Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Spearfish, SD: $226,068 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Spearfish, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $226,068 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Spearfish's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $243,608 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($389,772) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the anesthesiology field in Spearfish, SD, can expect a starting salary of around $226,068 in 2026. While this figure is considerably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $389,772, it represents a foundational entry point from which newly minted anesthesiologists can build their careers. Over the first few years, as skills and experience accumulate, salaries are projected to rise, hitting approximately $280,636 for those in the 25th percentile. This steady growth trajectory offers promising career advancement potential. Given Spearfish’s relatively favorable cost of living index at 92.8, new grad anesthesiologists can find this market a supportive environment for establishing their careers.
About the Spearfish Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Spearfish
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 Spearfish
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Spearfish, SD typically start between $226,068 and $280,636 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $283,173 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $389,772 — 4.73% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in South Dakota of $245,000 represents just 108.37% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($226,068/year) in Spearfish. 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 Spearfish
- 1Research the Spearfish market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $226,068 to $280,636, 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 SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Spearfish, 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 Spearfish for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Spearfish'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 Spearfish is $283,173 ( 125.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $226,068, experienced hygienists can earn up to $509,241.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$264,563
2025 BLS Actual
$216,333
2026 Current Est.
$226,068
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Spearfish (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $264,563 | Actual |
| 2020 | $290,363 | Actual |
| 2021 | $250,725 | Actual |
| 2022 | $159,616 | Actual |
| 2023 | $181,109 | Actual |
| 2024 | $183,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $216,333 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $226,068 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $236,241 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Spearfish, SD grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $264,563 in 2019 to $216,333 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $236,241. New graduates entering the Spearfish job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spearfish 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 Spearfish
In Spearfish, numerous healthcare employers, such as regional hospitals and outpatient surgery centers, are possible starting points for new anesthesiologists. Academic medical centers in the area often provide a broad case mix that is ideal for early-career professionals looking to gain diverse experiences across cardiac, pediatric, and transplant procedures. Large group practices frequently recruit directly from residency, presenting opportunities for partnership tracks within two to three years. To raise starting pay levels in South Dakota, obtaining credentials like ABA board certification, which includes the Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology (MOCA), is essential. Newly graduated anesthesiologists may find themselves in an evolving landscape, where the distinction between W-2 hospital employment and private equity-backed group practices significantly influences compensation structures. As the first few years unfold, realistic salary growth expectations will align with experience and market dynamics, generally reflecting a positive career financial trajectory with a growth rate of 4.50%.
More salary data for Spearfish, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Spearfish in 2026?
How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Spearfish?
Is anesthesiology school worth it in Spearfish?
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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 Spearfish. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Spearfish 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