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Surgeon vs anesthesiologist

The differences between surgeons and anesthesiologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a surgeon, becoming an anesthesiologist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an anesthesiologist has an average salary of $409,213, which is higher than the $155,553 average annual salary of a surgeon.

The top three skills for a surgeon include patients, general surgery and healthcare. The most important skills for an anesthesiologist are patients, OB, and patient care.

Surgeon vs anesthesiologist overview

SurgeonAnesthesiologist
Yearly salary$155,553$409,213
Hourly rate$74.79$196.74
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs37,9181,883
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%Doctoral Degree, 34%
Average age4948
Years of experience64

What does a surgeon do?

A surgeon is a medical professional who conducts surgical procedures on the human body to treat injuries and diseases such as broken bones and cancerous tumors. Surgeons are required to review test results to identify abnormal findings and recommend a plan of treatment to patients. They must manage surgical technicians during the surgery process to ensure all standards of care and safety are followed in the operating room. Surgeons must also address concerns that the patients have about their health and well-being.

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.

Surgeon vs anesthesiologist salary

Surgeons and anesthesiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

SurgeonAnesthesiologist
Average salary$155,553$409,213
Salary rangeBetween $85,000 And $284,000Between $166,000 And $1,003,000
Highest paying CityLewiston, MEFargo, ND
Highest paying stateMaineAlaska
Best paying companyMaineGeneral HealthTrinity Health
Best paying industryProfessional-

Differences between surgeon and anesthesiologist education

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

SurgeonAnesthesiologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%Doctoral Degree, 34%
Most common majorMedicineMedicine
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Surgeon vs anesthesiologist demographics

Here are the differences between surgeons' and anesthesiologists' demographics:

SurgeonAnesthesiologist
Average age4948
Gender ratioMale, 51.2% Female, 48.8%Male, 59.4% Female, 40.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 1.8% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 5.0% Asian, 12.7% White, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%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 Percentage12%13%

Differences between surgeon and anesthesiologist duties and responsibilities

Surgeon example responsibilities.

  • Manage insurance authorization and hospital bookings for surgery.
  • Assist senior staff in dental treatment of several complex procedures including dental treatment of medically compromise patients.
  • Coordinate with patients and medical staff at civilian and military treatment facilities to schedule medical appointments and retrieve medical documentation.
  • Observe fracture plating, skin grafting, wind cleaning, amputation, and other Orthopaedic surgeries.

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

Surgeon vs anesthesiologist skills

Common surgeon skills
  • Patients, 26%
  • General Surgery, 12%
  • Healthcare, 12%
  • Patient Care, 7%
  • Mohs, 5%
  • Private Practice, 4%
Common anesthesiologist skills
  • Patients, 21%
  • OB, 15%
  • Patient Care, 7%
  • EMR, 6%
  • Pain Management, 5%
  • CME, 5%

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