Anesthesiologists, one of the highest-paid physician specialties, are seeing salaries shaped by factors such as geography, employment type, experience and market demand, according to AMN Healthcare’s Anesthesiologist Outlook for 2025.
Here are five notes from the report:
1.The average salary for anesthesiologists has reached approximately $437,000. This figure reflects the continued need for their expertise in a healthcare system facing staffing shortages and rising procedural volumes. The steady growth in compensation is largely driven by the complexity and critical nature of anesthesia services across inpatient and outpatient settings.
2. Anesthesiologists working in urban centers and high cost-of-living areas tend to command higher salaries than those in rural regions. Moreover, professionals with extensive experience or specialized capabilities, such as pain management or cardiac anesthesia, often earn a premium over their peers. Geographic disparities, coupled with evolving patient demographics, continue to influence pay levels.
3. Temporary assignments through locum tenens agencies provide a flexible and often lucrative path for anesthesiologists. These roles typically pay between $250,000 and $400,000 annually, depending on the assignment length and location. For many, locum work provides an opportunity to maintain clinical skills while earning competitive wages without the long-term commitment of a permanent position.
4. Beyond salary, many locum tenens contracts include housing stipends, travel reimbursements and credentialing support. Physicians in these roles may also have greater control over their schedules, allowing them to pick up additional shifts or negotiate higher pay rates. For those willing to travel or embrace a more transient lifestyle, locum work can lead to substantial short-term earnings and career flexibility.
5.While locum work can be financially rewarding, permanent roles remain the preferred choice for anesthesiologists seeking long-term security. These positions often include robust benefit packages, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid leave, as well as structured opportunities for career advancement. In 2025, the average salary for permanent anesthesiologists is projected around $400,000, with the potential for gradual increases tied to tenure, leadership roles and subspecialization.
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