Anesthesia technicians are allied health professionals who assist anesthesiologists and other medical staff in administering anesthesia to patients. They are responsible for preparing and maintaining anesthesia equipment, supplies, and medications, as well as monitoring the patient’s vital signs and response to anesthesia.
If you are interested in pursuing a career as an anesthesia technician, you might be wondering how much they earn and what factors affect their salary. In this article, we will provide an overview of the average anesthesia tech salary by state and nationally, as well as the education, certification, and experience requirements for this profession.
Average Anesthesia Tech Salary by State and Nationally
According to Indeed.com, the average annual salary of anesthesia technicians in the United States is $63,669 as of January 15, 2024¹. This translates to a monthly payment of $4,508 and an hourly rate of $27.29. However, the salary can vary significantly depending on the state, employer, and level of experience of the anesthesia technician.
ZipRecruiter.com provides a more detailed breakdown of the average anesthesia tech salary by state in 2024². The table below shows the top 10 highest paying states for anesthesia tech jobs, as well as the national average. State Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage Alaska $122,872 $10,239 $2,362 $59.07 Oregon $122,618 $10,218 $2,358 $58.95 Massachusetts $122,357 $10,196 $2,353 $58.83 North Dakota $122,207 $10,183 $2,350 $58.75 Minnesota $121,099 $10,091 $2,328 $58.22 Washington $121,037 $10,086 $2,327 $58.19 Hawaii $119,738 $9,978 $2,302 $57.57 Ohio $118,441 $9,870 $2,277 $56.94 Colorado $116,259 $9,688 $2,235 $55.89 Nevada $116,178 $9,681 $2,234 $55.85 National Average $113,937 $9,495 $2,191 $54.78
As you can see, the anesthesia tech salary can vary by more than $50,000 per year depending on the state. Generally, states with higher costs of living and higher demand for anesthesia services tend to pay more than states with lower costs of living and lower demand.
Education, Certification, and Experience Requirements for Anesthesia Technicians
To become an anesthesia technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as some postsecondary education or training in anesthesia technology. There are several accredited programs that offer certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees in anesthesia technology, which usually take one to two years to complete. These programs cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, anesthesia equipment, patient care, and safety.
In addition to education, some employers may require or prefer anesthesia technicians to have certification from the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT). The ASATT offers two levels of certification: Certified Anesthesia Technician (Cer.A.T.) and Certified Anesthesia Technologist (Cer.A.T.T.). To obtain the Cer.A.T. certification, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete an approved anesthesia technology program or have two years of work experience as an anesthesia technician, and pass a written exam. To obtain the Cer.A.T.T. certification, you need to have the Cer.A.T. certification, complete an approved anesthesia technology program or have three years of work experience as an anesthesia technician, and pass a written exam.
The certification process can help you demonstrate your knowledge and skills in anesthesia technology, as well as increase your chances of getting hired and earning a higher salary. According to Vivian Health, the average salary for a certified anesthesia technician is $31.18 per hour, which is 24% lower than the practicing US average of $38.64⁴. However, this may vary depending on the state, employer, and level of experience of the anesthesia technician.
Speaking of experience, it is another important factor that affects the anesthesia tech salary. As you gain more experience and skills in anesthesia technology, you can expect to earn more and advance in your career. According to CareerEmployer.com, the average entry-level anesthesia technician salary is $41,000 per year, while the average mid-level anesthesia technician salary is $54,000 per year, and the average senior-level anesthesia technician salary is $67,000 per year³.
Conclusion
Anesthesia technicians are valuable members of the anesthesia care team, who assist anesthesiologists and other medical staff in administering anesthesia to patients. The average anesthesia tech salary in the United States is $63,669 per year, but it can vary significantly depending on the state, employer, certification, and experience of the anesthesia technician. To become an anesthesia technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, some postsecondary education or training in anesthesia technology, and optionally certification from the ASATT. By pursuing this career, you can enjoy a rewarding and challenging work environment, as well as opportunities for growth and advancement.
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