ranges such as P25 at $277,555 within a few years. Hays presents a favorable environment for new grads, offering opportunities within a manageable living cost index of 90.9, making it an attractive locale for those establishing their careers in anesthesiology.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hays
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 Hays
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Hays, KS typically start between $223,586 and $277,555 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $297,979 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $385,493 — 5.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Kansas of $230,000 represents just 102.87% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($223,586/year) in Hays. 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 Hays
- 1Research the Hays market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $223,586 to $277,555, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hays, 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 Hays for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hays'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 Hays is $297,979 ( 133.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $223,586, experienced hygienists can earn up to $521,565.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$261,659
2025 BLS Actual
$213,958
2026 Current Est.
$223,586
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $261,659 | Actual |
| 2020 | $287,175 | Actual |
| 2021 | $247,973 | Actual |
| 2022 | $157,864 | Actual |
| 2023 | $179,121 | Actual |
| 2024 | $175,237 | Actual |
| 2025 | $213,958 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $223,586 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $233,647 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Hays, KS grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $261,659 in 2019 to $213,958 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $233,647. New graduates entering the Hays job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays 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 Hays
When considering potential employers, new grad anesthesiologists in Hays will find that academic medical centers offer a diverse case mix, encompassing areas like cardiac and pediatric anesthesia. Large group practices have also been known to recruit directly from residency programs, often providing a pathway to partnership within a few years. Additionally, outpatient surgery centers may appeal to those favoring a lifestyle-focused career, typically involving no on-call hours. Credentials such as an MD or DO, completion of a four-year anesthesiology residency, and ABA board certification with MOCA significantly enhance starting pay in Kansas. Grasping the current realities of compensation is essential, especially as anesthesiology pay models diverge between hospital-owned groups and private partnerships. Over the first three years, realistic salary expectations for newcomers may vary widely based on specific practice settings and the shifts in the industry, as the need for certified professionals in Hays continues to grow.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Hays in 2026?
How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Hays?
Is anesthesiology school worth it in Hays?
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How do I become a anesthesiologist in Kansas?
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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 Hays. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hays 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