Source: SalaryDr satisfaction data for Anesthesiology (N=145 verified submissions, updated August 3, 2026, data as of 2026-08-03). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
90% of anesthesiologists would choose their specialty again, with an average satisfaction of 3.9/5 and median salary of $535,000, based on 145 verified physician submissions on SalaryDr.
$535,000
$564,719
$475,000
$603,750
Based on 145 physician responses (1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied)
130 of 144 respondents would choose anesthesiology again
Based on 145 physician responses (bar scaled to 80 hrs/week)
Anonymized responses from anesthesiologists about their career and work-life balance.
“Have to be able to tolerate the difficult patient population. Hard work in the specialty is rewarded.”
On career & specialty — Verified Anesthesiologist
“I enjoy getting to do cool procedures like nerve blocks and spinal anesthesia. And I like not being on call and when I’m done with work no one is bothering me. ”
On career & specialty — Verified Anesthesiologist
“Call shift pay difference. More post-call time off. More respect/appreciation ”
On career & specialty — Verified Anesthesiologist
“Eventually I would like better work/life balance. However, right now I am choosing to work hard and get ahead with my savings and investments.”
On career & specialty — Verified Anesthesiologist
“It is a difficult job requiring a broad skill set and dealing with high risk patients. Can be very stressful. Leadership is supportive but usually not very responsive to making recommended changes. Staffing can be very tight at times and workload can be very high on a daily basis. Cover residents or crnas 30% of the time and work solo 70% of the time. flow could be improved with better staffing. Also very inefficient operating rooms which is never addressed by hospital leadership. ”
On career & specialty — Verified Anesthesiologist
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