Anesthesiologist Salary in Washington: $591,654 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Washington's 49 metropolitan areas, the average median anesthesiologist pay sits at $591,654/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1211. Because Washington sits at BEA RPP 107.4 (7% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $550,888 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Bellevue ($653,270), Seattle ($646,930), Tacoma ($636,139).

The anesthesiologist job market in Washington is strong, with an average median salary projected at $591,654 for 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $409,107, reflecting a difference of +44.6%. Bellevue leads the state with the highest salaries, offering $682,667, while Tukwila presents the lowest at $406,129. This salary gap, approximately $276,538, can be attributed to factors such as the cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and the presence of advanced medical facilities in cities like Bellevue and Seattle, which pay $676,042. The projected total number of anesthesiologists employed in Washington is 1,649, reflecting a healthy job market supported by a steady annual growth rate of 4.50%. Washington has specific state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that shape the professional landscape, ensuring a qualified workforce in a demanding field. Factors driving demand include an increasing population, advancements in medical technology, and a growing emphasis on surgical procedures. As the healthcare landscape evolves, anesthesiologists in Washington can expect continued opportunities and attractive compensation reflecting their vital role in patient care.
Washington Anesthesiologist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Washington: $235,554 (lowest entry-level) to $1,023,189 (highest top earner)
Washington vs National Average
Washington anesthesiologists earn 44.62% more than the national median (+$182,547/year difference).
Washington Anesthesiologist Salary Distribution (2026)
Anesthesiologist salaries in Washington range from $372,371 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $675,205 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $591,654. The Washington median is $182,547 above the US national median of $409,107. The average hourly rate is $284.45/hr. Approximately 1,649 anesthesiologists are employed across 49 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$434,765
2025 BLS Actual
$566,176
2026 Current Est.
$591,654
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $434,765 | Actual |
| 2020 | $454,329 | Actual |
| 2021 | $474,774 | Actual |
| 2022 | $496,139 | Actual |
| 2023 | $518,465 | Actual |
| 2024 | $444,931 | Actual |
| 2025 | $566,176 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $591,654 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $618,279 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Washington metropolitan area, the median anesthesiologist salary grew 30.2% from $434,765 (2019) to $566,176 (2025). At a 4.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $618,279 by 2027 — a total increase of $183,514 (42.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Washington 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 Washington
Lowest Paying Cities in Washington
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Tukwila | $406,129 |
| Mountlake Terrace | $406,757 |
| Covington | $412,473 |
| Kenmore | $412,505 |
| Oak Harbor | $415,182 |
Best Value Cities for Anesthesiologists in Washington
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Washington cities offer the most purchasing power for anesthesiologists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue | $682,667 | 107.4 | $635,630 |
| Tacoma | $664,765 | 107.4 | $618,962 |
| Seattle | $676,042 | 111.133 | $608,318 |
| Spokane Valley | $452,313 | 107.4 | $421,148 |
| Renton | $450,857 | 107.4 | $419,792 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $372,371 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $591,654 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $675,205 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Washington metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 49 Cities in Washington
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bellevue | $682,667 |
| 2 | Seattle | $676,042 |
| 3 | Tacoma | $664,765 |
| 4 | Spokane Valley | $452,313 |
| 5 | Renton | $450,857 |
| 6 | Vancouver | $446,632 |
| 7 | Everett | $446,491 |
| 8 | Spokane | $445,520 |
| 9 | Richland | $444,052 |
| 10 | Marysville | $443,147 |
| 11 | Shoreline | $440,711 |
| 12 | Bellingham | $439,007 |
| 13 | Redmond | $438,971 |
| 14 | Kent | $438,609 |
| 15 | Kirkland | $437,893 |
| 16 | Burien | $437,336 |
| 17 | Kennewick | $435,909 |
| 18 | Federal Way | $435,414 |
| 19 | Des Moines | $435,320 |
| 20 | Olympia | $435,195 |
| 21 | Auburn | $434,308 |
| 22 | Lakewood | $434,135 |
| 23 | Issaquah | $433,888 |
| 24 | Lacey | $431,420 |
| 25 | Sammamish | $431,037 |
| 26 | University Place | $430,888 |
| 27 | SeaTac | $430,546 |
| 28 | Tumwater | $430,103 |
| 29 | Pasco | $428,706 |
| 30 | Longview | $428,501 |
| 31 | Mount Vernon | $427,409 |
| 32 | Edmonds | $426,080 |
| 33 | Lake Stevens | $424,954 |
| 34 | Lynnwood | $424,682 |
| 35 | Moses Lake | $423,863 |
| 36 | Bothell | $423,557 |
| 37 | Pullman | $421,682 |
| 38 | Puyallup | $420,726 |
| 39 | Ellensburg | $419,147 |
| 40 | Maple Valley | $417,999 |
| 41 | Bremerton | $417,556 |
| 42 | Walla Walla | $417,078 |
| 43 | Camas | $416,942 |
| 44 | Wenatchee | $416,602 |
| 45 | Oak Harbor | $415,182 |
| 46 | Kenmore | $412,505 |
| 47 | Covington | $412,473 |
| 48 | Mountlake Terrace | $406,757 |
| 49 | Tukwila | $406,129 |
More Washington Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced anesthesiologists.
Compare Cities in Washington
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do anesthesiologists make in Washington in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for anesthesiologists in Washington?
How does Washington anesthesiologist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level anesthesiologist salary in Washington?
How many anesthesiologists are employed in Washington?
Which Washington 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 Washington. State averages are employment-weighted across 49 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