Anesthesiologist Pay

Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Yankton, SD: $226,635 (2026)

Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Yankton, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $226,635 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Yankton's local price level (BEA RPP 92.87% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $244,219 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($390,751) within a few years of clinical practice.

$226,635
Starting Salary
$108.96/hr
Starting Hourly
$226,635
Entry Level
$390,751
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Anesthesiologist Entry Level Salary in Yankton, SD — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Yankton, SD anesthesiologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For new graduates entering the field of anesthesiology in Yankton, South Dakota, the starting anesthesiologist salary is projected to be around $226,635 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range for entry-level positions, leaving a noticeable gap between it and the city's median annual salary of $390,751. Early-career professionals can expect incremental salary growth as they gain experience, moving from the P10 figure to approximately $281,340 at the P25 mark, and potentially reaching closer to the median over the first three to five years. Given the current rate of growth projected at 4.50% annually, Yankton proves to be a reasonable market for fresh graduates who are eager to establish their careers in a community with a lower cost of living index, which stands at 92.8 compared to the national average.

About the Yankton Market

Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Yankton

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$226,635/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$281,340/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$390,751/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$469,978/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Yankton

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for anesthesiologists in Yankton. The median salary is $390,751, compared to the national median of $409,107.$204.0K$287.5K$371.0K$454.5K$538.0K$226.6K10th Pctl$281.3K25th Pctl$390.8KMedian$470.0K75th Pctl$512.4K90th PctlUS Median$409.1K

Entry-level anesthesiologists in Yankton, SD typically start between $226,635 and $281,340 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $285,764 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $390,7514.49% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of anesthesiologist pay in the Yankton metro area.

Return on Investment

$245,000
Avg SD Program Cost
$226,635
Starting Salary
108.10%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
1.1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average anesthesiology program cost in South Dakota of $245,000 represents just 108.10% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($226,635/year) in Yankton. 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 Yankton

  • 1Research the Yankton market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $226,635 to $281,340, 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 Yankton, 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 Yankton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Yankton'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 Yankton is $285,764 ( 126.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $226,635, experienced hygienists can earn up to $512,399.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$265,227

2025 BLS Actual

$216,876

2026 Current Est.

$226,635

2019–2027 Growth

+-10.7%

Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Yankton (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for anesthesiologists in Yankton. Baseline $265,227 in 2025, projected to $236,834 by 2027.$133.8K$179.7K$225.6K$271.4K$317.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$265.2K$291.1K$251.4K$160.0K$181.6K$183.7K$216.9K$226.6K$236.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$265,227Actual
2020$291,092Actual
2021$251,355Actual
2022$160,017Actual
2023$181,564Actual
2024$183,670Actual
2025$216,876Actual
2026(current)$226,635Estimated
2027$236,834Projected

Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Yankton, SD grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $265,227 in 2019 to $216,876 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $236,834. New graduates entering the Yankton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Yankton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Yankton

Several key employers in Yankton actively recruit newly graduated anesthesiologists. Academic medical centers in the region often provide a robust case mix that includes specialties such as cardiac, pediatrics, and transplant, making them appealing for new grads keen on diverse clinical training. Alternatively, larger group practices may offer direct employment opportunities post-residency with clear partnership tracks within a few years; this can be an attractive choice for those looking to ensure not just job security but also eventual equity in the practice. Entry-level anesthesiologists can enhance their earning potential by obtaining essential credentials like ABA board certification, which necessitates a medical or osteopathic degree and completion of an anesthesiology residency. The first few years in this profession present unique challenges due to the divergence in compensation models seen since the consolidation wave post-2010. As anesthesiology contracts increasingly differentiate between W-2 hospital employment and private group partnerships, early-career anesthesiologists should strategize their career paths to align with their long-term financial goals and professional aspirations, anticipating steady salary advancements in their initial years based on the practice model they choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Yankton in 2026?

Entry-level anesthesiologists in Yankton start at approximately $226,635/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.50% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $108.96/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Yankton?

Most anesthesiologists in Yankton progress from the entry-level salary of $226,635 to the area median of $390,751 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $512,399 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is anesthesiology school worth it in Yankton?

With a starting salary of $226,635/year in Yankton and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new anesthesiologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new anesthesiologists make right out of school in Yankton?

New anesthesiology graduates in Yankton typically start near the 10th percentile at $226,635/year, or approximately $108.96/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a anesthesiologist in South Dakota?

To become a licensed anesthesiologist in South Dakota, you typically need doctor of medicine (md) or doctor of osteopathy (do) degree and completion of a residency in anesthesiology., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including South Dakota, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some anesthesiologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in South Dakota

MC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Raj Patel, MDData verified by Dr. Amina Khan, MD

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 Yankton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Yankton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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