Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Burlington, NC: $239,310 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Burlington, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $239,310 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $255,673 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($412,605) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, North Carolina, the projected entry-level anesthesiologist salary for 2026 is approximately $239,310. This starting figure represents a significant gap from the city’s median salary of $412,605. For new graduates entering the field, it is crucial to understand the potential for salary growth over the first few years. With expected increases leading up to the 25th percentile mark of $297,076 within that timeframe, professionals can anticipate a promising trajectory as they gain experience. As of now, Burlington presents a favorable job market for anesthesiology newcomers, with the anticipated annual growth rate of 4.50% suggesting increased opportunities and competitive compensation in the near future.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($370,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
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 Burlington
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Burlington, NC typically start between $239,310 and $297,076 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $365,396 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $412,605 — 0.86% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in North Carolina of $240,000 represents just 100.29% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($239,310/year) in Burlington. 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 Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $239,310 to $297,076, 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 NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, 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 Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington'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 Burlington is $365,396 ( 152.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $239,310, experienced hygienists can earn up to $604,706.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$280,061
2025 BLS Actual
$229,005
2026 Current Est.
$239,310
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $280,061 | Actual |
| 2020 | $307,371 | Actual |
| 2021 | $265,412 | Actual |
| 2022 | $168,966 | Actual |
| 2023 | $191,718 | Actual |
| 2024 | $196,797 | Actual |
| 2025 | $229,005 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $239,310 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $250,079 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, NC grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $280,061 in 2019 to $229,005 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $250,079. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
Employers looking to hire new graduates in Burlington often include academic medical centers, which offer diverse case mixes that can be particularly advantageous for fresh graduates. Large group practices are also ideal for new anesthesiologists, as they may incorporate a partnership track within 2-3 years post-residency. For those seeking a work-life balance, outpatient surgery centers might be appealing, as they usually lack on-call requirements. Credentials such as an MD or DO, completion of an anesthesiology residency, and ABA board certification with MOCA will significantly enhance earning potential in North Carolina. Additionally, understanding the recent structural shifts in the anesthesiology sector—specifically the divergence in compensation between W-2 hospital employment and private group partnerships—will be vital for navigating one's early career. New graduates can realistically expect salary growth in the initial years, especially if they align their job search with reputable employers and pursue certification and continued education in the field.
More salary data for Burlington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is anesthesiology school worth it in Burlington?
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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 Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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