An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in anesthesia and perioperative medicine. Anesthesiologists are responsible for the care of patients before, during, and after surgery. They work with surgeons and other medical staff to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. Anesthesiologists use a variety of drugs and techniques to keep patients safe during surgery. They also monitor patients’ vital signs and provide pain relief. After surgery, anesthesiologists help patients recover from the effects of anesthesia.
Anesthesiologists are among the highest-paid medical specialists in the United States. There are several reasons for this high earnings potential. Anesthesiologists must complete rigorous training and pass demanding certification exams. Anesthesiologists typically complete four years of medical school, followed by four years of residency training in anesthesia. Some anesthesiologists also complete fellowships in subspecialty areas such as pain management or critical care medicine. They also have a great deal of responsibility, as they are responsible for the safety and well-being of patients during surgery.
Salary of Anesthesiologists according to different sources
Salaries for anesthesiologists can vary widely depending on factors such as geographic location, years of experience, and type of employer. Below we have collected a list of some of the top sources for your consideration. Different sources report different average salaries for anesthesiologists. For example, the website Salary.com reports that the salary of anesthesiologists ranges from $355,500 to $465,200. However, the website Payscale.com reports that the median salary for anesthesiologists was $275,000 in 2021. The website Glassdoor.com also reports a range of salaries for anesthesiologists. As of September 2022, Glassdoor.com reported that the salary for anesthesiologists was $326,894 on average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for anesthesiologists was $330,000 in 2021. However, Anesthesiologist Salary Guide of 2019 reports that the average salary for an anesthesiologist is $386,000 per year.
| Median | Low | High | |
| Salary.com | $410,300 | $355,500 | $465,200 |
| Payscale.com | $275,000 | $203,000 | $345,000 |
| Glassdoor.com | $326,894 | $207,000 | $517,000 |
| Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) | $330,000 | – | – |
| Anesthesiologist Salary Guide | $386,000 | $209,000 | $482,000 |
Why are there differences in the reported salaries?
There are a number of reasons why the reported salaries of anesthesiologists may differ. One reason may be due to the location of the practice. Anesthesiologists who work in urban areas may earn more than those who work in rural areas. Another reason for salary differences may be due to the type of practice. For example, anesthesiologists who work in private practices may earn more than those who work in hospitals or other medical facilities. Finally, experience and education level may also play a role in salary differences. Anesthesiologists with more experience or higher levels of education may earn more than those with less experience or lower levels of education.
Are anesthesiologists the highest paid doctors?
No, anesthesiologists are not the highest paid doctors. According to FierceHealthcare, the average salary for anesthesiologists was $445,533 in 2020, which placed them 14th on the list of highest-paid medical specialties. Neurosurgeons were the highest-paid doctors, with an average salary of $746,544, followed by Thoracic surgeons ($668,350) and Orthopedic surgeons ($605,330).
