Anesthesiologist Salary Guide 2025: Median Pay Hits $391,490
Anesthesiologists earned a median annual salary of $391,490 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Mean hourly pay works out to roughly $188. The top 10% of earners make over $557,130, while the bottom 10% earn $101,460 — a wide gap driven by geography, setting, and experience. Nearly 39,000 anesthesiologists practice nationwide, and the field is expected to grow about as fast as the average occupation through 2034.
How much Anesthesiologists earn
The BLS reports a national median wage of $391,490 for anesthesiologists as of May 2024. The mean (average) annual wage is slightly lower at $360,570, reflecting the influence of lower-paid positions. Hourly, that's about $188 per hour for a typical full-time schedule.
Pay varies dramatically by percentile: the 10th percentile earns $101,460, the 25th is $193,410, the 75th climbs to $543,490, and the 90th hits $557,130. Experience, board certification, and practice setting (hospital vs. private practice) drive the differences.
- Median annual salary: $391,490
- Mean annual salary: $360,570 ($188/hr)
- 10th percentile: $101,460
- 90th percentile: $557,130
- Total employed: 38,760
Pay by state
Where you practice has a huge effect on income. Washington State tops the list with an average annual wage of $499,990, followed closely by Minnesota ($496,510) and Ohio ($490,530). Virginia ($488,310) and Connecticut ($481,820) round out the top five.
At the lower end, Georgia averages $230,000, Texas $215,230, and the District of Columbia $202,570. Keep in mind that cost of living varies; a lower salary in a low-cost area might stretch further than a higher one in an expensive state.
How to become an Anesthesiologist
The path to becoming an anesthesiologist is long but straightforward. You must complete a bachelor's degree (pre-med or science), then medical school (MD or DO), followed by a four-year anesthesiology residency. Many also pursue a subspecialty fellowship (e.g., pain medicine, critical care), which adds one to two years.
Licensing requires passing the USMLE or COMLEX, earning a state medical license, and obtaining board certification through the American Board of Anesthesiology. Total training time: typically 12–14 years after high school.
- Earn a bachelor's degree (pre-medicine, biology, or chemistry).
- Graduate from an accredited medical school (4 years).
- Complete a 4-year anesthesiology residency.
- Pass USMLE/COMLEX and obtain a state medical license.
- Optional: complete a 1–2 year fellowship for subspecialty.
- Achieve board certification from the American Board of Anesthesiology.
Job outlook
The BLS projects 3.2% employment growth for anesthesiologists from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 1,300 new openings each year over the decade, driven by population aging and increasing surgical needs. Competition for residency slots remains tough, but demand for the specialty is steady.
Frequently asked questions
Is $400,000 a typical salary for an anesthesiologist?
The BLS median is $391,490, so $400,000 is right at the median. Many experienced anesthesiologists earn above that, especially in high-paying states like Washington ($499,990) or Minnesota ($496,510).
How long does it take to become an anesthesiologist?
After high school, expect 12 to 14 years: 4 years of undergrad, 4 years of medical school, and 4 years of residency. An optional fellowship adds 1–2 more years.
What is the job growth rate for anesthesiologists?
The BLS projects 3.2% growth from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average. Roughly 1,300 new positions open each year from growth and retirements.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Anesthesiologists data.