Anesthesia Technician Salary Guide

If you’re looking for a great career that doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree, don’t overlook the anesthesia technician field. Anesthesia techs maintain the equipment and supplies used by anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists to control patients’ pain and consciousness levels during surgeries and other medical procedures. This guide provides an in-depth overview of anesthesia technician salary data and information on the employment outlook for this rewarding healthcare job.

Required Licenses and Credentials

Each state has its own rules regarding the licensure of anesthesia technicians. You may need to pass a criminal background check, complete annual continuing education requirements or undergo on-the-job training before working in this field. Check with your state licensing organization to determine what you must do to begin your career.

In the past, The American Society of Anesthesia Technologists & Technicians (ASATT) allowed anesthesia technicians to earn national certification in their field. However, this certification no longer exists, so you lose this opportunity to promote your knowledge and skills.

Although professional certification isn’t currently required to start working as an anesthesia technician, you can earn certifications to advance your career. Once you complete the required education and training, you can sit for the Certified Anesthesia Technologist (Cer.A.T.T.) exam. Earning this credential should give your career and salary a boost.

Average Anesthesia Technician Salary

$29.40/hour

The average salary for a Anesthesia Technician is $29.40 per hour. This is 38% lower than the practicing US average of $40.64.

Last updated on November 30, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Salaries for Anesthesia Technician compared to Allied Health Professional National Averages

$29.40/hour

38% lower than the practicing US average.

$40.64/hour

United States

Where do Anesthesia Technicians get paid the most?
StateAverage Hourly SalaryMax Hourly Salary
California$57$79
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Anesthesia Technician jobs?

Last updated on November 30, 2024. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.

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Anesthesia Technician Career Guide

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How to Increase Your Pay as an Anesthesia Technician

Land a Per-Diem Job

Per-diem work is more common in nursing, but some facilities hire per-diem anesthesia technicians to fill in as needed. These techs typically cover when staff call in sick or need time off for maternity leave or other personal reasons. One of the main benefits of accepting a per-diem job is flexibility. You can pick up just a few shifts per month or work every weekend to build up your bank balance. If your current employer doesn’t hire per-diem anesthesia techs, contact a reputable staffing agency to see what’s available.

Get Additional Training

With additional training, you can potentially switch from anesthesia technician to anesthesia technologist. Both jobs share some responsibilities, but the technologist job requires more training and patient interaction. If you decide to become an anesthesia technologist, check with your state’s licensing body to determine if you need to obtain a license or pass the Cer.A.T.T. exam offered by ASATT.

Permanent Jobs

Where you work can significantly impact your anesthesia technician salary, so viewing data for several markets is important to help you understand your options. Based on the Intuit Mint salary data from March 11, 2023, the San Diego metropolitan area was the top-paying job market for perm anesthesia technicians. Anesthesia techs in this area earned an average
of $78,000 annually, more than double the national average.

California accounts for four of the top 10 highest-paying markets in the country. If the West Coast isn’t for you, it’s helpful to view data for other regions to determine how much you might make elsewhere.

For example, anesthesia technicians in Oklahoma earn an average of $32,000 annually, but Oklahoma has a much lower cost of living than California. According to Sperling’s Best Places, you’d need a salary of $60,815 in San Diego to have the same standard of living you’d enjoy on a salary of $32,000 in Oklahoma City.

The average salary in Florida is a little higher at $34,000 per year. Florida doesn’t collect state income taxes, so you’ll also keep more of your income.

Anesthesia technicians in Texas earn an average of $39,000 per year. Like Florida and Oklahoma, The Lone Star State has a much lower cost of living than most of the highest-paying markets. For example, a salary of $39,000 in Houston would need to increase to $65,504 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of living. And like Florida, Texas also doesn’t collect state income taxes.

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