Post job

Anesthesia technician vs anesthesiologist

The differences between anesthesia technicians and anesthesiologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become an anesthesia technician, becoming an anesthesiologist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an anesthesiologist has an average salary of $409,213, which is higher than the $39,640 average annual salary of an anesthesia technician.

The top three skills for an anesthesia technician include patients, patient care and BLS. The most important skills for an anesthesiologist are patients, OB, and patient care.

Anesthesia technician vs anesthesiologist overview

Anesthesia TechnicianAnesthesiologist
Yearly salary$39,640$409,213
Hourly rate$19.06$196.74
Growth rate6%7%
Number of jobs78,1321,883
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 38%Doctoral Degree, 34%
Average age4148
Years of experience124

What does an anesthesia technician do?

Anesthesia technicians are healthcare professionals who oversee activities related to anesthetics. They administer anesthesia to patients and assist doctors in related activities. They also monitor the patient after the anesthesia is administered to ensure that no harmful side effects occurred. Anesthesia technicians are expected to know how to test for anesthetic allergies and to spot signs of such allergies. They should be familiar with the different techniques, solutions, and equipment used for anesthetic procedures. Aside from those, anesthesia technicians are also expected to manage the inventory of anesthetic solutions and to trigger purchase requests for new stocks.

What does an anesthesiologist do?

An Anesthesiologist is a physician who administers anesthetics prior to, during, or after surgery or other medical procedures. They are responsible for preventing and supervising the vital functions of patients during surgical procedures.

Anesthesia technician vs anesthesiologist salary

Anesthesia technicians and anesthesiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Anesthesia TechnicianAnesthesiologist
Average salary$39,640$409,213
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $52,000Between $166,000 And $1,003,000
Highest paying CityRedwood City, CAFargo, ND
Highest paying stateCaliforniaAlaska
Best paying companyChildren's Hospital Los AngelesTrinity Health
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between anesthesia technician and anesthesiologist education

There are a few differences between an anesthesia technician and an anesthesiologist in terms of educational background:

Anesthesia TechnicianAnesthesiologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 38%Doctoral Degree, 34%
Most common majorNursingMedicine
Most common collegeUniversity of ConnecticutDuke University

Anesthesia technician vs anesthesiologist demographics

Here are the differences between anesthesia technicians' and anesthesiologists' demographics:

Anesthesia TechnicianAnesthesiologist
Average age4148
Gender ratioMale, 50.5% Female, 49.5%Male, 59.4% Female, 40.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 4.8% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 5.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 19.1% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage13%13%

Differences between anesthesia technician and anesthesiologist duties and responsibilities

Anesthesia technician example responsibilities.

  • Assess vitals, apply splints and other orthopedic devices, perform wind care, phlebotomy and EKG's.
  • Maintain an unobstruct operative field, using surgical retractors, sponges, or suctioning and irrigating equipment.
  • Provide appropriate life-saving care and assist veterinarian in triage emergency cases.
  • Provide anesthesia technician services to patients under the direct supervision of a license anesthesia care provider designate by the client facility.
  • Assist anesthesiologists in preparing patients for local or general anesthesia in the areas of main surgery, outpatient surgery and labor/delivery.
  • Scrub minor ENT, GYN, and Ortho procedures.
  • Show more

Anesthesiologist example responsibilities.

  • Perform PCR and endotracheal intubation inemergency room.
  • Moderate amount of ultrasound-guid regional anesthesia; currently undergoing regional- relate CME.
  • Supervise BLS training for nurses.
  • Process paperwork and ensure compliance with HIPPA regulations.
  • Care provide at free standing GI & ambulatory surgery centers.
  • Conduct vision tests, audiometers, EKG's, and pulmonary function testing.
  • Show more

Anesthesia technician vs anesthesiologist skills

Common anesthesia technician skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Patient Care, 11%
  • BLS, 7%
  • Anesthesia Tech, 6%
  • Surgery, 5%
  • IV, 3%
Common anesthesiologist skills
  • Patients, 21%
  • OB, 15%
  • Patient Care, 7%
  • EMR, 6%
  • Pain Management, 5%
  • CME, 5%

Browse healthcare practitioner and technical jobs