Anesthesiologist Assistant Salary
An anesthesiologist assistant is best described as a provider of anesthesia who is not a doctor, but works under the direction of an anesthesiologist. These highly trained professionals play a crucial role in surgical procedures and patient safety.
2026 Salary Overview
The average range of an anesthesiologist assistant salary is $95,000 to $120,000. These figures are based on data recorded by the American Medical Association (AMA). The AMA also points out that higher levels of experience and education can drive the yearly salary of an anesthesiologist assistant up as high as $160,000 or $180,000. The location in which the anesthesiologist assistant works can also factor into how much he or she is paid.
Education and Training Requirements
Typical Entry-Level Education: Master's degree
Work Experience: None required
On-the-job Training: None
Anesthesiologist assistants must complete a specialized master's degree program that includes extensive clinical training. These programs typically last 24-27 months and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience in anesthesia care.
Job Outlook (2026-2036)
It does look like there will be great demand in the job market for anesthesiologist assistants. There is a dire shortage of these professionals in the medical field and the growth rate for job openings is about 25%. Job prospects are very good.
The increasing demand for surgical procedures, an aging population, and the need for cost-effective anesthesia care delivery are all contributing factors to this positive job outlook. This represents much faster than average growth compared to other occupations.
As of 2025, there were approximately 2,200 jobs in this occupation across the United States, with significant growth expected in the coming decade.
Work Environment
Anesthesiologist assistants work primarily in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and other healthcare facilities. They work closely with anesthesiologists and other medical professionals to ensure safe and effective anesthesia care for patients undergoing surgical procedures.
Licensing Restrictions
Important Note: Anesthesiologist Assistant licenses are not authorized in the following states. This means you cannot practice as an anesthesiologist assistant in these locations, regardless of your education and training:
States where Anesthesiologist Assistant licenses are NOT authorized:
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, and South Dakota.
Before pursuing this career path, it's crucial to verify the current licensing requirements and authorization status in the state where you plan to practice. Some states may have pending legislation or changing regulations regarding anesthesiologist assistant practice.
Salary Trends Over Time
The chart below shows how anesthesiologist assistant salaries have changed over the years, from 2015 to 2026. You can select a specific state to see localized trends or view the national average.
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Salary by State
The following table shows anesthesiologist assistant salary data by state, including the lowest 10%, median, highest 10%, and average salaries.
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