Anesthesiologist Assistant Salary in US & Canada

By Patmos Zen •  Updated: 05/27/23 •  8 min read

Anesthesiologist Assistant Salary per annum is between $110,000 to $ 218,000 or up to $50 per hour, the salary depends on the years of experience, skills, years of training and employer pay scale. The Anesthesiologist Assistant Salary, Job Description and Training information is a complete detail for one of the highest paying jobs in the health care sector.

The Anesthesiologist Assistant Salary is one of the best in the health sector, the job requires skills, years of training and time spent working at the hospital. Anesthesiologist Assistants typically have years of experience in the field, with many having completed extensive training and education programs. They work alongside Anesthesiologists to provide patients with safe and effective anesthesia care during surgical procedures.

As a result, the Anesthesiologist Assistant Salary is often quite high, reflecting the level of expertise and experience required for this challenging role. Furthermore, the employer pay scale for Anesthesiologist Assistants can vary depending on a number of factors, such as location, type of employer, and level of experience. Overall, however, this field remains one of the most lucrative in healthcare and offers ampl opportunities for personal and professional growth.

 Who is an Anesthesiologist Assistant 

An  Anesthesiologist Assistant  (AA) is a non-physician anesthesia provider who practices anesthesia under the medical direction of an anesthesiologist. The AA works as an integral member of the anesthesia care team (ACT)

The role of the Anesthesiologist Assistant is not to be confused with that of a Nurse Anesthesiologist, the latter can work independently where there is no Anesthesiologist present. An Anesthesiologist Assistant works under the supervision of a licensed Anesthesiologist to administer anesthesia to patients during medical procedures. They assist in monitoring the patient’s vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, throughout the procedure to ensure that they are safe and comfortable.

An Anesthesiologist Assistant must complete a rigorous academic program, including a graduate degree in anesthesia, and pass a certification exam before being able to practice. They are an essential part of the anesthesia care team, helping to ensure that patients receive safe and effective anesthesia during surgery and other medical procedures.

 Anesthesiologist Assistant Salary 

The salary of the Anesthesiologist Assistant per annum is between $110,000 to $ 218,000 or up to $50 per hour, the salary depends on the years of experience, skills, years of training and employer pay scale.  Anesthesiologist Assistants are highly skilled medical professionals who work under the supervision of Anesthesiologists to provide anesthesia to patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. Their role is very important as they are responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of patients during surgical procedures.

The range for Anesthesiologist Assistant salary is quite competitive, with top earners making up to $218,000 per year. However, this salary range is dependent on a number of factors including years of experience in the field, skillset, amount of training received, and the specific pay scale set by the employer. Those with more experience, specialized skills and more advanced training will generally earn more than those just starting out in the field.

Overall, becoming an Anesthesiologist Assistant can be a great career choice for those looking for a challenging, high-paying job in the medical field. With the right skillset, education and training, Anesthesiologist Assistants can enjoy a rewarding career that makes a positive impact on the lives of countless patients.

Job Description of an Anesthesiologist Assistant 

Anesthesiologist Assistant are trained to obtain pre-anesthetic health history, perform preoperative physical exams, establish non-invasive and invasive monitors, administer medications, evaluate and treat life-threatening situations, and execute general and regional anesthetic techniques, as delegated by the anesthesiologist.

 Other Job Function of the Anesthesiologist Assistant 

 Anesthesiologist Assistant Training & Education 

Anesthesiologist Assistant must complete a 4 years degree program with pre-med courses taken, Anesthesiologist Assistant’s also must take the MCAT or GRE (depending on school) to be admitted into a 2yr masters program for Anesthesiologist Assistant training.

The two-year, master’s level anesthesiologist assistant training program focuses on course work that enhances basic science knowledge in physiology, pharmacology, anatomy and biochemistry with special emphasis on the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, nervous and neuromuscular systems.

A good training will help increase the Anesthesiologist Assistant Salary considerably, the list of schools can be found by using the box by the side or below.

 Limitations of the Anesthesiologist Assistant Training 

There are currently only ten anesthesiologist assistant training programs in the United States, all of which offer degrees at the Master’s level. Approximately 97% of currently practicing anesthesiologist assistants hold a Master’s degree. After graduation they can only work in a limited number of states also.

This limited availability of anesthesiologist assistant programs in the US is due to the specialized nature of the field, which requires extensive education and training. Despite the limited number of training programs, the demand for anesthesiologist assistants continues to grow as more healthcare facilities recognize the value they bring to the medical team.

 Continuous Education Program 

Students must pass a six-hour certification exam administered by the National Commission for the Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants (NCCAA). Anesthesiologist assistants are also required to complete 40 hours of continuing medical education (CME) every two years and pass a qualifying exam every six years.

Students complete 600 hours of coursework in the classroom and laboratory, a minimum of 63 didactic hours and 2,000 hours of clinical training. During the clinical portion, students will administer as many as 600 different anesthetics during a variety of surgeries. Clinical training also prepares students to monitor patients, operate anesthesia delivery systems and life support systems and accurately assess patients.

 States Anesthesiologist Assistants can Practice 

States where AAs practice through license and certification:

They practice in these two states through physician delegation: Texas and Michigan.

The Anesthesiologist Assistant training and jobs is getting more popular and accepted in many hospitals, the Anesthesiologist Assistant Salary is also very encouraging.  Anesthesiologist Assistants, or AAs, are highly skilled healthcare professionals who work under the direction and supervision of licensed anesthesiologists. They are trained to deliver and monitor anesthesia during surgical procedures, as well as provide pre- and post-operative care to patients.

As the demand for AAs continues to grow, so does the Anesthesiologist Assistant’s Salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for AAs was $108,930 in May 2020, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $185,910 per year.

In addition to competitive Anesthesiologist Assistant salary, they also enjoy a high level of job satisfaction and job security. They work in a challenging, fast-paced environment and play a critical role in ensuring the safe and effective delivery of anesthesia to patients.

If you have a passion for healthcare and enjoy working in a team-oriented environment, consider pursuing a career as an Anesthesiologist Assistant. With the right education and training, you can enjoy a rewarding career with a competitive salary and numerous opportunities for professional growth and advancement.