Anesthesiologist Salary in 2026
Administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgical procedures.
Median Salary
$302,000
$25,167/mo
Entry Level
$250,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$400,000
experienced
Job Growth
+2%
10-yr outlook
Anesthesiologist Overview
Administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgical procedures.
Education
Doctorate
Experience
11+ years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
56K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$145.19/hr
Monthly Pay
$25,167
Anesthesiologist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Anesthesiologist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Anesthesiologist Salary
$349,000
$29,083/month · $13,423/biweekly · $167.79/hr
Anesthesiologist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Anesthesiologist field.
Entry-level Anesthesiologists earn around $250,000, while the top 10% earn $425,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Anesthesiologists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $356,000 | +$54,000 |
| New York | $347,000 | +$45,000 |
| Massachusetts | $338,000 | +$36,000 |
| Texas | $296,000 | $-6,000 |
| Florida | $296,000 | $-6,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Anesthesiologists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $356,000 | +$54,000 |
| Los Angeles | $338,000 | +$36,000 |
| Boston | $338,000 | +$36,000 |
| Chicago | $317,000 | +$15,000 |
| Houston | $299,000 | $-3,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Anesthesiologist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Anesthesiologist from entry level to expert.
$250,000
0-2 years
$325,000
3-7 years
$400,000
8-14 years
$450,000
15+ years
Related Healthcare Jobs
Anesthesiologist Salary FAQ
How much does a Anesthesiologist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Anesthesiologist in the United States is $302,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $250,000, while senior professionals earn up to $400,000. Top earners in the field can make $450,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Anesthesiologist?
A Anesthesiologist typically requires a Doctorate with 11+ years of experience. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Pain Management, Pharmacology. Relevant certifications such as Board Certification in Anesthesiology can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Anesthesiologists?
The job market for Anesthesiologists is projected to grow by 2% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 56K Anesthesiologist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 5%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Anesthesiologists the most?
The highest-paying states for Anesthesiologists include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $356,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Anesthesiologist salary?
To increase your Anesthesiologist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Patient Assessment and Pain Management. Pursue certifications such as Board Certification in Anesthesiology. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 11+ years of experience, you can progress from $250,000 to $400,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Anesthesiologist Salary
How we calculate Anesthesiologist salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $302,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Anesthesiologist in the Healthcare sector.
- Entry-level ($250,000) and senior-level ($400,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +2% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 56K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 5% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Healthcare sector wages.
- Education requirement: Doctorate, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $302,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Anesthesiologist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Anesthesiologist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Anesthesiologist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Patient Assessment, Pain Management, Pharmacology), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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