Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Florence, SC: $210,793 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Florence, SC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $210,793 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Florence's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $230,375 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($363,436) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the entry-level anesthesiologist salary in Florence, SC, presents new graduates with a realistic starting pay of approximately $210,793. While this figure is substantially below the city’s median salary of $363,436, it reflects a natural progression as one gains experience, with potential increases reaching $261,674 within the first few years of practice. The growth trajectory is promising, given the projected annual increase of approximately 4.50% in the market, allowing for a clearer financial pathway as early-career anesthesiologists advance. For new grads entering this specific market, Florence offers a unique opportunity, especially considering the fairly low cost of living index at 91.5 compared to the national average.
About the Florence Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($350,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Florence
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 Florence
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Florence, SC typically start between $210,793 and $261,674 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $278,573 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $363,436 — 11.16% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in South Carolina of $240,000 represents just 113.86% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($210,793/year) in Florence. 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 Florence
- 1Research the Florence market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $210,793 to $261,674, 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 SC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Florence, 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 Florence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Florence'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 Florence is $278,573 ( 132.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $210,793, experienced hygienists can earn up to $489,366.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$246,688
2025 BLS Actual
$201,716
2026 Current Est.
$210,793
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $246,688 | Actual |
| 2020 | $270,744 | Actual |
| 2021 | $233,785 | Actual |
| 2022 | $169,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $168,872 | Actual |
| 2024 | $180,338 | Actual |
| 2025 | $201,716 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $210,793 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $220,279 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Florence, SC grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $246,688 in 2019 to $201,716 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $220,279. New graduates entering the Florence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Florence 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 Florence
In Florence, various healthcare employers typically hire newly minted anesthesiologists, creating diverse career paths for early practitioners. Academic medical centers remain a strong option, as they provide a broad case mix that can accelerate skill development in fields like pediatric and cardiac anesthesiology. Alternatively, large group practices often recruit directly from residency programs, potentially allowing new grads to enter a partnership track within just 2-3 years. Outpatient surgery centers also appeal to lifestyle-focused individuals, particularly those interested in positions offering a more predictable schedule without night call responsibilities. Obtaining essential credentials holds great significance; many employers prioritize board certification through the ABA, which may include MOCA components. Furthermore, anesthesiologists may enhance their earning potential through optional fellowships and necessary state licenses. Realistically, first-year salary expectations in Florence may see modest growth as the field continues to evolve, particularly amid the shifting dynamics between hospital employment models and private group practices.
More salary data for Florence, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Florence in 2026?
How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Florence?
Is anesthesiology school worth it in Florence?
What do new anesthesiologists make right out of school in Florence?
How do I become a anesthesiologist in South Carolina?
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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 Florence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Florence 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