Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in South Portland, ME: $264,667 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the South Portland, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $264,667 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Portland's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $265,730 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($456,323) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, entry-level anesthesiologists in South Portland, ME, are projected to earn a starting salary of approximately $264,667. This amount is significantly lower than the city median of $456,323, indicating that new graduates might need to consider a gradual trajectory in their earnings as they build their careers. Over the first 3 to 5 years, there is potential for salary growth from the entry-level benchmark to around $328,553, aligning more closely with the entry-level expectations and increasing experience. Given that the region is experiencing a competitive job market, South Portland offers a moderately favorable environment for new grads, allowing them to establish themselves while being supported by the growing demand for anesthesiologists.
About the South Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South Portland
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 South Portland
Entry-level anesthesiologists in South Portland, ME typically start between $264,667 and $328,553 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $373,284 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $456,323 — 11.54% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Maine of $340,000 represents just 128.46% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($264,667/year) in South Portland. 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 South Portland
- 1Research the South Portland market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $264,667 to $328,553, 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 ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in South Portland, 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 South Portland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Portland'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 South Portland is $373,284 ( 141.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $264,667, experienced hygienists can earn up to $637,951.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$309,735
2025 BLS Actual
$253,270
2026 Current Est.
$264,667
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in South Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $309,735 | Actual |
| 2020 | $339,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $293,535 | Actual |
| 2022 | $186,870 | Actual |
| 2023 | $212,032 | Actual |
| 2024 | $198,073 | Actual |
| 2025 | $253,270 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $264,667 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $276,577 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in South Portland, ME grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $309,735 in 2019 to $253,270 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $276,577. New graduates entering the South Portland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Portland 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 South Portland
For new anesthesiologists seeking employment in South Portland, various employers play a crucial role. Academic medical centers here typically provide a diverse case mix that equips fresh graduates with invaluable experience across disciplines such as cardiac, transplant, and pediatrics. Furthermore, large group practices often recruit directly from residency programs, offering opportunities for partnership within a two or three-year timeline. Pursuing advanced credentials, such as ABA board certification, MOCA participation, and optional fellowships, can enhance starting pay and career advancement. Given that the landscape for anesthesiology compensation has shifted post-2010 due to hospital consolidations, young professionals must navigate between W-2 hospital employment and private practice settings. This transition period in the first few years is critical, with realistic salary growth and market expectations significantly influenced by the respective employer environments in South Portland.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
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 South Portland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Portland 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