Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Starkville, MS: $215,720 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Starkville, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $215,720 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Starkville's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $251,715 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($371,931) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For newly graduated anesthesiologists entering the job market in Starkville, Mississippi, the starting pay presents a clear framework, with entry-level salaries beginning at approximately $215,720 in 2026. While this may seem modest in comparison to the city's median annual salary of $371,931, it reflects a financial trajectory that can improve markedly over the first few years of practice. As early-career professionals gain experience, they can anticipate potential earnings reaching $267,791 and eventually approaching the median salary as they establish their foothold in the industry. With a competitive growth rate of 4.50% annually, Starkville appears to be a viable market for new grads looking to commence their anesthesiology careers, albeit with initial earnings below the national average of $409,107.
About the Starkville Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($320,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Starkville
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 Starkville
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Starkville, MS typically start between $215,720 and $267,791 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $285,316 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $371,931 — 9.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Mississippi of $215,000 represents just 99.67% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($215,720/year) in Starkville. 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 Starkville
- 1Research the Starkville market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $215,720 to $267,791, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Starkville, 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 Starkville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Starkville'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 Starkville is $285,316 ( 132.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $215,720, experienced hygienists can earn up to $501,036.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$252,454
2025 BLS Actual
$206,431
2026 Current Est.
$215,720
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Starkville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $252,454 | Actual |
| 2020 | $277,072 | Actual |
| 2021 | $239,249 | Actual |
| 2022 | $152,311 | Actual |
| 2023 | $172,819 | Actual |
| 2024 | $154,676 | Actual |
| 2025 | $206,431 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $215,720 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $225,428 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Starkville, MS grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $252,454 in 2019 to $206,431 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $225,428. New graduates entering the Starkville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Starkville 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 Starkville
In Starkville, several key employers are known for hiring entry-level anesthesiologists, including academic medical centers and large group practices that often offer well-rounded experience. Academic facilities provide exposure to diverse cases like cardiac and pediatric anesthesia, while larger practices might recruit directly from residency programs with a clear partnership trajectory in a few years. For new anesthesiologists in MS, obtaining an MD or DO degree, completing a four-year anesthesiology residency, and achieving ABA board certification with Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology (MOCA) can be instrumental in elevating starting pay. Those interested in enhancing their credentials through optional fellowships or acquiring DEA and state registrations will find themselves more competitive in this evolving job market. As they navigate their first few years, professionals should prepare for salary growth that reflects their transition from W-2 hospital employment to possibly partnering in private practices, especially considering the significant divergence in compensation models seen since the 2010s consolidation wave.
More salary data for Starkville, MS:
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 Starkville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Starkville 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