What is an Anesthesiologist?
Occupation Description Physicians who administer anesthetics prior to, during, or after surgery or other medical procedures.
Anesthesiologist Responsibilities
- Confer with other medical professionals to determine type and method of anesthetic or sedation to render patient insensible to pain.
- Examine patient, obtain medical history, and use diagnostic tests to determine risk during surgical, obstetrical, and other medical procedures.
- Decide when patients have recovered or stabilized enough to be sent to another room or ward or to be sent home following outpatient surgery.
- Schedule and maintain use of surgical suite, including operating, wash-up, waiting rooms, or anesthetic and sterilizing equipment.
- Coordinate administration of anesthetics with surgeons during operation.
- Instruct individuals and groups on ways to preserve health and prevent disease.
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Anesthesiologist Skills
When polled, Anesthesiologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Related Job Titles
- Anesthesiologist Attending
- Practicing MD Anesthesiologist
- Obstetrical Anesthesiologist
- Medical Doctor (MD)
- Anesthesia Attending
Is There Job Demand for Anesthesiologists?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 33,000 jobs in the United States for Anesthesiologist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 15.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,100 new jobs for Anesthesiologist by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,400 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Anesthesiologist are Alaska, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, South Dakota, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Anesthesiologists Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Anesthesiologists ranges between about $133,080 and $208,000 a year.

Anesthesiologists who work in Alabama, Alaska, or Arizona, make the highest salaries.
How much do Anesthesiologists make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $208,000 |
Alaska | $208,000 |
Arizona | $279,160 |
Arkansas | $229,760 |
California | $288,420 |
Colorado | $270,180 |
Connecticut | $270,210 |
District of Columbia | $208,000 |
Florida | $280,390 |
Georgia | $224,300 |
Hawaii | $208,000 |
Idaho | $256,450 |
Illinois | $261,300 |
Indiana | $277,000 |
Iowa | $208,000 |
Kansas | $208,000 |
Kentucky | $278,590 |
Louisiana | $208,000 |
Maine | $208,000 |
Maryland | $208,000 |
Massachusetts | $205,960 |
Michigan | $261,310 |
Minnesota | $208,000 |
Mississippi | $208,000 |
Missouri | $250,180 |
Montana | $208,000 |
Nebraska | $290,470 |
Nevada | $256,120 |
New Hampshire | $208,000 |
New Jersey | $208,000 |
New York | $255,500 |
North Carolina | $285,730 |
North Dakota | $273,120 |
Ohio | $285,000 |
Oklahoma | $278,690 |
Oregon | $208,000 |
Pennsylvania | $278,010 |
South Carolina | $254,420 |
South Dakota | $293,110 |
Tennessee | $262,070 |
Texas | $260,690 |
Utah | $214,730 |
Vermont | $257,240 |
Washington | $268,580 |
West Virginia | $281,000 |
Wisconsin | $257,450 |
Wyoming | $215,910 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Anesthesiologists
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Anesthesiologists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- MEDITECH software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- EDImis Anesthesia Manager
- Skyscape AnesthesiaDrugs
- AetherPalm InfusiCalc
- Drug database software
How to Become an Anesthesiologist
What education is needed to be an Anesthesiologist?

How Long Does it Take to Become an Anesthesiologist?

Where Anesthesiologists Are Employed

Anesthesiologists work in the following industries:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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