What does an Anesthesiologist do?

Anesthesiologists treat and prevent pain while monitoring the vital functions of their patients during surgical procedures. They also work in pain clinics, the ICU, and labor and delivery units. Anesthesiologists focus on the care of a surgical patient or assistance with pain relief drugs that reduce or eliminate the sensation of pain during an operation or another medical procedure.

In surgery, anesthesiologists adjust the amount of anesthetic as needed, and they are responsible for monitoring the patient’s vitals including heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and breathing. Outside of the operating room, anesthesiologists provide pain relief for patients in the ICU for women in labor and delivery and for patients suffering from chronic pain. Working with other physicians and surgeons, anesthesiologists decide on treatments and procedures before, during, and after surgery. Some anesthesiologists specialize in a field including cardiac, surgical, or pediatrics. An anesthesiologist needs a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathy degree and a bachelor’s degree s in health sciences or pre-med; they require licensing and must also complete a four-year residency program.

What responsibilities are common for Anesthesiologist jobs?
  • Ensure proper functioning and integrity of anesthesia equipment.
  • May provide patient transport and environmental service support as needed.
  • Monitor, transport, and transfer care to appropriate anesthesia or recovery personnel.
  • Stock anesthesia supplies in carts at the point of care.
  • Complete, document, and report all mandatory education and training.
  • Manage ventilators and other respiratory care parameters as directed by the physician.
What are the typical qualifications for Anesthesiologist jobs?
  • Bachelor's Degree in biology.
  • Fluent in sedation, intubation, ventilation and injections and their use and application for patients.
  • Is a professional at all times with sound collaboration and critical thinking skills.
  • Demonstrated professionalism and leadership in stressful environments such as the ICU.
  • Adaptable and able to negotiate.
Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.4 ★
Total Pay--
Career Opportunity
3.9 ★
Avg. Experience8+ years

How much does an Anesthesiologist make?

Confident
$333,675 /yr
Total Pay
$282,150
 /yr

Base Pay

+
$51,525
 /yr

Additional Pay

$333,675

 / yr
$194K$611K
Most Likely Range
Possible Range
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Anesthesiologist Career Path

Learn how to become an Anesthesiologist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Anesthesiologist

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
4%
2 - 4
7%
5 - 7
3%
8+
86%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Anesthesiologist Insights

Read what Anesthesiologist professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
DHCDHC
CA Article Assistant
Mar 2, 2023

“1. Exposure is quite Good 2. Stipend is close to what offered in Big4 3. Sometime you get WFH”

CNGSN & Associates
CA Articled Assistant
Nov 24, 2021

“Good good good good good”

Anesthesia Company
Anesthesiologist
Nov 4, 2022

“Great coworkers who are excellent to work with.”

SARC Associates
CA Article Assistant
May 24, 2021

“Firm provides opportunities to lear and shape your career.”

Murali & Venkat
CA Article Assistant
Nov 20, 2022

“Get good files and freedom.”

PwCPwC
CA Article Assistant
Jun 9, 2021

“None of any reasons are good”

ZEROREZ Carpet CleaningZEROREZ Carpet Cleaning
Base Manager
Apr 8, 2021

“Great people to work with!”

EYEY
CA Articled Assistant
Mar 3, 2021

“Good pay as per experience”

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Anesthesiologist Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of an Anesthesiologist

The most similar professions to Anesthesiologist are:
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  • Family Medicine Physician
  • Physician
  • Internal Medicine Physician

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Anesthesiologist Jobs