Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Butte, MT: $262,998 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Butte, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $262,998 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Butte's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $273,387 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($453,445) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new anesthesiologists starting their careers in Butte, Montana, the entry-level salaries in 2026 will present both opportunities and challenges. The estimated starting anesthesiologist salary in the area is around $262,998, which is quite a bit lower than the median annual salary of $453,445. New graduates can expect to navigate the early years of their careers in a market that offers significant growth potential; salaries can rise through the first few years with projections moving towards $326,481 at the 25th percentile. A career in Butte seems promising for fresh graduates considering the general trend of competitive salaries, but it's important to manage expectations as new hires adjust to the nuances of the local healthcare landscape.
About the Butte Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($345,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Butte
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 Butte
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Butte, MT typically start between $262,998 and $326,481 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $376,349 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $453,445 — 10.84% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Montana of $240,000 represents just 91.26% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($262,998/year) in Butte. 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 Butte
- 1Research the Butte market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $262,998 to $326,481, 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 Butte, 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 Butte for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Butte'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 Butte is $376,349 ( 143.10%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $262,998, experienced hygienists can earn up to $639,347.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$307,782
2025 BLS Actual
$251,673
2026 Current Est.
$262,998
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Butte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $307,782 | Actual |
| 2020 | $337,796 | Actual |
| 2021 | $291,684 | Actual |
| 2022 | $185,691 | Actual |
| 2023 | $210,695 | Actual |
| 2024 | $187,073 | Actual |
| 2025 | $251,673 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $262,998 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $274,833 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Butte, MT grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $307,782 in 2019 to $251,673 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $274,833. New graduates entering the Butte job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Butte 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 Butte
In Butte, various healthcare facilities engage new graduate anesthesiologists, each offering unique opportunities for early-career professionals. Academic medical centers typically provide exposure to a diverse range of case types, which can be beneficial for skill development. Large group practices often recruit residents directly from their training programs, presenting partnership tracks that can lead to greater earning potential in just a couple of years. Meanwhile, lifestyle-focused new grads might find outpatient surgery centers appealing, particularly as these settings often entail more predictable hours and reduced call obligations. To enhance starting pay, credentials such as an MD or DO, completion of a four-year anesthesiology residency, and ABA board certification including MOCA can set candidates apart. Given that the compensation model for anesthesiologists shows a divergence influenced by hospital employment or private practice ownership, effective strategies and ongoing education will be essential for realistic salary advancement during the first 1-3 years.
More salary data for Butte, MT:
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 Butte. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Butte 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