Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Methuen, MA: $296,979 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Methuen, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $296,979 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Methuen's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $273,713 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($512,032) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

As new graduates step into the field of anesthesiology, an entry-level anesthesiologist salary in Methuen, Massachusetts, presents both challenges and opportunities. The starting pay for these professionals is projected to be around $296,979 in 2026, which may initially feel disheartening when compared to the city's median salary of $512,032. However, new grads can expect a positive growth trajectory as they gain experience, with the potential to earn $368,663 within their first few years. Methuen's healthcare market offers a supportive environment for entry-level anesthesiologists, making it a viable choice for recent graduates eager to establish themselves in a competitive field.
About the Methuen Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Methuen
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 Methuen
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Methuen, MA typically start between $296,979 and $368,663 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $439,765 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $512,032 — 25.16% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Massachusetts of $400,000 represents just 134.69% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($296,979/year) in Methuen. 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 Methuen
- 1Research the Methuen market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $296,979 to $368,663, 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 Methuen, 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 Methuen for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Methuen'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 Methuen is $439,765 ( 148.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $296,979, experienced hygienists can earn up to $736,744.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$347,549
2025 BLS Actual
$284,190
2026 Current Est.
$296,979
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Methuen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $347,549 | Actual |
| 2020 | $381,441 | Actual |
| 2021 | $329,370 | Actual |
| 2022 | $209,683 | Actual |
| 2023 | $237,917 | Actual |
| 2024 | $254,370 | Actual |
| 2025 | $284,190 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $296,979 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $310,343 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Methuen, MA grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $347,549 in 2019 to $284,190 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $310,343. New graduates entering the Methuen job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Methuen 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 Methuen
In Methuen, several employers actively recruit newly minted anesthesiologists, with academic medical centers typically providing a varied case mix that includes cardiac, transplant, and pediatric cases. Large group practices often seek to onboard graduates directly from residency, presenting an appealing path that can lead to partnership opportunities within two to three years. To boost their competitive edge, candidates should pursue ABA board certification and consider additional fellowships. During the first one to three years, the divergence in compensation models—between W-2 hospital employment and physician-owned private practices—will be crucial for new graduates to navigate. Understanding these institutional structures can help inform realistic salary growth expectations, with compensation likely reflecting a mix of base salary and productivity incentives as they transition from entry-level roles to more established positions within the healthcare system.
More salary data for Methuen, MA:
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 Methuen. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Methuen 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