Physician - Anesthesiologist Salary in the United States

How much does a Physician - Anesthesiologist make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physician - Anesthesiologist in the United States is $443,720 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $213.

However, a Physician - Anesthesiologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $532,499
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $417,120 to $490,190
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $392,902

Key Factors That Influence Physician - Anesthesiologist Salaries

A Physician - Anesthesiologist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Physician - Anesthesiologist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Physician - Anesthesiologist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $433,001
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $434,986
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $436,971
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $439,750
  • Expert (over 8 years): $447,188
Levels Salary
Entry Level Physician - Anesthesiologist$433,001
Intermediate Level Physician - Anesthesiologist$434,986
Senior Level Physician - Anesthesiologist$436,971
Specialist Level Physician - Anesthesiologist$439,750
Expert Level Physician - Anesthesiologist$447,188

Top Paying Cities for Physician - Anesthesiologists

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $559,670
  • San Francisco: $553,540
  • Oakland: $541,880

What Skills Can Increase a Physician - Anesthesiologist's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 4.43% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Wound Care (Mentioned in 5.27% Job Postings): Decontaminating medical equipment and instruments from harmful microorganisms to avoid transmission of infectious pathogens to patients.
  • Medical Education (Mentioned in 3% Job Postings): Medical education is a course of study directed toward imparting knowledge and skills required for the prevention and treatment of diseases to persons seeking to become physicians.
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 4.43%
Wound Care 5.27%
Medical Education 3%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Physician - Anesthesiologist's salary.

  • Interviewing: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Verbal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Dedication: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Interviewing $479,218
8%
Verbal Communication $470,343
6%
Dedication $461,469
4%

Physician - Anesthesiologist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Physician - Anesthesiologist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $498,854. While startup companies pay approximate $423,564.

Physician - Anesthesiologist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $423,564
Growth Stage 51~500 $447,532
Established 501~5000 $482,104
Enterprise 5000+ $498,854

Physician - Anesthesiologist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Physician - Anesthesiologist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Physician - Anesthesiologist positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Physician - Anesthesiologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Physician - Anesthesiologist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$665,580$320.050%
Biotechnology$532,464$256.020%

How Education impacts a Physician - Anesthesiologist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Physician - Anesthesiologists enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Physician - Anesthesiologist with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $421,369 and $453,441).

Physician - Anesthesiologist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Physician - Anesthesiologist
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.6%
High School 3.8%
Associates 1.2%
Bachelors 6.4%
Masters 3.2%
Doctorate 85.0%

Physician - Anesthesiologist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Physician - Anesthesiologist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$417,120
Average $443,720/year
$490,190
$34,760
Average $36,977/month
$40,849
$8,022
Average $8,533/week
$9,427
$201
Average $213/hour
$236
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $490,190 $40,849 $9,427 $236
Average $443,720 $36,977 $8,533 $213
25th Percentile $417,120 $34,760 $8,022 $201

Most common benefits for Physician - Anesthesiologist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Physician - Anesthesiologist

Here are companies hiring for Physician - Anesthesiologist and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Physician - Anesthesiologist

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Physician - Anesthesiologist?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Physician - Anesthesiologist roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

2. Can an anesthesiologist make 7 figures?

Anesthesiologists typically earn between $380,450 and $497,880, with a median salary of $439,160. While top earners can approach the higher end of this range, reaching a 7-figure salary is uncommon. The profession demands significant education and incurs various expenses, which is reflected in their competitive salaries.

3. Is anesthesiologist a stressful job?

Anesthesiology is indeed a highly stressful specialty, as studies indicate. The extreme stress can lead to burnout, fatigue, and even substance abuse. Despite the challenges, anesthesiologists earn a competitive salary, with a minimum of $380,450, a mid-range of $439,160, and a maximum of $497,880, reflecting the demanding nature of the profession.

4. What is the hardest doctor to become?

Neurosurgery is often regarded as one of the most challenging and competitive medical specialties. It involves complex surgical procedures for conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nervous system. The financial rewards reflect this difficulty, with anesthesiologists earning between $380,450 and $497,880, highlighting the high stakes and expertise required in such demanding fields.

5. How long is anesthesiologist school?

To ensure they can provide optimal and safe care to patients, aspiring anesthesiologists undergo extensive education and training. Anesthesiologists spend 12 to 14 years in school and training after high school. Their salary ranges from $380,450 to $497,880, with a median salary of $439,160, reflecting the high level of expertise required in this field.

6. What is the highest paid doctor?

An anesthesiologist is among the highest-paid doctors, with a salary range from $380,450 to $497,880. This specialty involves administering anesthesia and monitoring patients during surgery. Anesthesiologists typically earn a mid-salary of $439,160, reflecting their critical role in patient care and the extensive training required for the profession.

7. What are the disadvantages of being an anesthesiologist?

The disadvantages of being an anesthesiologist include extended studies and training, requiring at least eight to 12 years. There is significant pressure to succeed, scheduling challenges, and often a lack of appreciation for the role. Additionally, anesthesiologists may face reduced bargaining power and potential stress, despite earning a salary ranging from $380,450 to $497,880.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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