## Overview
Anesthesiologists are among the highest-paid physicians in the United States. In 2025, the average anesthesiologist salary ranges from $350,000 to $550,000 depending on location, subspecialty, and practice setting.
National Average
The national average anesthesiologist salary in 2025 is approximately $420,000 per year.
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $350,000 |
| Median | $420,000 |
| 75th percentile | $500,000 |
| Top 10% | $600,000+ |
Top 10 Highest-Paying States
| Rank | State | Average Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wyoming | $485,000 | Rural premium |
| 2 | Montana | $475,000 | Shortage area |
| 3 | Wisconsin | $470,000 | Strong demand |
| 4 | Alabama | $465,000 | Low COL |
| 5 | Kentucky | $460,000 | Growing market |
| 6 | Tennessee | $455,000 | No income tax |
| 7 | Oklahoma | $450,000 | Rural shortage |
| 8 | Indiana | $445,000 | Competitive |
| 9 | Louisiana | $442,000 | High demand |
| 10 | Texas | $440,000 | No income tax |
Salary by Subspecialty
| Subspecialty | Average Salary | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Management | $550,000 | $450K - $700K |
| Cardiac Anesthesia | $520,000 | $420K - $650K |
| Pediatric Anesthesia | $450,000 | $380K - $550K |
| General Anesthesia | $420,000 | $350K - $500K |
| Obstetric Anesthesia | $410,000 | $350K - $480K |
| Critical Care | $400,000 | $350K - $480K |
Salary by Practice Setting
Academic Medical Centers - **Range**: $300,000 - $400,000 - **Pros**: Teaching, research, job security - **Cons**: Lower pay, committee work
Private Practice Groups - **Range**: $400,000 - $600,000 - **Pros**: Higher pay, partnership track - **Cons**: Business risk, call requirements
Employed by Hospital System - **Range**: $380,000 - $500,000 - **Pros**: Benefits, stability - **Cons**: Less autonomy
Locum Tenens - **Range**: $180 - $300/hour - **Annualized**: $400,000 - $600,000+ - **Pros**: Flexibility, high rates - **Cons**: No benefits, travel
Experience-Based Compensation
| Career Stage | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Resident (PGY-1 to 4) | $65,000 - $80,000 |
| Fellow | $75,000 - $90,000 |
| Years 1-3 | $350,000 - $400,000 |
| Years 4-10 | $400,000 - $500,000 |
| Years 10+ | $480,000 - $600,000+ |
Compensation Components
Anesthesiologist total compensation typically includes:
- Base Salary: 70-80% of total
- Productivity Bonus: Based on RVUs or collections
- Call Pay: Additional $1,000-$2,500 per call shift
- Sign-on Bonus: $25,000 - $100,000 common
- Student Loan Repayment: Up to $100,000 in some markets
- Benefits: Health, retirement, CME, malpractice
Geographic Salary Trends
Highest-Paying Regions 1. Rural Midwest and South 2. Mountain West states 3. Areas with physician shortages
Lower-Paying (but desirable) Markets 1. California coastal cities 2. Northeast metro areas 3. Colorado (high demand, high supply)
Market Outlook for 2025
The anesthesiologist job market remains strong:
- Demand: Growing due to aging population
- Supply: Steady residency output
- Trends: More hospital employment, fewer private groups
- Opportunities: Pain management, critical care crossover
Negotiation Strategies for Anesthesiologists
- Know your market value — Research regional rates
- Negotiate holistically — Salary, call, vacation, CME
- Consider tail coverage — Malpractice implications
- Partnership track details — If joining private group
- Non-compete clauses — Geographic and time restrictions
Conclusion
Anesthesiologist compensation remains robust in 2025. Geographic arbitrage (working in high-pay, low-cost areas) can maximize take-home income. Subspecialty training, particularly in pain management, offers the highest earning potential.
Data from MGMA, Medscape Physician Compensation Report, and Anesearch research as of January 2025.