Anesthesiologist Salary in Boston, MA: $559,232 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time anesthesiologist in Boston, MA earns a median $559,232/year (≈ $268.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1211). Once you factor in Boston's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $515,421 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.7% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, anesthesiologists in Boston, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $559,232, which is significantly higher than the national median of $409,107. Local salaries range from $324,354 at the 10th percentile to $847,802 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust market for specialized practitioners. The strong demand for anesthesiologists in Boston is partly propelled by advanced subspecialty fellowships, including pain management and critical care, which can significantly boost earning potential. Estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, reflecting Boston's position as a competitive market for medical professionals.
About the Boston Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($410,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $324,354 | $155.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $402,647 | $193.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $559,232 | $268.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $705,826 | $339.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $847,802 | $407.60 |
Median Salary Position
36.70% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boston
In Boston, MA, the anesthesiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $523,448 (2026 est.). At $559,232, the local median is 36.7% above the national median of $409,107.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Boston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Boston Anesthesiologist Pay Compares
Boston median: $559,232/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Boston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $519,250 | +7.70% more |
| National Average | $409,107 | +36.70% more |
Anesthesiologists in Boston, MA earn a median of $559,232 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.70% higher than the national median of $409,107 and 7.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $519,250.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Boston has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Boston, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $559,232 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $515,421 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$410,939
2025 BLS Actual
$535,150
2026 Current Est.
$559,232
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $410,939 | Actual |
| 2020 | $429,432 | Actual |
| 2021 | $448,756 | Actual |
| 2022 | $468,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $490,053 | Actual |
| 2024 | $478,997 | Actual |
| 2025 | $535,150 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $559,232 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $584,397 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boston metropolitan area, the median anesthesiologist salary grew 30.2% from $410,939 (2019) to $535,150 (2025). At a 4.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $584,397 by 2027 — a total increase of $173,458 (42.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boston 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) | $324,354 – $402,647 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $402,647 – $559,232 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $559,232 – $705,826 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $705,826 – $847,802 |
ANES salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual anesthesiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Anesthesiologist Job Market in Boston
With 174 anesthesiologists currently practicing in the area, Boston's job market holds substantial opportunities. However, the cost of living is elevated, evidenced by a cost-of-living index of 108.5, which can affect the real purchasing power of salaries in this city. Among local employers, large hospital systems typically offer the best compensation packages, with the potential for benefits from RVU-based bonuses. In contrast, private anesthesia groups may present partnership opportunities which can be financially lucrative, driven by factors such as case volume and call burdens. The disparity between the lower and higher end of salary figures is influenced by clinical demands, fellowship training, and whether anesthesiologists are employed on a W-2 or 1099 basis. Strategies to maximize pay in this environment may include seeking subspecialty fellowship training, negotiating contracts effectively, and considering the benefits of group versus hospital employment models.
More salary data for Boston, MA:
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
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 $535,150 for anesthesiologistsin the Boston 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
Salary data for Boston 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