Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in The Dalles, OR: $271,319 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the The Dalles, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $271,319 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out The Dalles's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $264,443 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($467,790) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

New graduates entering the field of anesthesiology in The Dalles, Oregon, can expect an entry-level salary of approximately $271,319 in 2026, which is notably below the city’s median annual salary of $467,790. This salary disparity reflects the typical earnings trajectory in the field, where early-career anesthesiologists often see increases as they gain experience and establish themselves professionally. Within the first three to five years, salaries can realistically rise to the 25th percentile at around $336,809, as newly minted anesthesiologists become more adaptable and proficient in diverse clinical settings. Given this positive growth trajectory alongside an annual growth rate of 4.50%, The Dalles presents a promising market for new graduates, positioning them well for solid financial futures in this essential healthcare specialty.
About the The Dalles Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($385,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in The Dalles
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 The Dalles
Entry-level anesthesiologists in The Dalles, OR typically start between $271,319 and $336,809 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $368,769 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $467,790 — 14.34% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Oregon of $300,000 represents just 110.57% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($271,319/year) in The Dalles. 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 The Dalles
- 1Research the The Dalles market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $271,319 to $336,809, 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 The Dalles, 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 The Dalles for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5The Dalles'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 The Dalles is $368,769 ( 135.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $271,319, experienced hygienists can earn up to $640,088.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$317,519
2025 BLS Actual
$259,635
2026 Current Est.
$271,319
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in The Dalles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $317,519 | Actual |
| 2020 | $348,483 | Actual |
| 2021 | $300,911 | Actual |
| 2022 | $191,566 | Actual |
| 2023 | $217,361 | Actual |
| 2024 | $212,336 | Actual |
| 2025 | $259,635 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $271,319 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $283,528 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in The Dalles, OR grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $317,519 in 2019 to $259,635 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $283,528. New graduates entering the The Dalles job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the The Dalles 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 The Dalles
Opportunities for new anesthesiologists in The Dalles may be found in a variety of healthcare settings, including local hospitals and outpatient surgical centers. Many new grads may find their footing in comprehensive academic medical centers, which offer exposure to varied case types such as cardiac and pediatric anesthesia, enhancing skill sets right out of residency. Larger group practices often recruit directly from completing residency programs and provide pathways towards partnership within a few years, creating desirable career trajectories. In Oregon, credentials significantly influence starting pay; requirements include obtaining an MD or DO degree, completing a four-year anesthesiology residency, and achieving ABA board certification with MOCA. New anesthesiologists should navigate their first few years strategically, particularly given the increasing divide in compensation trends between W-2 hospital employment and private practice models shaped by hospital systems or private equity. Salary growth in these early years can be promising as effective compensation structures vary dramatically, underscoring the importance of exploring strong employer partnerships in The Dalles.
More salary data for The Dalles, OR:
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 The Dalles. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for The Dalles 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