Anesthesiologist Salary in Iowa: $372,248 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Iowa's 26 metropolitan areas, the average median anesthesiologist pay sits at $372,248/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1211. Because Iowa sits at BEA RPP 90.4 (10% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $411,779 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Iowa City ($407,230), Davenport ($365,439), Des Moines ($364,014).
In Iowa, the average median salary for anesthesiologists in 2026 is projected to be $372,248, which is about 9.0% less than the national median of $409,107. The highest-paying city in the state is Iowa City, where anesthesiologists can expect salaries around $425,555, while Fort Dodge offers the lowest at $339,480, a disparity of $86,075. This salary variation can be attributed to factors such as the cost of living, demand for medical specialties, and the concentration of healthcare facilities in urban versus rural areas. Iowa’s licensing requirements and scope of practice laws are comparable to those in other states but can influence the job market significantly. With an expected annual growth rate of 4.50%, the demand for anesthesiologists in Iowa is driven by an increasing population and the ongoing need for surgical services. Currently, there are 303 anesthesiologists employed in the state, a number that reflects steady interest and opportunities in the field. The projected salaries and growth indicate a stable working environment for professionals considering a career in anesthesia in Iowa, especially in metropolitan areas like Iowa City, Davenport, and Des Moines, which rank among the highest for compensation in the state.
Iowa Anesthesiologist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Iowa: $85,721 (lowest entry-level) to $577,961 (highest top earner)
Iowa vs National Average
Iowa anesthesiologists earn 9.01% less than the national median ($-36,859/year difference).
Iowa Anesthesiologist Salary Distribution (2026)
Anesthesiologist salaries in Iowa range from $194,637 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $508,924 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $372,248. The Iowa median is $36,859 below the US national median of $409,107. The average hourly rate is $178.97/hr. Approximately 303 anesthesiologists are employed across 26 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$273,539
2025 BLS Actual
$356,218
2026 Current Est.
$372,248
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Iowa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $273,539 | Actual |
| 2020 | $285,848 | Actual |
| 2021 | $298,711 | Actual |
| 2022 | $312,153 | Actual |
| 2023 | $326,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $320,618 | Actual |
| 2025 | $356,218 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $372,248 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $388,999 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Iowa metropolitan area, the median anesthesiologist salary grew 30.2% from $273,539 (2019) to $356,218 (2025). At a 4.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $388,999 by 2027 — a total increase of $115,460 (42.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Iowa 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Iowa
Lowest Paying Cities in Iowa
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Fort Dodge | $339,480 |
| Johnston | $343,263 |
| Ottumwa | $344,097 |
| Muscatine | $345,404 |
| Clinton | $347,045 |
Best Value Cities for Anesthesiologists in Iowa
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Iowa cities offer the most purchasing power for anesthesiologists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City | $425,555 | 91.509 | $465,042 |
| Davenport | $381,884 | 90.4 | $422,438 |
| Des Moines | $380,395 | 90.4 | $420,791 |
| Dubuque | $374,233 | 90.4 | $413,975 |
| Sioux City | $372,505 | 90.4 | $412,063 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $194,637 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $372,248 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $508,924 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Iowa metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 26 Cities in Iowa
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa City | $425,555 |
| 2 | Davenport | $381,884 |
| 3 | Des Moines | $380,395 |
| 4 | Dubuque | $374,233 |
| 5 | Sioux City | $372,505 |
| 6 | Ames | $368,024 |
| 7 | Cedar Rapids | $367,749 |
| 8 | Cedar Falls | $366,386 |
| 9 | Marion | $363,660 |
| 10 | West Des Moines | $361,404 |
| 11 | Waterloo | $359,940 |
| 12 | Ankeny | $359,412 |
| 13 | Council Bluffs | $357,157 |
| 14 | Burlington | $355,110 |
| 15 | Waukee | $353,831 |
| 16 | Urbandale | $353,356 |
| 17 | Bettendorf | $353,328 |
| 18 | Marshalltown | $352,237 |
| 19 | Coralville | $351,773 |
| 20 | Mason City | $350,143 |
| 21 | North Liberty | $348,769 |
| 22 | Clinton | $347,045 |
| 23 | Muscatine | $345,404 |
| 24 | Ottumwa | $344,097 |
| 25 | Johnston | $343,263 |
| 26 | Fort Dodge | $339,480 |
More Iowa Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced anesthesiologists.
Explore More Anesthesiologist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do anesthesiologists make in Iowa in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for anesthesiologists in Iowa?
How does Iowa anesthesiologist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level anesthesiologist salary in Iowa?
How many anesthesiologists are employed in Iowa?
Which Iowa city offers the best value for anesthesiologists?
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
Statewide 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. A 4.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 anesthesiologist compensation across Iowa. State averages are employment-weighted across 26 metro areas — larger metro areas with more anesthesiologistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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