Anesthesiologist Hourly Pay in Helena, MT: $214.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a anesthesiologist working in Helena, MT runs $214.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $446,820 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1211). Weighted against Helena's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $223.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $268,096 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Helena, MT, the anesthesiologist hourly pay is projected to reach $214.82 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $196.69 per hour by a margin of over 9%. This means that anesthesiologists who work part-time, for instance on a three-day weekly schedule, can expect to earn a substantial amount, potentially taking home around $133,000 annually for 24 hours of work each week. For per-diem anesthesiologists, hourly pay can fluctuate based on their specific roles, especially in high-demand environments like main operating rooms or cardiac catheterization labs, with entry-level rates starting around $124.60 and reaching as high as $296.79 for those at the top tier of the profession. Considering the current job market in Helena, where only seven anesthesiologists are employed, these estimates give a nuanced reflection of the earning potential in this niche.
About the Helena Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($345,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Anesthesiologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $124.60 | $996.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $154.67 | $1237.36 |
| Median (P50) | $214.82 | $1718.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $270.81 | $2166.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $296.79 | $2374.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Helena
Based on $214.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $214.82/hr, a anesthesiologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Helena, MT can expect to earn approximately $446,827 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $257,785. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Helena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Helena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $8,592.83 | $37,236 | $446,827 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $5,155.70 | $22,341 | $268,096 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $3,437.13 | $14,894 | $178,731 |
Compare ANES Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist (Helena) | $214.82 |
| 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 Helena, MT earn a median of $446,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.22% higher than the national median of $409,107 and 4.20% below the Montana state average of $466,409.
Anesthesiologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $214.82/hr = $268,096/year (purchasing power: $278,686).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $446,827/year (purchasing power: $464,477).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$157.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$205.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$214.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Helena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $157.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $164.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $172.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $180.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $188.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $152.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $205.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $214.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $224.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for anesthesiologists in Helena grew 30.2% from $157.86/hr (2019) to $205.57/hr (2025). At a 4.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $224.49/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 Helena 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 Helena
When discussing the financial implications for anesthesiologists in Helena, various employment structures present different earning scenarios. A part-time anesthesiologist working 24 hours a week can see modest earnings compared to full-time peers, yet many prefer this arrangement for flexibility. Per diem anesthesiologist pay in Helena offers lucrative opportunities, with rates that can bill between $1,800 and $3,000 per day depending on the complexity of procedures, and many agencies handle additional logistics like lodging and malpractice coverage. The type of employer significantly alters earning potential; for instance, W-2 employed positions in hospital systems might offer lower hourly rates but come with job security and benefits, while private group practices could incentivize higher compensation through partnership opportunities. Negotiating these terms in Helena means considering both hourly rates and benefits carefully, as acceptance of lower pay might align with higher job security and healthcare coverage, a significant trade-off that varies with individual career goals among anesthesiologists.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for anesthesiologists in Helena in 2026?
How much do part-time anesthesiologists make in Helena?
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Do anesthesiologists earn more per hour working part-time in Helena?
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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 Helena. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Helena 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