Senior Anesthesiologist Salary in Memphis, TN: $615,050 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of anesthesiologists working in Memphis, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $615,050/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1211. Strip back Memphis's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $669,989 in average-cost America. The 52% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the salary for experienced anesthesiologists in Memphis, TN, is projected to reach a notable median of $404,940. This figure reflects the city's competitive market, particularly when considering the top earners who can command up to $615,050. With the potential for substantial financial growth, the experience premium for seasoned professionals in this field is clear: the gap between the median salary and the P90 figure illustrates both the value placed on expert anesthesiology and the demand for such specialists. Achieving top-tier pay in Memphis often requires a blend of advanced clinical skills, significant years of practice, and the ability to successfully navigate the nuances of various employment structures, including shifting from W-2 employment to private practice.
Compensation for senior anesthesiologists varies significantly across different employment settings in Memphis. Those specializing in areas like cardiac anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, or neuroanesthesia often see greater financial rewards due to the complexity and demand for these services. Anesthesiologists working within hospital systems may focus on salary structures tied to RVUs, offering stability, while private anesthesia groups may present lucrative partnership tracks leading to equity and a share of profits. Leadership roles also pave the way for increased earnings; individuals who ascend to positions such as department chair or anesthesia group partner usually see their compensation augmented by both their clinical contributions and operational leadership. Further enhancing earning potential are advanced credentials, such as fellowship training and ABA board certification, which strengthen one's standing within this competitive field. Additionally, factors like call burden and case volume directly impact total compensation, making it imperative for seasoned anesthesiologists to strategically consider their career moves in order to maximize their income in 2026.
About the Memphis Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($360,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Memphis
Experienced anesthesiologists at the top of the pay scale in Memphis earn between $518,323 and $615,050 per year (2026 est.). This $380,185 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Memphis median of $404,940 sits 1.02% below the US median.
Top ANES Salary Comparison
| Level | Memphis | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $404,940 | $409,107 |
| 75th Percentile | $518,323 | $512,604 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $615,050 | $582,201 |
In Memphis, experienced anesthesiologists (P90) earn 51.89% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Anesthesiologist Pay in Memphis
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN anesthesiologists with additional specialty certifications within the anesthesiology field earn significantly above the $404,940 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Memphis employers.
Specialty Focus
Anesthesiologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the anesthesiology field in Memphis command premium compensation, often reaching the $518,323–$615,050 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Memphis metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced anesthesiologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured anesthesiologists in Memphis with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Anesthesiologists in Tennessee who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Anesthesiologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Memphis
Clinical Anesthesiologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Anesthesiologist
5-10 yearsAnesthesiologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMemphis ranks #1 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner anesthesiologist salary (90th percentile: $615,050).
Top 10% anesthesiologist compensation in Memphis ($615,050) is 21.81% above the Tennessee average P90 ($504,927).
2019 BLS Actual
$451,957
2025 BLS Actual
$588,565
2026 Current Est.
$615,050
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $451,957 | Actual |
| 2020 | $472,295 | Actual |
| 2021 | $493,548 | Actual |
| 2022 | $515,758 | Actual |
| 2023 | $538,967 | Actual |
| 2024 | $485,287 | Actual |
| 2025 | $588,565 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $615,050 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $642,728 | Projected |
Top-earning anesthesiologists (90th percentile) in Memphis saw their compensation grow 30.2% from $451,957 in 2019 to $588,565 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.50% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $642,728 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis 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.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced anesthesiologists make in Memphis in 2026?
What drives higher anesthesiologist pay in Memphis?
What certifications boost anesthesiologist salary in Memphis?
Can experienced anesthesiologists make six figures in Memphis?
How much does anesthesiologist salary increase over time in Memphis?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $588,565 for anesthesiologists in the Memphis metro area. A 4.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Memphis 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