Anesthesiologists: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more

Anesthesiologists focus on the care of surgical patients and pain relief. They administer drugs (anesthetics) that reduce or eliminate the sensation of pain during an operation or another medical procedure. During surgery, they are responsible for adjusting the amount of anesthetic as needed, and monitoring the patient's heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and breathing. They also work outside of the operating room, providing pain relief for patients in the intensive care unit, for women in labor and delivery of babies, and for patients who suffer from chronic pain. Anesthesiologists work with other physicians and surgeons to decide on treatments and procedures before, during, and after surgery.

Education Required
Most applicants to medical school have at least a bachelor's degree, and many have advanced degrees. Although no specific major is required, students usually complete undergraduate work in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and English. Students also may take courses in the humanities and social sciences. In addition, some students volunteer at local hospitals or clinics to gain experience in a healthcare setting.
Training Required
After medical school, almost all graduates enter a residency program in their specialty of interest. A residency usually takes place in a hospital and varies in duration, generally lasting from 3 to 7 years, depending on the specialty.
Job Outlook
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 15% (Much faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.)
Licenses/Certifications
All states require physicians and surgeons to be licensed; requirements vary by state. To qualify for a license, candidates must graduate from an accredited medical school and complete residency training in their specialty.
Median pay: How much do Physicians and Surgeons make?
$208,000 Annual Salary
$100.00 per hour

Careers for Physicians and Surgeons

  • Addiction psychiatrists
  • Allergists
  • Allopathic physicians and surgeons
  • Anaesthesiologists
  • Anesthetists
  • Attending anesthesiologists
  • Aviation medicine specialists
  • Board certified family physicians
  • Brain surgeons
  • Cardiac surgeons
  • Cardiologists
  • Cardiovascular surgeons
  • Child psychiatrists
  • Clinical pathologists
  • Clinical psychiatrists
  • Colorectal surgeons
  • Dermatologists
  • Doctors, medical
  • Doctors, osteopathic
  • Emergency medicine specialists
  • Emergency physicians
  • Family and general physicians
  • Family and general practitioners
  • Family medicine physicians
  • Family physicians
  • Family practice medical doctors
  • Family practice physicians
  • Family practitioners
  • Forensic psychiatrists
  • GP doctors
  • Gastroenterologists
  • General internal medicine doctors
  • General internal medicine physicians
  • General internists
  • General pediatricians
  • General practitioners
  • Geriatric psychiatrists
  • Gynecologists
  • Immunologists
  • Internal medicine physicians
  • Internists, OB specialists
  • Internists, general
  • Laryngologists
  • Neonatal doctors
  • Neonatologists
  • Nephrologists
  • Neurological surgeons
  • Neurologists
  • Neuropsychiatrists
  • Neurosurgeons
  • OB/GYN physicians
  • OB/GYNs
  • Obstetrical anesthesiologists
  • Obstetricians
  • Obstetricians and gynecologists
  • Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs)
  • Obstetricians/Gynecologists
  • Ophthalmologists
  • Orthopaedic surgeons
  • Orthopedic surgeons
  • Osteopathic physicians and surgeons
  • Otolaryngologists
  • Pathologists
  • Pediatric psychiatrists
  • Pediatricians
  • Pediatrists
  • Physiatrists
  • Physicians
  • Plastic surgeons
  • Practitioners, family and general
  • Primary care pediatricians
  • Psychiatrists
  • Pulmonary physicians
  • Radiologists
  • Reconstructive surgeons
  • Rheumatologists
  • Staff anesthetists
  • Staff psychiatrists
  • Surgeons
  • Surgical oncologists
  • Thoracic surgeons
  • Urologists
  • Vascular surgeons

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