Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Des Moines, WA: $252,486 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Des Moines, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $252,486 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $235,089 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($435,320) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, newly graduated anesthesiologists in Des Moines, Washington, can expect a starting salary around $252,486 when entering the workforce. This initial earning potential sees a significant gap when compared to the city's median annual anesthesiologist salary of $435,320. However, there is room for upward movement as entry-level professionals gain experience; salaries tend to increase through benchmarks such as the 25th percentile at $313,430 as they progress in their early careers. Given the 4.50% growth trajectory anticipated over the next few years, Des Moines appears to be an attractive market for new graduates, offering competitive wages relative to their immediate needs and the overall healthcare industry's growth.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Moines
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 Des Moines
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Des Moines, WA typically start between $252,486 and $313,430 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $350,967 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $435,320 — 6.41% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Washington of $320,000 represents just 126.74% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($252,486/year) in Des Moines. 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 Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $252,486 to $313,430, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines'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 Des Moines is $350,967 ( 139.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $252,486, experienced hygienists can earn up to $603,453.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$295,479
2025 BLS Actual
$241,613
2026 Current Est.
$252,486
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $295,479 | Actual |
| 2020 | $324,294 | Actual |
| 2021 | $280,024 | Actual |
| 2022 | $178,269 | Actual |
| 2023 | $202,273 | Actual |
| 2024 | $253,037 | Actual |
| 2025 | $241,613 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $252,486 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $263,847 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, WA grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $295,479 in 2019 to $241,613 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $263,847. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Several medical employers in Des Moines are actively seeking new graduate anesthesiologists, prominently including academic medical centers which provide diverse case experiences ranging from cardiac surgeries to pediatric anesthesia. Large group practices often recruit directly from residency, with potential for partnership within two to three years. For entry-level anesthesiologists focusing on work-life balance, outpatient surgery centers with minimal on-call requirements may be ideal. To enhance starting pay, credentials such as an MD or DO, completion of an anesthesiology residency, and ABA board certification through MOCA are critical. Additionally, understanding the compensation dynamics—particularly the divergence seen in W-2 hospital employment versus private group partnerships—will inform new grads as they navigate their first few years. Realistic salary growth expectations suggest that while starting pay may be lower, with experience and enhanced credentials, there lies significant potential for advancement in this vibrant WA market.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Des Moines in 2026?
How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Des Moines?
Is anesthesiology school worth it in Des Moines?
What do new anesthesiologists make right out of school in Des Moines?
How do I become a anesthesiologist in Washington?
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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 Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Moines 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