Explore anesthesiologist salary ranges, day rates, and how subspecialty and locum work shape earning potential.
Anesthesiology consistently ranks among the highest-compensated physician specialties. Across major national benchmarks, most full-time anesthesiologists earn between $331,000 and $500,000 annually, with subspecialty and locum roles pushing higher.
| Source | What it Measures | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2024 (SOC 29-1211) | Mean annual wage | $331,190 |
| Medscape Physician Compensation Report (2025) | Average total compensation | $428,000 |
| Doximity Physician Compensation Report (2025) | Median total compensation | $449,530 |
| SalaryDr (April 2026) | Median verified compensation | $475,000 |
| ASA/MGMA Anesthesiology Compensation Survey (2024) | Median total compensation | $500,000 |
Note: BLS reports base wages. Doximity, SalaryDr, and ASA/MGMA capture broader total compensation including call pay, productivity bonuses, and profit-sharing.
Anesthesiology is one of the few specialties where the locum market is deep enough to support full-time independent practice at rates that exceed most employed positions.
Anesthesiology locum work is typically structured by the day, with day rates varying by subspecialty, call intensity, and market demand.
| Compensation Type | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| W-2 employed (BLS mean, ~2,080 hrs) | ~$159 /hr |
| Locum tenens — lower band | $2,500 /day |
| Locum tenens — upper band | $3,500 /day |
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2024; Barton Associates market data 2025–2026.
Anesthesiology locum day rates are among the highest in medicine. The structural driver is simple: OR schedules cannot run without anesthesia coverage, and the specialty has one of the longest training pipelines in medicine.
Geographic variation in anesthesiology compensation is driven primarily by supply-demand imbalance rather than cost of living. The AAMC projects a shortage of 12,500 anesthesiologists by 2033 — a structural driver of sustained locum demand.
Anesthesiology pay tracks supply density, not prestige markets. Mid-sized regions with fewer anesthesiologists often outpay major metros.
A standard full-time anesthesiologist covers 8 to 10 OR cases per day, 4 to 5 days per week, with call responsibilities adding additional volume. The AAMC projects a shortage of 12,500 anesthesiologists by 2033, driven by growing surgical volumes and an aging workforce. Subspecialty roles — cardiac, pediatric, regional, and neuroanesthesia — command premiums of 15–30% above general anesthesia rates.
Locum day rates range from $2,500 to $3,500 per day. The four scenarios below use representative rates from within that band.
To exceed $600,000: focus on cardiac and pediatric subspecialty coverage, call-heavy assignments, and undersupplied markets.
Anesthesiology locum income scales with subspecialty demand and call intensity. The more specialized and harder to staff the role, the higher the rate.
A $3,000/day locum rate versus a $159/hr W-2 equivalent represents a substantial structural advantage. 1099 anesthesiologists unlock business deductions across licensing, CME, home office, equipment, and travel; higher retirement contributions through a SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k); the Qualified Business Income deduction of up to 20%; and S-corp structuring at higher income levels. Barton partners with Earned to help locum physicians navigate these decisions.
Barton coordinates your job search from start to finish!
We’ll schedule a phone consultation to discuss your interests, goals, and work history to find the right opportunities.
Your Barton rep will submit your information to the facility you want to take an assignment at and work on next steps.
Barton handles licensing, credentialing, and travel arrangements before you arrive so you’re ready on day one.
Most earn between $331,190 (BLS mean) and $500,000 (ASA/MGMA median). Physician-reported benchmarks from Doximity ($449,530) and Medscape ($428,000) sit in the middle of that range.
Locum anesthesiology day rates typically range from $2,500 to $3,500 per day, depending on subspecialty, call intensity, and market demand. Cardiac and pediatric subspecialty coverage commands the top of the band.
Yes. Hybrid models combining employed income with regular locum days can push total compensation above $557,000. Full-time locum at $3,200/day working 14 days/month yields approximately $537,600 annually.
Wyoming ($407,450), Montana ($398,320), North Dakota ($391,190), South Dakota ($385,870), and Nebraska ($381,340) lead BLS state data. Mid-sized markets with lower anesthesiologist density consistently outpay major coastal metros.
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