Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Billings, MT: $279,047 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Billings, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $279,047 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Billings's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $290,070 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($481,117) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates embarking on a career as anesthesiologists in Billings, Montana can anticipate starting salaries around $279,047, significantly lower than the median annual salary of $481,117 for experienced professionals in the area. While this initial earning potential may appear modest, it does provide a clear upward trajectory as early-career anesthesiologists progress, with the potential to earn $346,404 at the 25th percentile within a few years. This growth tends to reflect both increased experience and enhanced clinical responsibilities, which can greatly enhance a new grad's marketability. Given the overall demand for anesthesiologists in the region, coupled with a competitive salary relative to the national median of $409,107, Billings presents a promising opportunity for recent graduates entering the field.
About the Billings Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($345,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Billings
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 Billings
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Billings, MT typically start between $279,047 and $346,404 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $402,640 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $481,117 — 17.6% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Montana of $240,000 represents just 86.01% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($279,047/year) in Billings. 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 Billings
- 1Research the Billings market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $279,047 to $346,404, 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 MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Billings, 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 Billings for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Billings'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 Billings is $402,640 ( 144.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $279,047, experienced hygienists can earn up to $681,687.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$326,564
2025 BLS Actual
$267,031
2026 Current Est.
$279,047
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $326,564 | Actual |
| 2020 | $358,410 | Actual |
| 2021 | $309,483 | Actual |
| 2022 | $197,023 | Actual |
| 2023 | $223,552 | Actual |
| 2024 | $198,488 | Actual |
| 2025 | $267,031 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $279,047 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $291,605 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Billings, MT grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $326,564 in 2019 to $267,031 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $291,605. New graduates entering the Billings job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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 Billings
Opportunities for entry-level anesthesiologists in Billings can vary widely based on the type of employment setting. Academic medical centers are known for providing a comprehensive case mix that can be appealing for new grads, including specialties like cardiac and pediatric anesthesia. For those looking for quick advancement, larger group practices may hire graduates directly from residency and offer fast-tracking toward partnership in just two to three years. On the other hand, outpatient surgery centers appeal to lifestyle-focused new anesthesiologists, offering environments without on-call shifts. Building credentials through ABA board certification and staying current with continuing education, such as participating in MOCA programs, can significantly impact starting pay. Given the evolving compensation structure following the consolidation trends in anesthesiology practices, new entrants should strategically consider the potential pathways that align with their lifestyle preferences while remaining aware of the typical salary growth expected in the first few years in Billings.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Billings in 2026?
How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Billings?
Is anesthesiology school worth it in Billings?
What do new anesthesiologists make right out of school in Billings?
How do I become a anesthesiologist in Montana?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Montana
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 Billings. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Billings 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