Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists are physicians who administer anesthetics and pain management medications before, during, and after surgical procedures. They work primarily in hospitals, surgical centers, and other medical facilities where operations take place. Their role is to ensure patients remain safe and comfortable throughout procedures by monitoring vital signs and adjusting medications as needed.
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A day in the work
A typical week involves meeting with patients before surgery to assess their medical history and plan anesthesia approaches, then administering and monitoring anesthetics during procedures in operating rooms. Anesthesiologists work alongside surgeons and surgical teams, continuously tracking patient vital signs, adjusting medication doses, and responding to any complications. They also manage post-operative pain and recovery, meeting with patients after surgery to monitor their condition and adjust pain management as recovery progresses.
Who this work suits
Holland code ISR. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
If you enjoy solving complex medical problems and working closely with patients and surgical teams, this career may appeal to you. People who do well as anesthesiologists tend to be detail-oriented, comfortable with science-based decision-making, and genuinely interested in understanding how medications affect individual patients during critical moments.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Physician - Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologist · Veterans Health Administration · Richmond, Virginia · $385000–$400000
- Physician - Anesthesiologist · Veterans Health Administration · Salem, Virginia · $390000–$400000
- Physician - Anesthesiologist · Veterans Health Administration · Shreveport, Louisiana · $370000–$400000
- Physician - Anesthesiologist (EDRP & Recruitment Incentive Authorized) · Veterans Health Administration · Columbia, South Carolina · $350000–$400000
- Physician - Anesthesiologist (Section Chief) · Veterans Health Administration · Fresno, California · $350000–$400000
- Physician (Anesthesiologist) · Veterans Health Administration · Nashville, Tennessee · $330000–$375000
- Physician - Anesthesiologist · Veterans Health Administration · Richmond, Virginia · $260000–$400000
- Physician - (Anesthesiologist) · Veterans Health Administration · Nashville, Tennessee · $330000–$375000
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $437,430 | $499,990 | $646,930 | 1,540 |
| Minnesota | $359,990 | $496,510 | $576,440 | 870 |
| Ohio | $326,360 | $490,530 | $506,840 | 780 |
| Virginia | $261,040 | $488,310 | $504,200 | — |
| Connecticut | $432,520 | $481,820 | $529,860 | — |
| New Hampshire | $428,590 | $481,640 | $485,200 | 330 |
| Florida | $388,140 | $465,370 | $481,890 | 2,530 |
| Pennsylvania | $450,320 | $461,390 | $530,450 | 410 |
| Idaho | $299,990 | $449,990 | $450,000 | — |
| New York | $152,160 | $445,660 | $534,810 | 7,230 |
| Wisconsin | $310,360 | $443,990 | $530,520 | 790 |
| Kansas | $248,400 | $437,030 | $485,440 | 600 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certification in Anesthesiology — American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology
- Board Certification in Anesthesiology — American Board of Physician Specialties
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) — National Association for Healthcare Quality
- Certification in Anesthesiology - Part 1 — American Board of Anesthesiology
- Certification in Pediatric Critical Care — American Board of Pediatrics
- Certification in Critical Care Medicine — American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against anesthesiologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1211.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.