Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Lake Stevens, WA: $246,474 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Lake Stevens, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $246,474 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lake Stevens's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $229,492 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($424,954) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting out in the field of anesthesiology can be lucrative, particularly in Lake Stevens, Washington, where the entry-level anesthesiologist salary is projected to begin at $246,474 in 2026. For new graduates, this base salary contrasts with the city’s median salary of $424,954, highlighting a significant gap as they establish their careers. However, there is a clear path for salary growth; entry-level anesthesiologists can expect to see their earnings rise substantially over the first few years, with potential salaries reaching around $305,968 at the 25th percentile. Given the projected growth rate of 4.50%, Lake Stevens presents a promising environment for new grads looking to build a stable and rewarding career in anesthesiology.
About the Lake Stevens Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lake Stevens
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 Lake Stevens
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Lake Stevens, WA typically start between $246,474 and $305,968 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $322,560 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $424,954 — 3.87% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Washington of $320,000 represents just 129.83% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($246,474/year) in Lake Stevens. 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 Lake Stevens
- 1Research the Lake Stevens market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $246,474 to $305,968, 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 Lake Stevens, 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 Lake Stevens for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lake Stevens'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 Lake Stevens is $322,560 ( 130.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $246,474, experienced hygienists can earn up to $569,034.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$288,444
2025 BLS Actual
$235,860
2026 Current Est.
$246,474
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Lake Stevens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $288,444 | Actual |
| 2020 | $316,572 | Actual |
| 2021 | $273,357 | Actual |
| 2022 | $174,024 | Actual |
| 2023 | $197,457 | Actual |
| 2024 | $247,012 | Actual |
| 2025 | $235,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $246,474 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $257,565 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lake Stevens, WA grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $288,444 in 2019 to $235,860 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $257,565. New graduates entering the Lake Stevens job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens
In terms of job opportunities, various employers in Lake Stevens actively recruit new anesthesiology graduates. Academic medical centers often provide the most comprehensive exposure, allowing early-career professionals to handle diverse cases, including cardiac and pediatric anesthetics. Large group practices frequently hire directly from residency programs and may offer pathways to partnership within a few years. For those seeking a lifestyle-focused role, outpatient surgery centers offer appealing positions without the demands of call hours. To enhance starting pay, newly minted anesthesiologists should focus on obtaining key credentials such as ABA board certification and maintaining DEA and state registrations. As these professionals navigate their first few years, understanding the dynamics of potential employment models is crucial; there's a noticeable divide in compensation between W-2 hospital positions and opportunities within private equity-backed or physician-owned practices. This nuanced environment can influence salary trajectories significantly, suggesting that new graduates should remain adaptive while building their careers in anesthesiology.
More salary data for Lake Stevens, 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 Lake Stevens. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lake Stevens 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