Anesthesiology vs Radiology: Salary Comparison (2026)
Compare Anesthesiology and Radiology compensation across salary, lifestyle, and career metrics. See how Anesthesiologist salaries stack up against Radiologist pay using verified physician data on SalaryDr.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anesthesiology | Radiology |
|---|---|---|
| Training Length | 4-year residency | 5-year residency |
| Practitioner Title | Anesthesiologist | Radiologist |
| Live Salary Data | View Anesthesiology salary → | View Radiology salary → |
| Lifestyle Rating | See details below | See details below |
Salary figures are updated in real-time on each specialty page from verified physician submissions.
Key Differences
Training Path
- Anesthesiology: 4-year residency
- Radiology: 5-year residency
Practice Setting
Both Anesthesiology and Radiology offer diverse practice settings including academic medical centers, private practice, and hospital employment. Compensation varies significantly by setting.
Lifestyle & Work-Life Balance
Anesthesiology
Variable lifestyle depending on practice. OR-based work with call. Some positions offer shift-based models.
Radiology
Favorable lifestyle with growing remote-reading opportunities. Call varies by practice.
Lifestyle Comparison by the Numbers
| Metric | Anesthesiology | Radiology |
|---|---|---|
| Career Satisfaction | 3.8/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Would Choose Again | 85% | 100% |
| Avg Hours/Week | 54 | 54 |
| Physician Insights | 22 insights | 6 insights |
“Fairly decent, typically I come into office later rather than sooner”— Anesthesiology Physician
“Easy peasy. Read some X-rays and MRIs, flirt with the nursing staff, life is good”— Radiology Physician
Career Considerations
Job Market Outlook
Both Anesthesiology and Radiology continue to see strong demand driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access. Geographic demand varies; rural and underserved areas often offer higher compensation to attract specialists.
Compensation Growth Trajectory
Physician salaries in both specialties typically increase with experience, with the largest jumps in the first 5-10 years post-training. Partnership or ownership in private practice can meaningfully accelerate earnings.
Subspecialization Opportunities
Both specialties offer fellowship pathways that can further differentiate earning potential and lifestyle. Compare detailed salary data for each specialty to see how subspecialties affect pay.
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