Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Cleburne, TX: $226,445 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Cleburne, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $226,445 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cleburne's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $235,880 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($390,423) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Cleburne, TX, the entry-level anesthesiologist salary offers promising yet realistic starting points for new graduates entering the workforce in 2026. With a projected entry-level salary of $226,445, recent graduates should manage their expectations knowing that this figure is quite a distance from the city's median salary of $390,423. However, early-career anesthesiologists can anticipate a growth trajectory over the first few years. As their experience accumulates, salaries may rise to approximately $281,105 at the 25th percentile, moving closer to the median as they establish themselves in the field. Given that Cleburne has a cost of living index below the national average, starting positions in this market provide a viable option for fresh graduates eager to embark on their medical careers.
About the Cleburne Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($420,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cleburne
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 Cleburne
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Cleburne, TX typically start between $226,445 and $281,105 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $316,165 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $390,423 — 4.57% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Texas of $240,000 represents just 105.99% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($226,445/year) in Cleburne. 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 Cleburne
- 1Research the Cleburne market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $226,445 to $281,105, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cleburne, 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 Cleburne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cleburne'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 Cleburne is $316,165 ( 139.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $226,445, experienced hygienists can earn up to $542,610.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$265,005
2025 BLS Actual
$216,694
2026 Current Est.
$226,445
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Cleburne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $265,005 | Actual |
| 2020 | $290,848 | Actual |
| 2021 | $251,144 | Actual |
| 2022 | $159,883 | Actual |
| 2023 | $181,411 | Actual |
| 2024 | $232,475 | Actual |
| 2025 | $216,694 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $226,445 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $236,635 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cleburne, TX grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $265,005 in 2019 to $216,694 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $236,635. New graduates entering the Cleburne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleburne 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 Cleburne
Several employers in Cleburne actively recruit newly graduated anesthesiologists, laying the foundation for a fruitful first career step. Academic medical centers around the area provide diverse clinical experiences, covering a broad case mix from cardiac cases to pediatric anesthesia, which can be particularly advantageous for recent graduates. Larger group practices also recruit new graduates straight from residency, often featuring a partnership track that may open up options in 2-3 years. For lifestyle-focused new grads, outpatient surgery centers that require no call can be attractive. Credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a four-year anesthesiology residency, and ABA board certification greatly influence initial remuneration in Texas. Early-stage career strategies should emphasize building a solid foundation by achieving board certification through MOCA while gaining experience in a practice setting, as the compensation range has diverged considerably between W-2 hospital employment and private partnerships influenced by recent consolidations in the industry. With a projected growth rate of 4.50%, realistic salary advancement over the first three years can lead to increased earning potential, particularly for those navigating through the evolving landscape of employer models.
More salary data for Cleburne, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Cleburne in 2026?
How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Cleburne?
Is anesthesiology school worth it in Cleburne?
What do new anesthesiologists make right out of school in Cleburne?
How do I become a anesthesiologist in Texas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Cleburne. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cleburne 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