Anesthesiologists

Administer anesthetics and analgesics for pain management prior to, during, or after surgery.

SOC: 29-1211.00

Common Job Titles

Medical Doctor (MD)Obstetrical AnesthesiologistStaff AnesthesiologistStaff Anesthetist

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeEvaluate patient physiological responses and anesthetic depth in real-time during surgical procedures, using continuous hemodynamic and respiratory monitoring.
  • Hands-onPerform advanced airway management techniques including endotracheal intubation and fiberoptic bronchoscopy in operating room settings, adapting to patient anatomy and emergency situations.
  • KnowledgeFormulate individualized anesthesia care plans integrating patient comorbidities and pharmacological considerations for diverse surgical procedures, balancing risk mitigation with optimal pain management.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze complex patient data from multiple monitoring sources including EKG, pulse oximetry, and capnography under time pressure in critical perioperative situations, identifying adverse events.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize pharmacological knowledge of anesthetics, analgesics, and adjuvant medications to manage intraoperative complications and tailor drug selection to patient-specific factors.
  • KnowledgeDesign postoperative pain management strategies using multimodal analgesia approaches documenting care in electronic medical record systems and coordinating with recovery teams.
  • Hands-onOperate digital anesthesia machines and invasive hemodynamic monitoring systems during perioperative care, adjusting gas concentrations and infusion rates to maintain homeostasis.
  • MindsetIntegrate patient safety principles with evidence-based anesthesiology practice when managing high-risk cases and navigating ethical considerations around informed consent.
  • Hands-onExecute precisely regional anesthesia techniques including epidural and peripheral nerve blocks using ultrasound guidance and nerve stimulators, ensuring accurate needle placement.
  • MindsetSupport patient and family emotional needs during preoperative assessment and informed consent when addressing anxiety and answering questions about anesthesia risks.
  • KnowledgeInterpret laboratory results, imaging studies, and preoperative assessments collaborating with surgical and interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient readiness.
  • Hands-onDemonstrate mastery emergency airway rescue procedures and resuscitation protocols in crisis situations including anaphylaxis, malignant hyperthermia, and cardiovascular collapse.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Anesthesiologists (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

41,890

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$124,450
10% of workers earn the following or more$239,200+
Workers on average earn$336,640

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Medicine and Dentistry4.9/5
  • Biology4.3/5
  • English Language3.7/5
  • Chemistry3.6/5
  • Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Epic SystemsMEDITECH softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word

Technology Skills

AetherPalm InfusiCalcAnesthesia machine softwareAtStaff Physician SchedulerDrug database softwareEDImis Anesthesia ManagerElectronic medical record EMR softwareHealthpac Medical BillingMedical calculator software

Tools & Equipment

Anesthesia gas concentration monitorsAnesthesia monitorsAutomated external defibrillators AEDBlood collection syringesCalibrated vaporizersCapnographsCricothyrotomy equipmentDesktop computers