Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Boston, MA: $324,354 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Boston, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $324,354 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Boston's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $298,944 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($559,232) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A starting anesthesiologist in Boston can expect a foundational salary around $324,354 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city's median anesthesiologist salary of $559,232, highlighting the income growth potential as new graduates gain experience. In their early career stages, entry-level professionals might realistically see their pay increase to approximately $402,647 after a few years, depending on their practice settings and employer. Boston presents a robust market for new grads, particularly due to the city’s diverse healthcare offerings and the high demand for anesthesiology services, which create ample opportunities for those beginning their careers.
About the Boston Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Boston
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 Boston
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Boston, MA typically start between $324,354 and $402,647 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $523,448 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $559,232 — 36.7% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Massachusetts of $400,000 represents just 123.32% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($324,354/year) in Boston. 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 Boston
- 1Research the Boston market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $324,354 to $402,647, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Boston, 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 Boston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Boston'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 Boston is $523,448 ( 161.38%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $324,354, experienced hygienists can earn up to $847,802.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$379,586
2025 BLS Actual
$310,387
2026 Current Est.
$324,354
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $379,586 | Actual |
| 2020 | $416,603 | Actual |
| 2021 | $359,732 | Actual |
| 2022 | $229,012 | Actual |
| 2023 | $259,849 | Actual |
| 2024 | $277,818 | Actual |
| 2025 | $310,387 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $324,354 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $338,950 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Boston, MA grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $379,586 in 2019 to $310,387 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $338,950. New graduates entering the Boston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boston 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 Boston
In Boston, employers like academic medical centers are ideal for new anesthesiologists, as they provide a wide variety of clinical cases, from cardiac to pediatric anesthesia. Large group practices also actively recruit recent graduates, typically presenting attractive partnership prospects within a few years. To enhance starting pay, obtaining credentials such as ABA board certification and engaging in continuing education can be quite beneficial. As the industry sees a sharp divergence in compensation models—particularly between W-2 hospital employment and private partnerships—new graduates should strategically consider their first few years of employment. Realistic salary growth for those in their first three years can be promising, especially if they navigate their new roles within groups that align with their career goals, such as those focusing on outpatient procedures where lifestyle considerations are prioritized.
More salary data for Boston, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Boston in 2026?
How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Boston?
Is anesthesiology school worth it in Boston?
What do new anesthesiologists make right out of school in Boston?
How do I become a anesthesiologist in Massachusetts?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Boston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Boston 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