Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Cleveland, OH: $229,221 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Cleveland, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $229,221 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cleveland's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $252,724 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($395,208) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of anesthesiology in Cleveland, Ohio, a starting anesthesiologist salary of around $229,221 is a realistic expectation in 2026. This figure is notably below the city's median annual salary of $395,208, indicating a significant gap that new graduates should consider. Over the first few years of their careers, entry-level professionals can realistically anticipate pay increases as they gain experience and prove their expertise. With a growth trajectory that moves from the 10th percentile up through the 25th percentile, new graduates have the potential to reach the median salary within their first three to five years of practice in Cleveland, making it a promising market for newcomers in the profession.
About the Cleveland Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($375,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cleveland
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 Cleveland
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Cleveland, OH typically start between $229,221 and $284,549 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $341,767 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $395,208 — 3.4% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Ohio of $280,000 represents just 122.15% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($229,221/year) in Cleveland. 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 Cleveland
- 1Research the Cleveland market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $229,221 to $284,549, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cleveland, 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 Cleveland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cleveland'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 Cleveland is $341,767 ( 149.10%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $229,221, experienced hygienists can earn up to $570,988.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$268,253
2025 BLS Actual
$219,350
2026 Current Est.
$229,221
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $268,253 | Actual |
| 2020 | $294,412 | Actual |
| 2021 | $254,222 | Actual |
| 2022 | $161,843 | Actual |
| 2023 | $183,635 | Actual |
| 2024 | $210,111 | Actual |
| 2025 | $219,350 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $229,221 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $239,536 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cleveland, OH grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $268,253 in 2019 to $219,350 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $239,536. New graduates entering the Cleveland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland 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 Cleveland
Employers in Cleveland that typically hire new grad anesthesiologists include both academic medical centers and large group practices. Academic institutions offer varied case exposure, including complex specialties like cardiac and pediatric anesthesia, which can help new anesthesiologists build their skills. Large group practices often recruit directly from residency programs, offering a pathway to partnership in a 2-3 year timeframe. Credentials significantly influence starting pay; holding an MD or DO, completing a four-year anesthesiology residency, and passing the ABA board certification with MOCA are essential. Additionally, some opt for one-year fellowships to further specialize, which may enhance their marketability. To navigate the evolving compensation landscape, understanding the distinctions between hospital-based employment and private group models—particularly how private equity influences pay structures—is critical for early-career anesthesiologists. A realistic salary increment for the first three years can vary widely based on the practice model, as the income dynamics shifted significantly after the consolidation trends post-2010s.
More salary data for Cleveland, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Cleveland in 2026?
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Is anesthesiology school worth it in Cleveland?
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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 Cleveland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cleveland 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