The average anesthesiologist salary in the United States is approximately $331,190 per year. Salaries vary by experience, location, and work setting. Entry-level positions start around $180,000 annually, while top earners in metropolitan hospitals or private practices can exceed $450,000.
Quick Snapshot: What Anesthesiologists Earn in 2025
Anesthesiologists earn a median salary of $331,190 in the U.S., making this one of the most lucrative careers in medicine. But that number’s just the middle of the range.
- Starting salaries begin around $180,000.
- Experienced professionals often pull in $400,000+.
- Top earners, especially in large cities or private groups, can break $450,000 or even $500,000.
These numbers reflect a field in high demand — with pay shaped by factors like location, hours worked, type of employer, and experience level.
Compare the Numbers: Salary Data by Source
Let’s look at what top databases and recruiters say about anesthesiologist pay:
| Source | Average Annual Salary | Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZipRecruiter | $393,215 | $290K – $400K | About $189/hour or $32,767/month |
| Salary.com | $441,100 | $382K – $500K | Max reported: $553,816 with full compensation |
| Physicians Thrive | $309,000 | Varies by experience | Strong upward growth with years in practice |
| Direct Shifts | $450,000 | State-dependent | CA, NY, TX rank highest |
| Marit Health | $540,000 | $330K – $800K | Includes large bonuses, flexible by job type |
| Becker’s ASC | $448,000 | +33% in 10 years | Reflects steady decade-long increase |
Bottom line: Salaries range broadly, but most full-time anesthesiologists are making over $300K annually, with the potential for much more.
How Experience Impacts Your Pay
Experience matters. Here’s how anesthesiologist salaries grow with time on the job:
- 0–5 years: $250,000 – $300,000
- 6–15 years: $340,000 – $400,000
- 16+ years: $420,000 and up
Residents and fellows typically make $60,000–$80,000 during training, but things scale quickly after board certification. More experience = higher efficiency = more income.
Where You Work Changes Everything
Geographic location is one of the biggest salary drivers. Doctors in high-cost or high-need areas earn significantly more.
Top-paying states:
- California – $450,000
- New York – $440,000
- Texas – $430,000
Lower-paying states:
- Parts of the Midwest and Southeast average around $300,000
Rural areas offer a “rural premium” of about 10% because of physician shortages. Employers in these locations often sweeten the deal with signing bonuses, housing help, and better schedules.
Different Jobs, Different Paychecks
Work setting matters just as much as your zip code. An anesthesiologist in private practice doesn’t earn the same as one in a teaching hospital.
| Setting | Average Salary | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Institutions | ~$310,000 | Lower pay, but more predictable hours |
| Private Practice Groups | $420,000+ | Higher income, more admin responsibilities |
| Hospitals (Employed) | ~$350,000 | Benefits and job security, less flexibility |
| Ambulatory Surgery Centers | ~$390,000 | Daytime shifts, no overnights |
| Locum Tenens | $200–$300/hr | Temporary contracts, higher hourly rate, less stability |
Self-employed anesthesiologists usually earn at least 10% more, but handle their own billing, insurance, and staff.
What’s Included in Total Compensation?
Anesthesiologists don’t just get a paycheck — they receive a full compensation package.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Bonuses: $22,000 average (performance-based)
- Other income: $22,000 (consulting, teaching, etc.)
- Retirement plans: 401(k) or pensions with employer match
- Health insurance: Included in most full-time roles
- Paid time off: 3 to 6 weeks, plus CME (continuing education)
Around 1 in 3 anesthesiologists gets an annual bonus, and additional earnings can add up to $44,000 to total compensation.
How U.S. Pay Stacks Up Globally
Anesthesiologists in the U.S. are the highest-paid in the world. Here’s how international averages compare:
| Country | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| United States | $331,190 |
| Australia | $300,000 |
| Canada | $280,000 |
| Germany | $220,000 |
| UK | $175,000 |
The U.S. leads due to private insurance models, procedure volume, and compensation-based productivity.
Gender Pay Gap in Anesthesiology
Yes, it exists.
- Male anesthesiologists earn about 5% more — roughly $24,000 per year
- Most of the difference comes from work hours, role type, and negotiation gaps
More employers are now moving to transparent pay models, but the disparity persists.
Work-Life Balance: What You Can Expect
Most anesthesiologists work 40 to 60 hours per week, though it depends on the role.
- Hospital-employed physicians often take overnight and weekend call
- Private practice anesthesiologists may have more flexible hours
- Surgery centers and outpatient clinics offer structured daytime shifts
Fields like pain management provide better lifestyle balance with lower emergency rates.
10. How Does Anesthesiology Compare to Other Specialties?
| Medical Specialty | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Orthopedic Surgery | $526,000 |
| Cardiology | $463,000 |
| Anesthesiology | $331,190 |
| Family Medicine | $234,000 |
| Pediatrics | $228,000 |
Anesthesiology sits comfortably in the top 5. That reflects the field’s critical role in surgery and high risk management in patient care.
Contracts, Recruiters & Job Search Advice
Getting hired is about more than just accepting an offer. Here’s what to review before signing a contract:
- Compensation model: Is it salary, wRVU, or hybrid?
- Hours and call schedule: Nights? Weekends?
- Malpractice insurance: Who pays and how much coverage?
- Geographic location: Affects both salary and cost of living
- Incentives: Are there bonuses, relocation funds, or CME budgets?
Many anesthesiologists use job search platforms, physician recruiters, and salary databases to benchmark fair offers.
What’s Ahead for Anesthesiology Salaries?
The future looks strong. Here’s why:
- More surgeries: Aging patients = more procedures
- Shortage of specialists: Especially in rural and underserved regions
- Pain management growth: Expanding non-surgical options
- AI won’t replace anesthesiologists, but may improve efficiency and monitoring
Salaries are expected to rise steadily over the next decade, especially for professionals in high-demand metro and rural areas.
Common FAQs
Below are common FAQs we get asked about this topic.
How do compensation models impact anesthesiologist earnings?
Productivity-based models (wRVU) can boost pay by $100,000, but earnings vary month to month.
What is the rural premium and how much is it?
Rural anesthesiologists earn about 10% more, thanks to limited provider supply and high demand.
Does self-employment affect salary?
Yes. Self-employed physicians earn at least 10% more, but manage their own costs and logistics.
Are there gender pay gaps?
Male anesthesiologists earn $24,000 more, mostly due to role type and time worked.
Do academic anesthesiologists earn less?
Yes. They make about $40,000 less, though with better schedules and benefits.
How common are bonuses?
33% receive bonuses, adding an average of $22,000 per year to total earnings.
Final Thoughts
Anesthesiology offers one of the highest-earning paths in medicine. While average salaries land around $331,190, many anesthesiologists working full time in high-demand areas earn far more. Your income depends on where you work, how you’re paid, and how much you negotiate.
Use this guide to assess your worth, explore compensation models, and build a long-term, rewarding career in medicine.
