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Anesthesiologist assistant vs technician

The differences between anesthesiologist assistants and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an anesthesiologist assistant has an average salary of $218,010, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.

The top three skills for an anesthesiologist assistant include patients, OB and pain management. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Anesthesiologist assistant vs technician overview

Anesthesiologist AssistantTechnician
Yearly salary$218,010$38,045
Hourly rate$104.81$18.29
Growth rate28%1%
Number of jobs14,137596,842
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age3940
Years of experience-2

What does an anesthesiologist assistant do?

The anesthesiologist assistant helps in administering anesthesia to patients who will undergo surgical procedures. In surgery, the assistant works primarily under a head anesthesiologist whenever a patient will experience specific operations. The anesthesiologist is a position that is in demand in many healthcare facilities. An anesthesiologist's added responsibilities are determining the required type of anesthesia to use, learning added techniques, and being updated on medical advancements in this field.

What does a technician do?

Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.

Anesthesiologist assistant vs technician salary

Anesthesiologist assistants and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Anesthesiologist AssistantTechnician
Average salary$218,010$38,045
Salary rangeBetween $100,000 And $471,000Between $24,000 And $58,000
Highest paying CityAtlanta, GASan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateGeorgiaHawaii
Best paying companyUniversity of Maryland, BaltimoreMicrosoft
Best paying industryGovernmentTelecommunication

Differences between anesthesiologist assistant and technician education

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

Anesthesiologist AssistantTechnician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorNursingBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Pennsylvania-

Anesthesiologist assistant vs technician demographics

Here are the differences between anesthesiologist assistants' and technicians' demographics:

Anesthesiologist AssistantTechnician
Average age3940
Gender ratioMale, 48.6% Female, 51.4%Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.5% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 10.8% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage12%2%

Differences between anesthesiologist assistant and technician duties and responsibilities

Anesthesiologist assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage use of anesthesia machine and mechanical ventilation.
  • Monitor the patient's vital signs, level of anesthesia, and administer anesthesia medication during surgery.
  • Prepare daily surgery charts and necessary medical equipment.
  • Stock all carts, assist in intubation and procedures
  • Assist in staff teaching, certifications, procedures, CPR, etc.
  • Administer anesthesia to surgical patients daily in suburban hospital setting.
  • Show more

Technician example responsibilities.

  • Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
  • Implement and manage UHF radio base stations, repeaters, and command network, effectively linking all regional headquarters.
  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Maintain numerous automate scripts to assist in managing Linux systems.
  • Manage, troubleshot and repair multiple wireless technologies including fiber optic transmission switches.
  • Install peripherals including printers, fax machines, scanners, and smartphones.
  • Show more

Anesthesiologist assistant vs technician skills

Common anesthesiologist assistant skills
  • Patients, 23%
  • OB, 17%
  • Pain Management, 10%
  • CRNA, 6%
  • Advanced Life Support, 5%
  • Intubation, 5%
Common technician skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Diagnosis, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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