Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Ellensburg, WA: $243,106 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Ellensburg, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $243,106 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ellensburg's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $226,356 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($419,147) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the anesthesiology field in Ellensburg, Washington, realistic expectations for starting salaries are crucial. In 2026, entry-level anesthesiologists can anticipate salaries beginning around $243,106, which is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $419,147. This indicates a substantial gap that many new grads will need to navigate in their early careers. However, there’s potential for growth as experience accumulates; over the first three to five years, earnings may increase from the 25th percentile at $301,787, nearing the median with continued professional development. Given the projected annual growth rate of 4.50%, Ellensburg presents a favorable market for fresh graduates willing to embrace the learning curve and gradually move up the pay scale.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ellensburg
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 Ellensburg
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Ellensburg, WA typically start between $243,106 and $301,787 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $314,789 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $419,147 — 2.45% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Washington of $320,000 represents just 131.63% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($243,106/year) in Ellensburg. 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 Ellensburg
- 1Research the Ellensburg market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $243,106 to $301,787, 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 Ellensburg, 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 Ellensburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ellensburg'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 Ellensburg is $314,789 ( 129.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $243,106, experienced hygienists can earn up to $557,895.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$284,502
2025 BLS Actual
$232,637
2026 Current Est.
$243,106
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $284,502 | Actual |
| 2020 | $312,246 | Actual |
| 2021 | $269,621 | Actual |
| 2022 | $171,646 | Actual |
| 2023 | $194,758 | Actual |
| 2024 | $243,636 | Actual |
| 2025 | $232,637 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $243,106 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $254,045 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Ellensburg, WA grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $284,502 in 2019 to $232,637 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $254,045. New graduates entering the Ellensburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg
When it comes to employment opportunities for newly minted anesthesiologists, several local healthcare settings are actively hiring. Academic medical centers in and around Ellensburg offer a diverse caseload, which can be appealing to new grads eager to gain experience in various areas such as cardiac and pediatric anesthesiology. Large group practices often recruit directly from residency programs and usually provide a pathway to partnership in two to three years. Moreover, outpatient surgery centers are attractive to those seeking a balanced lifestyle with no call responsibilities. With an MD or DO degree, completion of a four-year anesthesiology residency, and obtaining board certification through the ABA essential for enhancing starting pay, candidates should consider this professional trajectory seriously. Realistic salary growth expectations during the first few years may reflect differences between employment models; specifically, recent shifts in compensation structures—especially since the consolidation wave in the 2010s—suggest that understanding the distinctions between W-2 hospital employment and private group practices is vital for new graduates. As they progress, those who stay informed and engaged within organizations like the ASA will certainly find opportunities to elevate their earnings in a changing landscape.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Ellensburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ellensburg 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