Top 10 highest-paying states for anesthesiologists

Anesthesiologists are in high demand across the country, which is one reason anesthesiologist pay rose by 5% last year, according to Medscape. Even with that increase, the majority of anesthesiologists are dissatisfied with their pay.

Average anesthesiologist pay varies widely by state. ZipRecruiter compiled state rankings by anesthesiologist pay per hour and annual salary. Here are the top 10 states to consider if you’re looking to increase your earnings.

Average anesthesiologist pay by state

10. Nevada ($400,413)

Nevada faces a severe healthcare provider shortage, with 70% of residents living in underserved areas. The state just launched a new program that offers up to $120,000 in student loan repayment for healthcare workers who agree to work in underserved areas. Nevada ranked at No. 48 for women’s health and reproductive care, with many women reporting going without care due to cost.

Nevada boasts more than 300 sunny days each year and offers unparalleled entertainment options. Additionally, Nevada has no income tax and low property taxes.

9. Hawaii ($408,534)

Hawaiians have the longest life expectancy in the U.S. Forbes also ranked the state as having the most affordable healthcare. This report also notes that Hawaii has the lowest percentage of adults who have avoided healthcare due to cost. Hawaii is combating its physician shortage by expanding rural incentives, providing housing resources, and recruiting students into healthcare careers.

The state's high cost of living — particularly for housing — is its biggest impediment to recruiting physicians. On the other hand, Hawaii is a paradise of beaches and rainforests with warm weather year-round.

8. Colorado ($413,472)

In Colorado, two-thirds of residents admitted they’d delayed or skipped healthcare due to cost. The state clocked the second-largest growth rate in the monthly cost of private insurance, with residents seeing a 19.6% increase from 2022 to 2023. To battle these rising costs, the state created the Colorado Option, a private health insurance option available on the individual or small group marketplace.

Colorado is home to world-class skiing and an active lifestyle culture that keeps Coloradans among the healthiest in the nation.

7. Oregon ($415,740)

In the past year, about 3,800 health provider positions went unfilled in Oregon. The state is investing in healthcare workforce development to attract and retain providers. Oregonians saw a 40% increase in healthcare spending over eight years; in response, the state launched a program to help keep healthcare spending affordable.

Oregon is known for its rainy climate. Even so, residents enjoy a plentiful array of outdoor activities, and Portland was ranked among the most bikeable large cities.

6. North Dakota ($416,053)

The University of North Dakota is making progress on an ambitious plan to train and retain more healthcare providers in North Dakota. For example, one program is funneling physicians to rural areas by offering tuition forgiveness. North Dakotans are generally healthier than the national average, with positive trends for asthma, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

North Dakota boasts a low cost of living, with housing costs that are 16% lower than the national average. The state also has one of the lowest income tax rates in the country.

5. Vermont ($418,087)

A mere 3.4% of Vermonters lack health insurance coverage, compared with a national average of 8%. That access to care may be one reason the state achieved the only A rating for maternal and fetal health from the March of Dimes. Additionally, Vermont ranked at No. 5 for health system performance in 2023. Despite that good news, Vermont residents pay the highest costs in the nation for individual health coverage.

With a low population density, Vermont is a great place for those seeking a rural lifestyle with plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities.

4. Alaska ($423,470)

Alaska faces an enormous demand for healthcare workers. Due to rising demand, employee turnover, and retirements, the state needs roughly 9,400 new healthcare workers each year. The state is large and sparsely populated, making it difficult for many residents to access healthcare. The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium is trying to bridge that gap with extensive telehealth services.

The cost of living in Alaska is high, with Juneau facing 28% higher costs than the national average. Healthcare costs are more than 50% higher than the national average.

3. Massachusetts ($429,439)

Analysts say healthcare costs in Massachusetts grew at an “unsustainable” rate of 8.6% in 2023. The same report found hospital margins have improved, although the median operating margin is a slim 0.2%. Despite these challenges, the Commonwealth Fund ranked Massachusetts as the top state for health system performance.

Massachusetts typically receives 60 inches of snowfall each year, and winter temperatures can be harsh. However, the state ranks number one for its public education system and is home to several Ivy League and world-renowned universities.

2. New York ($430,190)

New York claims four of the country’s top-ranked hospitals. However, those facilities are clustered in New York City, and some areas of the state are considered healthcare deserts due to a lack of access to primary care. The state recently announced “transformative” investments in hospitals and healthcare partnerships to increase access to affordable care throughout the state.

With many world-renowned healthcare institutions, New York is a great place to establish and grow your career. However, you’ll need to be prepared for high housing costs and high taxes.

1. Washington ($445,354)

Washington ranks last among all states for the number of hospital beds per capita. Additionally, the state ranks poorly against national benchmarks for standard cancer screenings and child well care visits. In 2024, the state passed a law allowing nurse anesthetists and certified anesthesiologist assistants to practice within a physician-led anesthesia care team to address a shortage of anesthesiologists.

Washington residents don’t pay state income tax, and the state is recognized for its outdoor recreation opportunities and natural beauty.

Increase your anesthesiologist pay

Working locum tenens is potentially one way to potentially increase your anesthesiologist pay per hour. According to ZipRecruiter data, the average hourly rate for anesthesiologists in Washington, the state with the highest pay, is $214. On the other hand, locums anesthesiologists see an average hourly rate of $275 – $325.

Increased pay is why anesthesiologist Dr. Ahmed Abdel Rahman turned to locum tenens work. “In a permanent position, you will work more than needed and not get paid for everything you do,” he said. “As a locum, every minute of your life counts financially.”

Dr. Noel Lumpkin, an anesthesiologist in Washington, agreed. “I decided to give locum tenens a trial of two years to see if I could make a living from it,” she said. "After two years, I decided there was no turning back.”

Ready to earn more by working in one of these higher-paying states? We can help you find a locum tenens assignment there. Give us a call at 800.453.3030 or view today's locum tenens job opportunities.