As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Anesthesiologist in the United States is $254,777 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $122.
However, a Chief Anesthesiologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Chief Anesthesiologist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Chief Anesthesiologist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Chief Anesthesiologist | $250,847 |
| Intermediate Level Chief Anesthesiologist | $252,026 |
| Senior Level Chief Anesthesiologist | $254,777 |
| Specialist Level Chief Anesthesiologist | $257,920 |
| Expert Level Chief Anesthesiologist | $262,662 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Chief Anesthesiologists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 18.18% |
| Clinical Care | 9.09% |
| Clinical Practice | 9.09% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Innovation
|
$280,255 |
10%
|
|
Clinical Practice
|
$270,064 |
6%
|
|
Anesthesia
|
$270,064 |
6%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$259,873 |
2%
|
|
Leadership
|
$257,325 |
1%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$257,325 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Chief Anesthesiologists enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Chief Anesthesiologist with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $252,495 and $263,950).
Chief Anesthesiologist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.0% |
| High School | 14.0% |
| Associates | 16.0% |
| Bachelors | 16.0% |
| Masters | 58.0% |
| Doctorate | 10.0% |
Understanding how a Chief Anesthesiologist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026Salaries for a Chief Anesthesiologist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $160,691 in 2023 to around $138,909 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Chief Anesthesiologist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $160,691 |
| 2024 | $147,166 |
| 2025 | $138,909 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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