Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Wake Forest, NC: $240,819 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Wake Forest, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $240,819 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wake Forest's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $257,285 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($415,206) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, the projected starting anesthesiologist salary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, reports a P10 figure of $240,819, which creates a noticeable gap when compared to the area’s city median of $415,206. New graduates can realistically expect to progress through the salary range, with earnings moving from the entry-level figure towards the P25 annual salary of $298,948 within the first several years of practice. Given the city’s favorable growth trajectory, with a 4.50% annual growth rate expected over the next five years, Wake Forest presents a viable market for new anesthesiologists seeking to establish their careers. However, it's essential for fresh graduates to approach their first jobs with the understanding that, while entry pay is competitive, there is substantial potential for growth as they gain experience and further develop their skills.
About the Wake Forest Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($370,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wake Forest
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 Wake Forest
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Wake Forest, NC typically start between $240,819 and $298,948 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $357,734 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $415,206 — 1.49% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in North Carolina of $240,000 represents just 99.66% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($240,819/year) in Wake Forest. 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 Wake Forest
- 1Research the Wake Forest market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $240,819 to $298,948, 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 Wake Forest, 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 Wake Forest for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wake Forest'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 Wake Forest is $357,734 ( 148.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $240,819, experienced hygienists can earn up to $598,553.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$281,826
2025 BLS Actual
$230,449
2026 Current Est.
$240,819
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Wake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $281,826 | Actual |
| 2020 | $309,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $267,086 | Actual |
| 2022 | $170,032 | Actual |
| 2023 | $192,927 | Actual |
| 2024 | $198,038 | Actual |
| 2025 | $230,449 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $240,819 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $251,656 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Wake Forest, NC grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $281,826 in 2019 to $230,449 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $251,656. New graduates entering the Wake Forest job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest
Looking at hiring patterns in Wake Forest, new anesthesiologists are typically recruited by major academic medical centers, which provide exposure to a broad range of cases including cardiac, transplant, and pediatrics. Large group practices frequently hire directly from residency programs, often offering partnership opportunities within a 2-3 year timeframe. For those prioritizing lifestyle, outpatient surgery centers with limited call duties can be appealing. In the competitive environment of North Carolina’s anesthesiology field, obtaining board certification from the ABA, secure DEA and state-controlled substance registrations, and participating in continuing education programs can significantly enhance starting salaries. Given the differences between hospital employment models and private group partnerships that have emerged post-2010s consolidation, first-year anesthesiologists in Wake Forest should strategize their career paths accordingly, understanding how various practice models influence compensation growth, which may range substantially in the first few years of practice.
More salary data for Wake Forest, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Wake Forest in 2026?
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Is anesthesiology school worth it in Wake Forest?
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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 Wake Forest. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wake Forest 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