Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Salem, OR: $297,223 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Salem, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $297,223 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Salem's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $289,691 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($512,453) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of anesthesiology in Salem, Oregon, can expect an entry-level anesthesiologist salary around $297,223. While this figure is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $512,453, it serves as a solid starting point for those beginning their careers. In the first few years post-residency, entry-level anesthesiologists are likely to experience notable salary growth, moving from approximately $297,223 to $368,967 by the 25th percentile, and potentially approaching the median salary as they gain experience. Salem currently represents a promising market for new graduates, given its projected 4.50% annual growth rate, suggesting increasing demand for anesthesiology services in the area.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($385,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Salem
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 Salem
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Salem, OR typically start between $297,223 and $368,967 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $464,742 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $512,453 — 25.26% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Oregon of $300,000 represents just 100.93% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($297,223/year) in Salem. 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 Salem
- 1Research the Salem market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $297,223 to $368,967, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Salem, 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 Salem for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Salem's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Anesthesiologist Compensation Range
The anesthesiologist wage spread in Salem is $464,742 ( 156.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $297,223, experienced hygienists can earn up to $761,965.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$347,835
2025 BLS Actual
$284,424
2026 Current Est.
$297,223
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $347,835 | Actual |
| 2020 | $381,755 | Actual |
| 2021 | $329,641 | Actual |
| 2022 | $209,856 | Actual |
| 2023 | $238,113 | Actual |
| 2024 | $232,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $284,424 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $297,223 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $310,598 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Salem, OR grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $347,835 in 2019 to $284,424 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $310,598. New graduates entering the Salem job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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 Salem
Hospitals and large group practices in Salem are primary employers for newly minted anesthesiologists. Academic medical centers typically provide a diverse array of cases, including cardiac, transplant, and pediatric anesthesiology, which can be highly beneficial for fresh graduates looking to enhance their skill set. On the other hand, large practices often recruit residents directly, offering a track to partnership within a few years, appealing to those interested in stable career advancement. To boost earning potential, candidates should prioritize obtaining their MD or DO degree, completing a four-year anesthesiology residency, and achieving ABA board certification with maintenance of certification in anesthesia (MOCA). With a clear divergence in compensation strategies post-2010s consolidation, understanding whether to pursue W-2 roles or join physician-owned practices will be crucial in shaping effective compensation. In the early career phase, anesthesiologists might expect moderate salary growth, steadily increasing as they build their reputation and expertise within this dynamic field.
More salary data for Salem, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Salem in 2026?
How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Salem?
Is anesthesiology school worth it in Salem?
What do new anesthesiologists make right out of school in Salem?
How do I become a anesthesiologist in Oregon?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 Salem. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salem 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