Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Great Falls, MT: $269,899 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Great Falls, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $269,899 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Great Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $280,560 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($465,345) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field as anesthesiologists in Great Falls, Montana, the starting salary can be quite competitive. In 2026, the entry-level anesthesiologist salary in Great Falls is projected to be $269,899, which is notably lower than the city’s median annual compensation of $465,345. This initial figure represents a significant gap but comes with a clear growth trajectory. Over the first three to five years, those starting at $269,899 can realistically expect their salaries to rise, with the 25th percentile reaching around $335,048 as they gain experience and proficiency in the field. Given this context and the overall healthcare environment in Great Falls, the market appears promising for new anesthesiology graduates eager to begin their careers.
About the Great Falls Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($345,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Great Falls
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 Great Falls
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Great Falls, MT typically start between $269,899 and $335,048 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $411,655 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $465,345 — 13.75% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Montana of $240,000 represents just 88.92% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($269,899/year) in Great Falls. 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 Great Falls
- 1Research the Great Falls market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $269,899 to $335,048, 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 Great Falls, 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 Great Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Great Falls'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 Great Falls is $411,655 ( 152.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $269,899, experienced hygienists can earn up to $681,554.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$315,859
2025 BLS Actual
$258,277
2026 Current Est.
$269,899
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $315,859 | Actual |
| 2020 | $346,660 | Actual |
| 2021 | $299,338 | Actual |
| 2022 | $190,564 | Actual |
| 2023 | $216,224 | Actual |
| 2024 | $191,982 | Actual |
| 2025 | $258,277 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $269,899 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $282,045 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Great Falls, MT grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $315,859 in 2019 to $258,277 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $282,045. New graduates entering the Great Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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 Great Falls
In Great Falls, various employers are actively hiring newly minted anesthesiologists, enriching the job market for recent graduates. Academic medical centers provide a diverse case mix, essential for new professionals seeking exposure to a wide range of procedures, while large group practices often recruit directly from residency programs, offering clear pathways to partnership within two to three years. Alternatively, lifestyle-driven graduates might prefer outpatient surgery centers, which tend to offer positions with no on-call requirements. It's crucial for new anesthesiologists to focus on continuing education and credentials, such as obtaining ABA board certification and possibly pursuing one-year fellowships to enhance their starting pay. Understanding the differences between W-2 hospital employment and private group partnership models, which have evolved post-2010s consolidation, can dramatically influence one’s earning potential in the first few years. Realistic expectations for salary growth in this competitive market will help guide new professionals through their early career phases while aligning with the standards set by the ASA.
More salary data for Great Falls, 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 Great Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Great Falls 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