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 88.9 — 11% 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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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 Tulsa
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 $407,896 — 0.3% below the national median.
Return on Investment
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $276,865 | Actual |
| 2020 | $303,864 | Actual |
| 2021 | $262,384 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,038 | Actual |
| 2023 | $189,530 | Actual |
| 2024 | $184,669 | Actual |
| 2025 | $226,392 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $236,580 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $247,226 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tulsa 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 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.
More salary data for Tulsa, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 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).
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