According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for anesthesiologists is $331,190. But, this number varies based on your experience and work environment. If you’re in a physician’s office, you could earn closer to $349,590, or around $247,550 if working in outpatient care.

Estimated salaries will vary based on years of experience, the type of institution, and more. The specific rankings of the states may also slightly vary depending on the source.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for anesthesiologists are projected to grow by 1.1% between 2021 and 2031. During this period, approximately 400 new jobs are expected to become available. As medical needs continue to increase, so will the demand for qualified anesthesiologists. Your skills will be highly sought after in hospitals, surgical centers, clinics—wherever your expertise is needed most!

Demographics

Men make up more than 64% of today’s anesthesiologists; women make up a lower but steadily rising 36% (American Society of Anesthesiologists).
61% of all anesthesiologists fall within the 45-64 years bracket (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019), highlighting the importance of knowledge transfer
to incoming generations of physicians.

Work-Life Balance

An anesthesiologist’s schedule can be quite demanding. Most work between 40 to 60 hours per week with days starting before 6 a.m., plus required on-call hours where you may need to return to the hospital at a moment’s notice. This can sometimes mean your workday is as long as 24 hours. Add in the necessary time for sleep, and the time you have left for personal activities like time with family, personal appointments and self-care is slim.
While contracted with VitalSolution, most anesthesiologists work seven days on, followed by seven full days off. You’re also supported by a nationwide network of physicians who can consult on cases and share best practices.

Aging Population

Studies have found that an aging population in the U.S. poses significant challenges, from
increased perioperative risks and heightened prevalence of age-related diseases to potential provider shortages.

The COVID-19 pandemic also accelerated the rate of physicians retiring or transitioning to locums or part-time practice.

Workforce Shortages

Workforce shortages in anesthesiology are becoming increasingly significant, causing
numerous ramifications to both patient care and the functioning of the healthcare system.

By 2033, The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predicts there will
be a shortage of 12,500 anesthesiologists, nearly 30% of the current staff.

Physician Burnout

Anesthesiologists often work long hours, which can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion, one of the key factors of burnout. This contributes to mental health issues among clinicians and lower-quality care.

Addressing burnout is critical, not only for the clinician’s well-being but also for the broader healthcare community.