Source: SalaryDr salary data for Anesthesiology (N=128 verified submissions, updated March 19, 2026, data as of 2026-03-19). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
Becoming a anesthesiologist requires 9 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 4 years of residency, and 1 year (optional). The median attending salary is $535,000/year based on 128 verified submissions.
4 years
Average medical school debt: $200,000 (AAMC). No physician income during this period.
4 years
Median residency salary: $60,000/year (PGY-1 to PGY-4)(7 submissions)
1 year (optional)
Optional fellowship. Fellows typically earn $70,000-$95,000/year.(1 submissions)
0-5 years experience
Based on 51 verified submissions(51 submissions)
6-15 years experience
Based on 65 verified submissions(65 submissions)
16+ years experience
Based on 12 verified submissions(12 submissions)
Anesthesiologist salaries typically increase significantly with experience. Mid-career anesthesiologists earn approximately $40,000 more per year than early career physicians — a 8% increase. Senior anesthesiologists earn a median of $585,000/year, reflecting peak earning potential.
| Career Stage | Median Salary | vs. Early Career | Submissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residency | $60,000 | — | 7 |
| Early Career (0-5 yrs) | $500,000 | Baseline | 51 |
| Mid-Career (6-15 yrs) | $540,000 | +$40,000 | 65 |
| Senior (16+ yrs) | $585,000 | +$85,000 | 12 |
It takes 9 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 4 years of residency, and 1 year (optional). Most physicians begin independent practice in their early 30s.
Anesthesiologists earn a full attending salary after completing all required training (9 years post-college). During residency and fellowship, physicians earn a training salary that is significantly less than attending pay — typically $60,000/year during residency.
With average medical school debt of $200,000 and a median attending salary of $535,000, anesthesiologists can typically expect to reach a financial break-even point approximately 1 years after starting attending practice. Actual timelines vary based on loan terms, living expenses, and repayment strategy.
Yes. Anesthesiology attending salaries generally increase with experience. Our data shows mid-career anesthesiologists (6-15 years) earn approximately 8% more than early career physicians (0-5 years).
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