Anesthesiologist Salary in Denver, CO: $187,254 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time anesthesiologist in Denver, CO earns a median $187,254/year (≈ $90.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1211). Once you factor in Denver's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 105.8), that paycheck buys what $177,019 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 56.4% below the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Denver, Colorado, the projected compensation for anesthesiologists is notably competitive with a median annual salary of $187,254, reflecting the area’s growing demand for this specialty. When considering the full salary range, which spans from $135,202 at the lower end to $474,796 at the higher end, it is evident that subspecialty fellowships significantly influence earnings in this market. Fellowships in critical care medicine, pain management, and pediatrics tend to offer a premium, thereby increasing potential income. This data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, positions the anesthesiologist salary in Denver as lower than the national median of $409,107 for 2026, highlighting the regional differences in compensation amidst a robust healthcare environment.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $135,202 | $65.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $176,135 | $84.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $187,254 | $90.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $365,060 | $175.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $474,796 | $228.27 |
Median Salary Position
54.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Denver
In Denver, CO, the anesthesiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $339,594 (2026 est.). At $187,254, the local median is 54.23% below the national median of $409,107.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Denver: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Denver Anesthesiologist Pay Compares
Denver median: $187,254/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Denver Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $429,481 | -56.40% less |
| National Average | $409,107 | -54.23% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Denver has a cost of living 5.78% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Denver, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105.782 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $187,254 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $177,019 — a 5.47% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$137,599
2025 BLS Actual
$179,190
2026 Current Est.
$187,254
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Denver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $137,599 | Actual |
| 2020 | $143,791 | Actual |
| 2021 | $150,262 | Actual |
| 2022 | $157,024 | Actual |
| 2023 | $164,090 | Actual |
| 2024 | $450,734 | Actual |
| 2025 | $179,190 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $187,254 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $195,680 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Denver metropolitan area, the median anesthesiologist salary grew 30.2% from $137,599 (2019) to $179,190 (2025). At a 4.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $195,680 by 2027 — a total increase of $58,081 (42.21%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $135,202 – $176,135 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $176,135 – $187,254 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $187,254 – $365,060 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $365,060 – $474,796 |
ANES salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual anesthesiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Anesthesiologist Job Market in Denver
The local job market for anesthesiologists in Denver shows promising growth with an anticipated annual growth rate of 4.50%. However, a cost of living index of 105.782 signifies challenges for purchasing power despite attractive salaries. Compensation varies widely among employers, with academic medical centers and private anesthesia group practices often offering the most lucrative positions due to factors like case volume and equity stakes. Those in W-2 employed roles benefit from stability but may see lesser bonuses compared to 1099 contractors. Strategies for maximizing anesthesiologist pay in Denver would include pursuing high-demand fellowships, negotiating contracts that reflect case responsibility, and considering geographical factors when evaluating job offers. Understanding the distinctions among employment models—such as the differences between hospital-owned versus private equity practices—can also provide avenues for better financial outcomes.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can anesthesiologists make $100K in Denver?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $179,190 for anesthesiologistsin the Denver metropolitan area. A 4.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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