Anesthesiologist assistant salary: how much does a CAA make?
A certified anesthesiologist assistant (CAA) earns about $247,000 a year on average, based on 170 salaries compiled in April 2026, with the middle half earning $220,000 to $270,000. Anesthesia technicians, a different entry-level job, earn a median of about $48,495.
Anesthesia assistant salary range
Pay for certified anesthesiologist assistants (also searched as anesthesia assistant salary), Marit Health compilation of 170 salaries, April 2026, reported by Becker's ASC:
| Pay level | Per year | ≈ Per hour |
|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $220,000 | $105.77 |
| Average | $247,000 | $118.75 |
| 75th percentile | $270,000 | $129.81 |
| 90th percentile | $327,000 | $157.21 |
Medscape's 2026 report puts CAAs' average base salary at $227,000; the gap is bonuses, call pay and other income. The highest advertised base pay in early 2026 job postings reached $350,000 (BagMask, May 2026).
Anesthesia tech salary
Anesthesia technicians set up and maintain anesthesia equipment and supplies in the operating room; it is not a clinical anesthesia role and usually needs a certificate rather than a master's degree. Salary.com, as of November 1, 2026:
| Pay level | Per year | ≈ Per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | $36,098 | $17.35 |
| Lower 25% | $42,006 | $20.20 |
| Median | $48,495 | $23.31 |
| Upper 25% | $56,314 | $27.07 |
| Top 10% | $63,433 | $30.50 |
Anesthesia technician salary
The median anesthesia technician salary of $48,495 works out to about $23.31 an hour. Certified anesthesia technicians (Cer.A.T.) and technologists (Cer.A.T.T.) are typically at the higher end of the range.
How CAA pay compares
BLS May 2025 medians for related anesthesia and advanced-practice jobs. BLS reports anesthesiologist assistants' wages under physician assistants (O*NET 29-1071.01), so it has no CAA-only figure:
| Job (BLS May 2025) | Bottom 10% | Median | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist | $101,460 | $391,490 | $557,130 |
| Nurse anesthetist (CRNA) | $155,250 | $236,590 | $339,500 |
| Physician assistant | $99,380 | $135,880 | $190,280 |
Where anesthesiologist assistants can work
CAAs work under the direction of an anesthesiologist, in the anesthesia care team model, and can practice only in states that license or otherwise allow them. Training is a 24 to 28 month master's program. Check the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants for the current list of states before planning a move.
Anesthesiologist Assistant take-home pay by state (2026)
2026 federal brackets and standard deduction, Social Security 6.2% up to $184,500, Medicare 1.45% plus 0.9% above $200,000 ($250,000 joint), and each state's 2026 income tax. Local income taxes, state disability or paid-leave payroll taxes and other deductions are not included. Estimate only, not tax advice.
Common questions
How much does an anesthesiologist assistant make?
About $247,000 a year on average (170 salaries, April 2026), with the middle half earning $220,000 to $270,000.
How much does an anesthesia tech make?
A median of about $48,495 a year ($23.31 an hour), per Salary.com as of November 2026.
Do CAAs earn more than CRNAs?
CRNAs have a higher BLS median, $236,590. CAA averages from salary surveys are around $247,000, so pay is in a similar range.
Does BLS publish anesthesiologist assistant pay?
No. BLS counts anesthesiologist assistants under physician assistants and has no category for anesthesia technicians.
What is the highest CAA salary?
The top 10% earn over $327,000, and some 2026 job postings advertised base pay up to $350,000.
Sources
- Becker's ASC: The anesthesiologist assistant pay story (June 17, 2026)
- Salary.com: Anesthesia technician salary
- O*NET: Anesthesiologist assistants (29-1071.01) wages
- BLS: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
Related
Last reviewed November 5, 2026. Survey and job-posting figures change often; they are averages of reported salaries, not official statistics. Figures are gross pay before taxes and benefits. General information, not career or financial advice.