Anesthesiologist Pay

Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Tulsa, OK: $236,580 (2026)

Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Tulsa, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $236,580 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Tulsa's local price level (BEA RPP 88.911% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $266,119 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($407,896) within a few years of clinical practice.

$236,580
Starting Salary
$113.74/hr
Starting Hourly
$236,580
Entry Level
$407,896
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Anesthesiologist Entry Level Salary in Tulsa, OK — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Tulsa, OK anesthesiologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For those entering the field of anesthesiology in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the starting anesthesiologist salary in 2026 is projected at $236,580. This entry-level pay falls significantly short of the city’s median annual salary of $407,896, highlighting a considerable gap for new graduates. However, with experience, there's a recommended growth trajectory: early-career professionals can anticipate moving from the P10 level to the P25 benchmark, which stands at $293,685. This progression toward the median demonstrates the potential for substantial salary increases within just a few years, making Tulsa a reasonable market for new grads seeking first-job opportunities. Furthermore, with a solid annual growth rate of 4.50%, aspiring anesthesiologists can find promising pathways to increase their earning potential over time in this dynamic healthcare environment.

About the Tulsa Market

Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($345,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Tulsa

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$236,580/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$293,685/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$407,896/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$522,107/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tulsa

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for anesthesiologists in Tulsa. The median salary is $407,896, compared to the national median of $409,107.$212.9K$320.1K$427.4K$534.6K$641.8K$236.6K10th Pctl$293.7K25th Pctl$407.9KMedian$522.1K75th Pctl$611.2K90th PctlUS Median$409.1K

Entry-level anesthesiologists in Tulsa, OK typically start between $236,580 and $293,685 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $374,669 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $407,8960.3% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of anesthesiologist pay in the Tulsa metro area.

Return on Investment

$225,000
Avg OK Program Cost
$236,580
Starting Salary
95.11%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average anesthesiology program cost in Oklahoma of $225,000 represents just 95.11% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($236,580/year) in Tulsa. 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 Tulsa

  • 1Research the Tulsa market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $236,580 to $293,685, 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 OK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Tulsa, 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 Tulsa for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Tulsa'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 Tulsa is $374,669 ( 158.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $236,580, experienced hygienists can earn up to $611,249.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$276,865

2025 BLS Actual

$226,392

2026 Current Est.

$236,580

2019–2027 Growth

+-10.7%

Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Tulsa (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for anesthesiologists in Tulsa. Baseline $276,865 in 2025, projected to $247,226 by 2027.$139.7K$187.6K$235.5K$283.3K$331.2K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$276.9K$303.9K$262.4K$167.0K$189.5K$184.7K$226.4K$236.6K$247.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$276,865Actual
2020$303,864Actual
2021$262,384Actual
2022$167,038Actual
2023$189,530Actual
2024$184,669Actual
2025$226,392Actual
2026(current)$236,580Estimated
2027$247,226Projected

Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Tulsa, OK grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $276,865 in 2019 to $226,392 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $247,226. New graduates entering the Tulsa job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tulsa metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Tulsa

In Tulsa, various employers actively seek newly graduated anesthesiologists, primarily academic medical centers and large group practices. Academic institutions provide a broad range of clinical exposure, including specialties like cardiac and pediatric anesthesia, catering to new grads eager to build a diverse skill set. Large group practices frequently recruit directly from residency programs, offering partnership tracks typically within 2-3 years, which can significantly impact long-term compensation. For those aiming for more lifestyle-focused positions, outpatient surgery centers present an attractive option, often requiring no call and flexible hours. To enhance earning potential, credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a four-year anesthesiology residency, and board certification from the ABA are essential. First-year salaries often begin conservatively but can increase as professionals navigate different employment models—particularly in the wake of the consolidation patterns seen post-2010. Understanding the differences between hospital employment and private practice is critical; these two environments can yield different compensation experiences, affected by larger industry trends and their alignment with the ASA's guidelines for board certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Tulsa in 2026?

Entry-level anesthesiologists in Tulsa start at approximately $236,580/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.50% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $113.74/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Tulsa?

Most anesthesiologists in Tulsa progress from the entry-level salary of $236,580 to the area median of $407,896 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $611,249 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is anesthesiology school worth it in Tulsa?

With a starting salary of $236,580/year in Tulsa and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new anesthesiologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new anesthesiologists make right out of school in Tulsa?

New anesthesiology graduates in Tulsa typically start near the 10th percentile at $236,580/year, or approximately $113.74/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a anesthesiologist in Oklahoma?

To become a licensed anesthesiologist in Oklahoma, you typically need doctor of medicine (md) or doctor of osteopathy (do) degree and completion of a residency in anesthesiology., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Oklahoma, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some anesthesiologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Oklahoma

MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Raj Patel, MDData verified by Dr. Amina Khan, MD

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 Tulsa. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Tulsa is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

Last verified: