Pain Medicine vs Anesthesiology: Salary Comparison (2026)
Compare Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology compensation across salary, lifestyle, and career metrics. See how Pain Medicine Physician salaries stack up against Anesthesiologist pay using verified physician data on SalaryDr.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pain Medicine | Anesthesiology |
|---|---|---|
| Training Length | Fellowship after anesthesiology or PM&R residency | 4-year residency |
| Practitioner Title | Pain Medicine Physician | Anesthesiologist |
| Live Salary Data | View Pain Medicine salary → | View Anesthesiology 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
- Pain Medicine: Fellowship after anesthesiology or PM&R residency
- Anesthesiology: 4-year residency
Practice Setting
Both Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology offer diverse practice settings including academic medical centers, private practice, and hospital employment. Compensation varies significantly by setting.
Lifestyle & Work-Life Balance
Pain Medicine
Good lifestyle. Mostly clinic and procedure-based with limited call.
Anesthesiology
Variable lifestyle depending on practice. OR-based work with call. Some positions offer shift-based models.
Career Considerations
Job Market Outlook
Both Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology 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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