Anesthesiologist Hourly Pay in Denver, CO: $90.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a anesthesiologist working in Denver, CO runs $90.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $187,254 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1211). Weighted against Denver's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.8, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $85.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $112,353 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

Anesthesiologists in Denver, CO, earn a median hourly rate of $90.03, significantly less than the national hourly median of $196.69. This pay structure profoundly impacts both full-time and part-time professionals, as those working a typical three-day week (24 hours) can expect to earn approximately $61,200 annually based on this rate. For anesthesiologists interested in per diem opportunities within various healthcare settings—such as main operating rooms, cardiac catheterization labs, and ambulatory surgery centers—the hourly pay varies widely from $65.00 at the lower end (P10) to $228.27 at the top end (P90). This diverse range illustrates the earning potential for entry-level anesthesiologists versus those at the peak of their careers, while also reflecting the diversity of practice environments available in the Denver area.
Anesthesiologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65.00 | $519.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84.69 | $677.49 |
| Median (P50) | $90.03 | $720.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $175.51 | $1404.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $228.27 | $1826.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Denver
Based on $90.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $90.03/hr, a anesthesiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Denver, CO can expect to earn approximately $187,256 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $108,032. With a cost-of-living index of 105.78 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Denver.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Denver
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,601.07 | $15,605 | $187,256 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,160.64 | $9,363 | $112,353 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,440.43 | $6,242 | $74,902 |
Compare ANES Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist (Denver) | $90.03 |
| Surgeon, All Other (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Radiologist (National Avg) | $168.27 |
| Nurse Anesthetist (National Avg) | $106.73 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $64.13 |
Anesthesiologists in Denver, CO earn a median of $187,254 per year (2026 est.), which is 54.23% lower than the national median of $409,107 and 56.40% below the Colorado state average of $429,481.
Anesthesiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $90.03/hr = $112,353/year (purchasing power: $106,212).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $187,256/year (purchasing power: $177,020).
CoL index: 105.782 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$86.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$90.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Denver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $69.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $72.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $75.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $78.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $216.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $86.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for anesthesiologists in Denver grew 30.2% from $66.15/hr (2019) to $86.15/hr (2025). At a 4.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $94.08/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem anesthesiologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Denver 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.
Working as an Hourly Anesthesiologist in Denver
Looking at part-time earnings, an anesthesiologist working three days a week is likely to take home a substantially lower income compared to a full-time practitioner, with only $61,200 annually versus a higher figure achieved by full employment. For per diem anesthesiologists, pay can fluctuate significantly; they often bill between $1,800 and $3,000 per day, especially for specialized procedures. Additionally, the type of employment can heavily influence earning potential in Denver. Hospital systems typically provide steady employment with benefits, while private practices often offer higher hourly rates without those perks, presenting a trade-off. Negotiations can be intricate; new anesthesiologists should weigh the value of insurance and retirement benefits against the allure of a higher hourly rate with staffing agencies. Understanding the unique aspects of compensation and benefits across different employer types is crucial for professionals in this field as they pursue their career paths.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for anesthesiologists in Denver. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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