How much does a anesthesiologist make?
The median anesthesiologist in the United States earns $239,200+ per year. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all anesthesiologists earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 29-1211.
Anesthesiologist salary range
Pay for anesthesiologists spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $124,450 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $239,200+. The average (mean) wage of $336,640 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $124,450 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $186,680 | |
| Median (50th) | $239,200+ | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $239,200+ | |
| 90th percentile | $239,200+ | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for anesthesiologists (SOC 29-1211), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Anesthesiologist salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Anesthesiologists earn the most in Alabama at $239,200+ a year, and the least in West Virginia at $168,390. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $239,200+ | N/A |
| District of Columbia | $239,200+ | 160 |
| Florida | $239,200+ | 3,290 |
| Illinois | $239,200+ | 970 |
| Indiana | $239,200+ | 1,290 |
| Iowa | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Kansas | $239,200+ | 570 |
| Kentucky | $239,200+ | 710 |
| Maine | $239,200+ | 180 |
| Maryland | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Michigan | $239,200+ | 1,680 |
| Minnesota | $239,200+ | 970 |
| Missouri | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Montana | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Nebraska | $239,200+ | 190 |
| Nevada | $239,200+ | N/A |
| New Hampshire | $239,200+ | 180 |
| New Mexico | $239,200+ | 60 |
| North Carolina | $239,200+ | N/A |
| North Dakota | $239,200+ | 60 |
| Ohio | $239,200+ | 800 |
| Oklahoma | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Oregon | $239,200+ | 720 |
| Pennsylvania | $239,200+ | 810 |
| South Dakota | $239,200+ | 150 |
| Tennessee | $239,200+ | 860 |
| Utah | $239,200+ | 720 |
| Virginia | $239,200+ | 170 |
| South Carolina | $229,870 | 870 |
| New York | $215,740 | 1,850 |
| Georgia | $206,890 | 600 |
| Texas | $203,450 | 3,740 |
| West Virginia | $168,390 | 160 |
State median wages for anesthesiologists (SOC 29-1211), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2024. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for anesthesiologists
The BLS projects employment of anesthesiologists to grow 3.6% from 2025 to 2035. That is about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 41,500 jobs in 2025 moving toward 43,000 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 1,100 openings a year for anesthesiologists. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become an anesthesiologist
The typical entry-level education for anesthesiologists is a doctoral or professional degree, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete an internship or residency to reach full competency.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much an anesthesiologist earns
Specialty, work setting, shift differentials, certifications, and region drive the numbers. Hospitals, surgical settings, and high cost metros pay above clinics and rural facilities.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Alabama, $239,200+) and the lowest (West Virginia, $168,390) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 41,890 people work as anesthesiologists in the United States. At $239,200+ a year, the job pays above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Anesthesiologist salary FAQ
How much does an anesthesiologist make an hour?
Anesthesiologists are generally salaried rather than paid by the hour, so the BLS does not publish an hourly wage for this job. The median annual salary is $239,200+.
What is the highest anesthesiologist salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of anesthesiologists earn more than $239,200+ per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does an anesthesiologist make a year?
The median annual salary for an anesthesiologist is $239,200+. The average (mean) wage of $336,640 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being an anesthesiologist a well paid job?
At $239,200+ a year, an anesthesiologist earns above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 41,890 people work as anesthesiologists in the United States.
Which state pays anesthesiologists the most?
Alabama has the highest median salary for anesthesiologists at $239,200+ a year. District of Columbia ($239,200+) and Florida ($239,200+) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being an anesthesiologist a good career?
Employment of anesthesiologists is projected to grow 3.6% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 1,100 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become an anesthesiologist?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for anesthesiologists as a doctoral or professional degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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