Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Ithaca, NY: $275,192 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Ithaca, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $275,192 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ithaca's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $237,439 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($474,470) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates entering the anesthesiology field in Ithaca, NY, the starting anesthesiologist salary is projected to be around $275,192 in 2026. While this figure represents an entry-level pay bracket, it starkly contrasts with the city’s median annual salary of $474,470, creating a considerable gap that new anesthesiologists should anticipate as they begin their careers. Early-career anesthesiologists can expect their salaries to grow over time; within the first few years in practice, those at the 25th percentile may earn approximately $341,618, ultimately working toward the median. Given the projected annual growth rate of 4.50% in this field, Ithaca presents a favorable market for fresh anesthesiology graduates, offering a solid starting point for professional growth.
About the Ithaca Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($400,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ithaca
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 Ithaca
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Ithaca, NY typically start between $275,192 and $341,618 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $360,587 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $474,470 — 15.98% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in New York of $380,000 represents just 138.09% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($275,192/year) in Ithaca. 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 Ithaca
- 1Research the Ithaca market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $275,192 to $341,618, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Ithaca, 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 Ithaca for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Ithaca's above-average cost of living (index: 115.9) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Anesthesiologist Compensation Range
The anesthesiologist wage spread in Ithaca is $360,587 ( 131.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $275,192, experienced hygienists can earn up to $635,779.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$322,053
2025 BLS Actual
$263,342
2026 Current Est.
$275,192
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Ithaca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $322,053 | Actual |
| 2020 | $353,459 | Actual |
| 2021 | $305,208 | Actual |
| 2022 | $194,301 | Actual |
| 2023 | $220,464 | Actual |
| 2024 | $264,942 | Actual |
| 2025 | $263,342 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $275,192 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $287,576 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Ithaca, NY grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $322,053 in 2019 to $263,342 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $287,576. New graduates entering the Ithaca job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ithaca 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 Ithaca
Expanding upon employment opportunities, several organizations in Ithaca, including academic medical centers, actively recruit new grad anesthesiologists. These institutions typically offer a diverse case mix, incorporating specialties like cardiac and pediatric anesthesia, providing robust early-career experiences for new physicians. Larger group practices also often hire recent graduates directly from residency, frequently paving pathways to partnership within a few years. New anesthesiologists looking to maximize their starting pay in New York should prioritize obtaining board certification from the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) and consider further specialization through optional fellowships. The current job market reflects a divide in compensation structures, influenced largely by whether practices are hospital-affiliated, private equity-owned, or physician-led. New grads can realistically anticipate salary increases as they gain experience, adding valuable credentials and clinical skills to enhance their marketability over their first three years in practice.
More salary data for Ithaca, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is anesthesiology school worth it in Ithaca?
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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 Ithaca. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ithaca 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