Anesthesia Technician Salary Guide

An anesthesia technician is responsible for preparing a patient for surgery by getting vitals and providing reassurance, setting up the anesthesia equipment needed by the Anesthesiologist, and diligently monitoring the patient during surgery.  

Outpatient medical centers, surgery clinics, and traditional hospitals employ anesthesia technicians. An anesthesia tech may be assigned to the emergency room, intensive care, or traditional operating rooms in a hospital environment. 

About an anesthesia technician salary, as with any job, starting salaries vary from location to location and region to region. The national average for an entry-level position is $35,241, while the average annual salary is $44,913. 

With experience, additional education, and training, the upward momentum in salary and job title can be realized. 

What Salary Can I Expect To Earn As an Anesthesia Technician?

The technical training for an anesthesia technician takes approximately two years. The title requires completing an associate degree and passing the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists certification test. 

Being an Anesthesia Technician means having an important career with job security in a fast-paced environment while earning a comfortable salary. 

When the professional has earned their degree and certification, they begin their journey with an anesthesia technician salary of $35,241 annually, or about $16.94 per hour. This salary reflects the average national entry-level pay in the United States.

With more exposure and experience, the salary increases to a national median average of $44,913 annually, or about $21.59 per hour. 

Due to the limited room for expansion in the role of an Anesthesia Technician, the salary range does not vary widely, even with decades of experience. The range of annual salaries for an anesthesia technician is $35,241 – $57,401. 

Which US Cities Are Paying Anesthesia Technicians the Most?

The top 10 highest-paying cities in the United States may not be where you would expect. The annual salary for an Anesthesia Technician may appear higher in some areas when considering only the dollar amount. However, the cost of living and benefits must also be researched when considering job placement. 

1. Redwood City, CA: $55,161 annually or $26.52/hr
2. Bellingham, WA: $49,666 annually or $23.83/hr
3. New York, NY: $49,264 annually or $23.68/hr
4. Springfield, OR: $47,551 annually or $22.86/hr
5. Las Vegas, NV: $45,133 annually or $21.70/hr
6. Chicago, IL: $45,120 annually or $21.69/hr
7. Lakewood, NJ: $44,219 annually or $21.26/hr
8. Rochester, MN: $43,967 annually or $21.14/hr
9. Portland, ME: $42,645 annually or $20.50/hr
10. Pontiac, MI: $42,139 annually or $20.36/hr

Which US States Are Paying Anesthesia Technicians the Most?

The top 10 highest-paying states for an Anesthesia Technician are:

1. California: $54,149 annually
2. Washington: $49,462 annually
3. New York: $49,267 annually
4. Alaska: $47,844 annually
5. Oregon: $47,381 annually
6. Nevada: $45,237 annually
7. Illinois: $45,015 annually
8. Minnesota: $44,271 annually
9. New Jersey: $44,218 annually
10. District of Columbia: $44,127 annually

When comparing the annual anesthesia technician salary between states, the cost of living plays an important factor. Before accepting any position or considering relocation, determining the cost of living standards should be paramount. 

Other perks that should be considered are what other benefits are included, such as tuition reimbursement, shift rotations, and healthcare coverage. 

How Does the Salary of an Anesthesia Technician Compare to Other Fields in the Anesthesia Profession?

A nurse anesthetist assists the Anesthesiologist during procedures and monitors the patient’s condition before, during, and after surgery. The job requires a BSN and specialized graduate education. The average median salary in the United States for a nurse anesthetist is $195,610.

An anesthesiologist determines the best course of anesthesia for a patient in conjunction with the patient’s physician and head of surgery. The anesthesiologist administers the anesthesia to the patient during surgical procedures. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary in the United States for an anesthesiologist is $331,190. 

The highest-paying job in the Anesthesia profession is an Obstetric Anesthesiologist, with an average median salary of $285,632 per year. Specializing in an area such as high-risk obstetric anesthesia offers an even higher range, averaging $327,500 annually.

How Do I Advance My Career as an Anesthesia Technician and Earn More?

If furthering your professional career is something you’d like to explore, an Anesthesia Technician may advance to an Anesthesia Assistant. 

The Anesthesia Assistant is a highly trained, educated professional that works directly with a licensed Anesthesiologist. The certified anesthesia assistant must obtain pre-med undergraduate education and finish with a Master’s degree from an accredited anesthesia program.

There are currently only 17 states where a certified anesthesia assistant can practice:

Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Vermont, Wisconsin, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and the US Territory of Guam. Delagatory authority is recognized in four states: Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Kansas. 

As an anesthesia technician, you may enjoy the nurse or nurse anesthetist’s role during surgeries. To advance your career following this path, six to eight years of combined education and job experience are required.

The first step is obtaining a bachelor of science in nursing, or BSN. This degree takes an average of four years. The next step is obtaining a registered nursing license which requires sitting and passing a state nursing test.  

Before moving to the next step as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), a year or more of acute care setting experience is required by most programs. Once you have accomplished your first year, applying to a CRNA program is the next step. 

Depending on the school you select, a nurse anesthetist program can be completed in two-three years on average. Once you finish your CRNA program, successful completion of the National Certification Exam is required. 

When looking at the scope of work for any team member on an Anesthesia Team, it is easy to see how valuable the work they perform is to all involved. Embarking on a career in anesthesia can be expanded to high levels, taking your lifestyle, commitment, and personal achievements along with it.