Anesthesiologist Salary in Columbia, MO: $372,462 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time anesthesiologist in Columbia, MO earns a median $372,462/year (≈ $179.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1211). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $415,694 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% above the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

An anesthesiologist in Columbia, Missouri, can expect a median annual salary of $372,462 in 2026, reflecting local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments. Salaries range widely, with the lower 10% earning approximately $216,028 and the upper 90% reaching around $554,421. This substantial variation exemplifies the influence of structural choices within the local healthcare market, particularly between W-2 hospital employment and private group partnerships. Generally, hospital systems provide stability with salaried positions, while private practices often offer the potential for higher earnings through partnership tracks and profit-sharing. Understanding this dynamic is essential for anesthesiologists seeking to optimize their compensation in Columbia.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $216,028 | $103.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $268,173 | $128.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $372,462 | $179.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $476,751 | $229.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $554,421 | $266.55 |
Median Salary Position
8.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, MO, the anesthesiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $338,393 (2026 est.). At $372,462, the local median is 8.96% below the national median of $409,107.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbia Anesthesiologist Pay Compares
Columbia median: $372,462/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $366,596 | +1.60% more |
| National Average | $409,107 | -8.96% less |
Anesthesiologists in Columbia, MO earn a median of $372,462 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.96% lower than the national median of $409,107 and 1.60% above the Missouri state average of $366,596.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A anesthesiologist earning $372,462 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $415,694 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$273,696
2025 BLS Actual
$356,423
2026 Current Est.
$372,462
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $273,696 | Actual |
| 2020 | $286,012 | Actual |
| 2021 | $298,883 | Actual |
| 2022 | $312,332 | Actual |
| 2023 | $326,387 | Actual |
| 2024 | $327,753 | Actual |
| 2025 | $356,423 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $372,462 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $389,223 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median anesthesiologist salary grew 30.2% from $273,696 (2019) to $356,423 (2025). At a 4.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $389,223 by 2027 — a total increase of $115,527 (42.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $216,028 – $268,173 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $268,173 – $372,462 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $372,462 – $476,751 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $476,751 – $554,421 |
ANES salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual anesthesiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Anesthesiologist Job Market in Columbia
In the Columbia job market, only 23 anesthesiologists are currently practicing, which can create competitive dynamics in this specialized field. With a cost-of-living index of 89.6, the real value of an anesthesiologist's take-home pay may stretch further, enhancing quality of life compared to areas with higher costs. The top-paying employers include hospital systems, academic medical centers, and private anesthesia groups, influenced by factors such as case volume and call burden. The disparities in compensation often arise from the differences in practice models, including RVU bonuses for hospital-employed physicians versus partnership equity in private practices. To maximize anesthesiologist pay in Columbia, professionals should consider positions that align with higher case volumes and explore opportunities for subspecialty fellowships or locum tenens roles that might offer greater flexibility and earnings potential.
More salary data for Columbia, MO:
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 $356,423 for anesthesiologistsin the Columbia 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 Columbia 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