Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Madison, WI: $257,587 (2026)
Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Madison, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $257,587 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Madison's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $275,789 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($444,117) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the anesthesiology field in Madison, Wisconsin can expect a starting anesthesiologist salary around $257,587. This amount represents a significant gap when compared to the city’s median salary of $444,117, highlighting the typical journey that entry-level professionals face as they gain experience and expertise. Over the initial 3 to 5 years, salaries are likely to grow, with projections indicating an increase to approximately $319,764 at the 25th percentile before reaching the median. For new clinicians in Madison, the job market shows promise, with competitive salaries and a projected growth rate of 4.50%, which can motivate fresh graduates to consider the area as a viable option for beginning their careers.
About the Madison Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($390,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Madison
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 Madison
Entry-level anesthesiologists in Madison, WI typically start between $257,587 and $319,764 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $408,686 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $444,117 — 8.56% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average anesthesiology program cost in Wisconsin of $280,000 represents just 108.70% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($257,587/year) in Madison. 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 Madison
- 1Research the Madison market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $257,587 to $319,764, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Madison, 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 Madison for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Madison'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 Madison is $408,686 ( 158.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $257,587, experienced hygienists can earn up to $666,273.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$301,450
2025 BLS Actual
$246,495
2026 Current Est.
$257,587
2019–2027 Growth
+-10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $301,450 | Actual |
| 2020 | $330,847 | Actual |
| 2021 | $285,683 | Actual |
| 2022 | $181,871 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $215,320 | Actual |
| 2025 | $246,495 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $257,587 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $269,179 | Projected |
Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Madison, WI grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $301,450 in 2019 to $246,495 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $269,179. New graduates entering the Madison job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madison 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 Madison
Multiple healthcare employers in Madison are keen on hiring newly minted anesthesiologists, particularly academic medical centers that provide a wide variety of cases, including cardiac and pediatric anesthesia. Large group practices often recruit directly from residency and extend partnership opportunities within just a few years, while lifestyle-focused graduates may prefer outpatient surgery centers that feature no on-call requirements. Credentials like an MD or DO degree, completion of a four-year anesthesiology residency, and board certification from the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) are critical for boosting starting pay in Wisconsin. Given the divergence in compensation models following the consolidation wave in the 2010s, strategic career moves during the first few years are essential. The shift from W-2 hospital employment to private group partnerships can significantly affect income trajectories, making it vital for new anesthesiologists in Madison to engage with professional organizations like the ASA and pursue board certification options like MOCA for enhanced career progression.
More salary data for Madison, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Madison in 2026?
How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Madison?
Is anesthesiology school worth it in Madison?
What do new anesthesiologists make right out of school in Madison?
How do I become a anesthesiologist in Wisconsin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 Madison. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Madison 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