Introduction
An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in providing pain relief and anesthesia during medical procedures. Anesthesiologists are responsible for administering drugs and monitoring patients’ vital signs during surgery and other medical procedures. They must be highly trained, knowledgeable and skilled in order to ensure the safety and comfort of patients.
Average Anesthesiologist Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for anesthesiologists was $208,000 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $168,000, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $274,000. The median hourly wage was $99.54.
The BLS also reported that the top three industries employing anesthesiologists were hospitals; outpatient care centers; and offices of physicians. The states with the highest employment level for anesthesiologists were California, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania and Florida. These states also had the highest concentrations of jobs for anesthesiologists.
Comparison of Regional Anesthesiologist Salaries
Salary data from the BLS shows that anesthesiologists in different parts of the country earn varying amounts. The highest-paying states for anesthesiologists were California ($244,340), New Jersey ($240,740) and New York ($239,400). The lowest-paying states were Louisiana ($154,420), South Dakota ($163,780) and Hawaii ($164,570).
Education Level and Anesthesiologist Salary
The amount of schooling required to become an anesthesiologist affects salary. According to research conducted by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, anesthesiologists with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree had a median salary of $379,000 in 2018. Those with a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree had a median salary of $323,000. Anesthesiologists with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree had a median salary of $295,000.
Factors That Affect Anesthesiologist Pay
There are several factors that can influence an anesthesiologist’s pay. These include:
Location
Where an anesthesiologist works can have a major impact on their salary. Anesthesiologists in large cities tend to earn more than those in rural areas, due to higher demand and cost of living. For example, an anesthesiologist in San Francisco may earn significantly more than one in a smaller city like Wichita.
Experience
More experienced anesthesiologists tend to make more money than those just starting out. Anesthesiologists with several years of experience typically earn more than those with less experience. This is due to their increased knowledge and skill set.
Specialization
Anesthesiologists can specialize in certain areas, such as pediatric, obstetric or cardiac anesthesiology. Specializing in a certain area can lead to higher pay, as these anesthesiologists often specialize in more complex procedures and require additional training.
Trends in Anesthesiologist Salaries Over Time
According to the American Medical Group Association, the average salary for an anesthesiologist has increased steadily since 2012. In 2018, the median salary for an anesthesiologist was $477,000, up from $436,000 in 2015 and $393,000 in 2012.
Common Benefits for Anesthesiologists
In addition to salary, anesthesiologists typically receive a variety of benefits. These can include:
Retirement Plans
Many employers offer retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans, to help anesthesiologists save for retirement. Employers may also offer matching contributions to encourage employees to save.
Health Insurance
Anesthesiologists may be eligible for health insurance coverage through their employer. This can include coverage for medical expenses, prescription drugs and vision care.
Professional Development
Employers may offer professional development opportunities, such as continuing education courses or conferences, to help anesthesiologists stay up to date on the latest developments in the field.
Strategies to Maximize Anesthesiologist Income
Anesthesiologists can take steps to maximize their income. These include:
Negotiate Salary
Anesthesiologists should negotiate their salary with potential employers. They should research the market rate for anesthesiologists in their area and use that information to inform their negotiations.
Pursue Continuing Education
Continuing education is important for anesthesiologists, as it helps them stay up to date on the latest developments in the field. Pursuing continuing education can also help anesthesiologists increase their earning potential.
Network
Networking is an important part of any job search. Anesthesiologists should attend professional events and use online networking sites to connect with other professionals in the field.
Conclusion
Anesthesiologists play an important role in providing pain relief and anesthesia during medical procedures. The average salary for an anesthesiologist is $208,000, though this can vary depending on location, experience and specialization. Anesthesiologists can maximize their income by negotiating salary, pursuing continuing education and networking.
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