CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Anesthesiologists administer general or local anesthetics to patients to keep them safe and pain-free during surgery or medical procedures.
Career Level
Salary
National average, per year
$265,990
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
2,818
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticcs.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Anesthesiologist Job Description
Anesthesiologists have the critical job of keeping patients safe and pain-free during surgery by administering anesthetics. They may also administer pain medications to women during labor, give sedation to patients during medical procedures or give injections to patients with chronic or acute pain issues. Anesthesiologists work in a variety of healthcare settings. Although most work in traditional surgical settings in hospitals or medical centers, many choose to work in dental offices, outpatient surgical centers, pain management clinics or military facilities.
Becoming an anesthesiologist requires a big commitment in time, money and education. The result, however, can be a very rewarding career. Anesthesiologists enjoy the benefits of an excellent salary, great job stability and the ability to make a difference in a patient’s life.
Anesthesiologist Job Responsibilities
Anesthesiologists may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Examine and assess patients to determine proper anesthetic plan
- Determine and administer the appropriate dose of anesthetic during surgery or medical procedures
- Assess patients before, during and after administration of anesthesia
- Provide airway management and life support during surgery
- Educate patients and families on the possible risks and complications of anesthesia
- Administer additional medications if needed for changes in patient’s condition
- Monitor patients throughout the procedure or surgery and adjust levels of anesthesia as necessary
- Collaborate with the healthcare team
- Maintain accurate and detailed patient records
Anesthesiologist Salary
The actual salary of the anesthesiologist can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $265,990*
National average per hour: $127.88*
- $270,328 per year, $129.97 per hour**
- $289,509 per year, $139.19 per hour***
- $329,300 to $430,900 per year****
- $333,595 per year, $160.38 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Anesthesiologist Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being an anesthesiologist? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Job stability
- Great salary
- Personal satisfaction
- Positively impact patients every day
- Better work-life balance than many medical professions
Cons
- Extensive education and training
- Potentially high educational debt
- Long and often irregular work hours
- High level of responsibility and stress
- Risk for malpractice lawsuits
- Residency positions in anesthesiology can be very competitive
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become an Anesthesiologist?
If you are considering a career as an anesthesiologist, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Earn your high school diploma.
- Complete 4 years of undergraduate study to earn a bachelor’s degree.
- Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).
- Complete 4 years of medical school to earn a medical degree.
- Complete 4 years of residency training in anesthesiology.
- Complete an optional additional 1 year of study in a fellowship program if choosing to pursue a sub-specialty such as critical care medicine, pain medicine or research.
- Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to become licensed to practice.
Suggested Career Path
An anesthesiologist is at the end of the medical career pathway. A sample career path could look like this:
Phlebotomist > Paramedic > Anesthesiologist
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma
- 4 years of undergraduate study (Bachelor’s degree)
- 4 years of medical school (Medical degree)
- 4+ years of residency training
- Optional 1 year of fellowship training for a sub-specialty
- Passing of United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
Typical Work Experience Required
Experience obtained during residency.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by location.
- Exceptional assessment and monitoring skills
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Ability to problem-solve and react quickly in stressful and emergent situations
- Ability to collaborate and work well with a team
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Excellent critical analysis skills
- Professionalism
- Resilience
- Ability to explain complex information in simple terms
Anesthesiologist Certifications
Although board certification is a voluntary process, employers are likely to prefer anesthesiologists who are board certified. The American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) and the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) offer certification opportunities.
Anesthesiologist Licenses
All states require physicians to be licensed. This includes passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Visit your state board to learn about other licensing requirements.
Anesthesiologist Training and Preparation
After completion of a residency program and optional fellowship training, the anesthesiologist must pass the USMLE exam in order to practice. This is one of the requirements in obtaining state licensure. This is a very difficult exam and proper preparation is the key to success.
The USMLE website offers detailed exam information and practice questions and tests to help you prepare. There are many online and traditional classroom review courses available. Online tutoring, question banks and online practice exams are other useful tools.
Although board certification is voluntary, employers are likely to prefer anesthesiologists who are board certified. Being board certified opens up many more job opportunities and shows your vast knowledge and passion for your profession. The American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) and the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) offer many certification opportunities.
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