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Anesthesiologists in the US earn $302,970 on average — making it one of the highest-paid professions in the country. Private practice partners can earn $400,000-$600,000+. This guide covers everything about anesthesiologist compensation in 2026.
Average Anesthesiologist Salary in 2026
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average salary | $302,970 |
| Median salary | $294,800 |
| Entry level (0-3 years) | $260,000-$300,000 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | $310,000-$360,000 |
| Experienced (15+ years) | $350,000-$450,000 |
| Private practice partner | $400,000-$600,000+ |
| Hourly equivalent | $145.66 |
| Bottom 10% | <$230,000 |
| Top 10% | $480,000+ |
How this compares: At $302,970, anesthesiologists earn more than 99% of U.S. workers. Among physicians, anesthesiology ranks in the top 5-10 highest-paid specialties, slightly behind orthopedic surgery, cardiology, and plastic surgery.
What Anesthesiologists Actually Do
Understanding the work helps contextualize the pay:
| Function | Description | When |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-operative assessment | Evaluate patients before surgery | Day before/of procedure |
| Anesthesia administration | Induce and maintain unconsciousness | During surgery |
| Vital signs monitoring | Monitor heart rate, BP, oxygen, CO2 | Continuous during surgery |
| Pain management | Control pain during and after procedures | Intra/post-op |
| Airway management | Secure breathing tube, ventilate | Critical throughout |
| Emergency response | Handle allergic reactions, cardiac events | When needed |
| Post-operative care | Recovery monitoring, pain control | Post-anesthesia care unit |
Daily reality: Anesthesiologists work long days (often 10-12 hours) but schedules are predictable. Call varies by setting — hospital-employed may have weekly overnight call, while private practice may have more control. Unlike surgeons, anesthesiologists rarely have unscheduled emergencies pull them from home.
Anesthesiologist Salary by State
Highest Paying States
| State | Average Salary | Cost-Adjusted | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $377,000 | $395,000 | +24% |
| Wyoming | $365,000 | $395,000 | +20% |
| Nebraska | $359,000 | $410,000 | +19% |
| Indiana | $354,000 | $395,000 | +17% |
| Tennessee | $350,000 | $385,000 | +16% |
| Ohio | $348,000 | $385,000 | +15% |
| Oklahoma | $345,000 | $400,000 | +14% |
| Nevada | $342,000 | $340,000 | +13% |
| Georgia | $340,000 | $365,000 | +12% |
| Texas | $335,000 | $360,000 | +11% |
| Michigan | $332,000 | $365,000 | +10% |
| North Carolina | $328,000 | $350,000 | +8% |
Lower Paying States (Still High)
| State | Average Salary | Cost-Adjusted | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $320,000 | $320,000 | +6% |
| California | $315,000 | $220,000 | +4% |
| New York | $305,000 | $210,000 | +1% |
| Massachusetts | $295,000 | $230,000 | -3% |
| Washington | $290,000 | $250,000 | -4% |
| Rhode Island | $285,000 | $250,000 | -6% |
Why Midwest pays more: Lower cost of living, fewer anesthesiologists per capita, and strong healthcare systems in rural areas drive up Midwest salaries. California and New York have more MDs competing for positions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
| Metro Area | Average Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee, WI | $395,000 | Top-paying metro overall |
| Indianapolis, IN | $365,000 | Major medical center hub |
| Columbus, OH | $360,000 | Ohio State wexner medical center |
| Nashville, TN | $355,000 | Healthcare industry hub |
| Dallas-Fort Worth, TX | $350,000 | Large medical market |
| Tampa, FL | $345,000 | Retirement healthcare demand |
| Phoenix, AZ | $340,000 | Growing population |
| Atlanta, GA | $345,000 | Emory, regional referral center |
| Chicago, IL | $335,000 | Major academic/private market |
| Los Angeles, CA | $340,000 | Competitive but high COL |
| New York City, NY | $330,000 | Very competitive, high COL |
Anesthesiologist Salary by Work Setting
Employment Type Comparison
| Setting | Average Salary | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private practice (partner) | $400,000-$600,000+ | Highest income, autonomy | Business risk, call burden |
| Private practice (employee) | $320,000-$380,000 | Good income, less risk | Limited upside |
| Hospital employed | $290,000-$340,000 | Stability, benefits | Less autonomy |
| Academic medical center | $260,000-$320,000 | Teaching, research, prestige | Lower pay |
| Outpatient surgery center | $320,000-$380,000 | Regular hours, no call | Limited case variety |
| Locum tenens | $350,000-$500,000+ | Flexibility, high hourly | No stability, self-employment |
| Government/VA | $250,000-$300,000 | Job security, loan repayment | Lowest pay |
Private Practice vs. Employed: Detailed Comparison
| Factor | Private Practice | Hospital Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Starting salary | $280,000-$320,000 | $260,000-$300,000 |
| Partnership potential | $400,000-$600,000+ | N/A (capped) |
| Time to partnership | 2-4 years | N/A |
| Call responsibility | Group decides | Hospital assigns |
| Autonomy | High | Limited |
| Business risk | Yes (practice liability) | None |
| Malpractice paid by | Self/group | Employer |
| Retirement plan | Self-funded (more control) | Employer-provided |
| Job security | Market-dependent | Generally higher |
| Administrative burden | Higher | Lower |
Anesthesiologist Salary by Experience
| Experience Level | Salary Range | Typical Title |
|---|---|---|
| Resident (PGY-1 to PGY-4) | $65,000-$85,000 | Resident physician |
| Fellow (optional) | $75,000-$95,000 | Fellow |
| New attending (0-3 years) | $260,000-$320,000 | Staff anesthesiologist |
| Mid-career (4-10 years) | $320,000-$380,000 | Senior staff/Associate |
| Experienced (11-20 years) | $350,000-$450,000 | Partner/Senior associate |
| Senior (20+ years) | $400,000-$550,000+ | Senior partner, Department chief |
Career Progression Timeline
| Year | Stage | Typical Income |
|---|---|---|
| Years 1-4 | College | $0 (incurring debt) |
| Years 5-8 | Medical school | -$60,000/year (tuition) |
| Years 9-12 | Residency | $68,000-$82,000 |
| Year 13 | Fellowship (optional) | $80,000-$95,000 |
| Years 14-16 | New attending | $280,000-$320,000 |
| Years 17-20 | Building toward partnership | $320,000-$400,000 |
| Years 21+ | Partner/Senior | $400,000-$600,000+ |
Break-even analysis: Including opportunity cost and debt, most anesthesiologists don’t break even until mid-30s. A nurse (CRNA) starting work 5 years earlier may have comparable lifetime earnings.
CRNA vs. Anesthesiologist Salary
Direct Comparison
| Factor | CRNA | Anesthesiologist |
|---|---|---|
| Average salary | $203,090 | $302,970 |
| Top earners | $260,000-$300,000 | $450,000-$600,000+ |
| Education required | BSN + CRNA program (7-8 years) | MD/DO + residency (12-13 years) |
| Student debt (typical) | $80,000-$150,000 | $200,000-$400,000 |
| Training start to attending | 7-8 years | 12-13 years |
| Scope of practice | Varies by state | Full physician scope |
| Supervision required | State-dependent | Independent |
| Job availability | Excellent | Good |
| Malpractice insurance | Lower | Higher |
Lifetime Earnings Comparison
| Metric | CRNA | Anesthesiologist |
|---|---|---|
| Years earning $60K+ | 32 (age 28-60) | 27 (age 33-60) |
| 5 years earlier earnings | $1,000,000+ | $0 (still training) |
| Average annual earnings | $180,000 | $350,000 |
| Career lifetime earnings | ~$5.8M | ~$9.5M |
| Net of student debt | ~$5.7M | ~$9.2M |
Bottom line: Anesthesiologists earn ~$170,000/year more but start 5 years later and have higher debt. Over a 30-year career, anesthesiologists earn ~$3-4 million more in total, but CRNAs have better ROI when considering training time and debt.
Anesthesiologist Subspecialty Salaries
| Subspecialty | Average Salary | Fellowship Required | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiac anesthesiology | $380,000-$450,000 | Yes (1 year) | High |
| Pain management | $350,000-$450,000 | Yes (1 year) | Very High |
| Critical care | $320,000-$380,000 | Yes (1 year) | High |
| Pediatric anesthesiology | $310,000-$360,000 | Yes (1 year) | Moderate |
| Neuroanesthesiology | $330,000-$390,000 | Yes (1 year) | Moderate |
| Obstetric anesthesiology | $300,000-$350,000 | Optional | Moderate |
| Regional anesthesia/Acute pain | $320,000-$380,000 | Yes (1 year) | Growing |
| General anesthesiology | $290,000-$340,000 | No | Stable |
Why Pain Management Pays Most
Pain management anesthesiologists who open interventional pain clinics can earn $500,000-$1,000,000+ because:
- High procedure volume (injections, nerve blocks)
- Strong reimbursement per procedure
- Repeat patient visits (chronic pain is ongoing)
- Lower malpractice than operating room work
- Ability to scale with mid-level providers
Path to Becoming an Anesthesiologist
| Stage | Duration | Typical Cost/Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| College (pre-med) | 4 years | -$100,000-$200,000 (tuition) |
| Medical school | 4 years | -$200,000-$350,000 (tuition/living) |
| Anesthesiology residency | 4 years | $68,000-$85,000/year |
| Fellowship (optional) | 1 year | $80,000-$95,000 |
| Total training | 12-13 years | |
| Typical debt at graduation | $200,000-$400,000 |
Residency Competitiveness
| Metric | 2024 Data |
|---|---|
| Residency spots | ~1,850/year |
| Applicants | ~2,200/year |
| Match rate | ~85-90% |
| Step 1 average (matched) | 235-245 (now Pass/Fail) |
| Research required | Helpful but not essential |
| Competitiveness | Moderate (easier than derm, ortho) |
Financial Impact of Training Length
| If you start medical school at | First attending salary at age | Lost earnings vs. working immediately |
|---|---|---|
| Age 22 | 34 | $600,000-$900,000 |
| Age 26 (career change) | 38 | $1,200,000-$1,600,000 |
Anesthesiologist Salary After Taxes
| Gross Salary | Federal Tax | SS/Medicare | State Tax (avg) | Take-Home | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $260,000 | $52,500 | $17,700 | $14,300 | $175,500 | $14,625 |
| $302,970 | $66,000 | $19,500 | $16,700 | $200,770 | $16,731 |
| $350,000 | $81,500 | $21,000 | $19,300 | $228,200 | $19,017 |
| $400,000 | $99,000 | $22,200 | $22,000 | $256,800 | $21,400 |
| $500,000 | $136,000 | $23,800 | $27,500 | $312,700 | $26,058 |
State tax impact: In Texas, Florida, or Washington (no state income tax), anesthesiologists keep ~$15,000-$30,000 more per year than in California or New York. Over a career, this can equal $500,000-$900,000 more in retained earnings.
Is Anesthesiology Worth It?
Pros of Being an Anesthesiologist
| Advantage | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-tier income | $300K+ average, $400K-$600K+ at partnership |
| Predictable schedule | More control than surgery, set OR schedule |
| Critical patient care | Essential role, immediate impact |
| High job security | Surgery always needs anesthesia |
| Intellectual challenge | Complex physiology, pharmacology |
| Procedure-based | Clear endpoint to cases |
| Partnership potential | Private practice ownership possible |
| Fellowship options | Pain, cardiac, peds, critical care |
Cons of Being an Anesthesiologist
| Disadvantage | Details |
|---|---|
| 12+ years of training | College + med school + residency = age 34 start |
| $200K-$400K student debt | Financial burden into 40s |
| High malpractice insurance | $30,000-$80,000/year depending on state |
| CRNA competition | Scope creep in some states |
| Call responsibilities | Overnight/weekend OR coverage required |
| Litigation risk | High-stakes specialty |
| Repetitive work | Many similar cases day-to-day |
| Limited patient relationships | Brief encounters, patients often forget you |
Who Should Become an Anesthesiologist?
| Good Fit | Not Good Fit |
|---|---|
| Enjoys physiology and pharmacology | Dislikes behind-the-scenes work |
| Calm under pressure | Struggles with high-stakes moments |
| Values income highly | Prioritizes work-life over income |
| Comfortable with long training | Impatient to start earning |
| Prefers procedure-based work | Wants long-term patient relationships |
| OK with “invisible” role | Needs patient recognition |
Building Wealth as an Anesthesiologist
Student Debt Repayment Strategy
| Strategy | Best For |
|---|---|
| Aggressive payoff | Private practice, high income certainty |
| PSLF (Public Service) | Academic/VA positions (10 years forgiveness) |
| Income-driven (IBR/PAYE) | Lower salary, large loan balance |
| Refinancing | Private practice, good credit, stable income |
Wealth Accumulation Projections
| Age | Career Stage | Annual Income | Net Worth Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | New attending | $290,000 | -$200,000 (debt) |
| 38 | Mid-career | $340,000 | $400,000 |
| 42 | Partner | $420,000 | $1,500,000 |
| 50 | Senior partner | $500,000 | $4,000,000 |
| 60 | Pre-retirement | $450,000 | $8,000,000+ |
Assumes aggressive saving (25-35% of gross), debt paid by age 40, 7% investment returns.
Anesthesiologist vs. Other Investment for Same Training Time
What if you invested instead of attending medical school?
| Alternative Path | Year 1 Investment | After 30 Years (7%) |
|---|---|---|
| Work any job + invest $400K over 8 years | $50K/year | $3.8 million |
| Anesthesiologist career | N/A (still training) | Net earnings $9M |
Conclusion: Even accounting for opportunity cost, anesthesiology remains financially superior to most alternatives — but the gap is smaller than the salary implies.
Anesthesiology Job Outlook
| Metric | 2024-2034 Projection |
|---|---|
| Projected growth | 3% (slower than average) |
| Annual job openings | ~1,800 |
| Main growth drivers | Aging population, more procedures |
| Main headwinds | CRNA scope expansion, cost pressure |
Trends Affecting Anesthesiologists
| Trend | Impact |
|---|---|
| CRNA independence | More states allowing independent practice |
| Anesthesiologist assistants | Growing supervision model |
| Hospital employment | Consolidation reducing private practice |
| Pain management growth | Strong opportunity for fellowship-trained |
| Outpatient surgery growth | More ASCs = more positions |
| AI drug delivery | Long-term automation risk for simple cases |
Bottom Line
Anesthesiologists earn $302,970 on average in 2026, with private practice partners reaching $400,000-$600,000+. Total training takes 12-13 years (age 34+ to start), with typical medical student debt of $200,000-$400,000.
Key takeaways:
-
Midwest states pay most — Wisconsin ($377K), Nebraska ($359K), and Indiana ($354K) lead. California and New York pay less despite higher cost of living.
-
Private practice vs. employed trade-off — Partners can earn $400K-$600K+ but have business risk and call burden. Employed positions offer stability at $290K-$340K.
-
CRNA comparison — CRNAs earn $100K less but start 5 years earlier with less debt. ROI is comparable; lifestyle preferences should guide choice.
-
Pain management — Fellowship-trained pain specialists can earn $500K-$1M+ in interventional pain clinics. Highest-paying subspecialty.
-
3% job growth — Slower than average due to CRNA scope expansion and cost pressure, but job security remains strong.
For those willing to invest 12+ years of training and $200K+ in debt, anesthesiology offers one of the highest-paid and most stable careers in medicine — with better work-life balance than surgery and clear paths to $400K+ income.
Related Guides
- How much do surgeons make?
- How much do nurse anesthetists make?
- How much do doctors make?
- US Income Percentile Calculator
Sources
- Social Security Administration. “Benefits and Eligibility Information.” ssa.gov/benefits
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “Medicare Program Information.” medicare.gov
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