Anesthesiology Locum Compensation Benchmarks

Based on BLS OEWS public data and CMS geographic adjustment factors, processed through a locum-adjusted model, calibrated and validated against publicly posted rates and observations.

Anesthesiology — National Benchmark

Locum market rates, 2026.

P25

$299/hr

Median

$355/hr

P75

$425/hr

P90

$497/hr

Regional Estimates

Anesthesiology hourly rate benchmarks by region and setting
Region	Setting	P25	Median	P75
Northeast	Urban Hospital	$274/hr	$325/hr	$389/hr
Northeast	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$316/hr	$375/hr	$449/hr
Midwest	Urban Hospital	$287/hr	$342/hr	$409/hr
Midwest	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$332/hr	$395/hr	$472/hr
South	Urban Hospital	$298/hr	$354/hr	$423/hr
South	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$344/hr	$408/hr	$489/hr
Southeast	Urban Hospital	$294/hr	$350/hr	$418/hr
Southeast	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$340/hr	$404/hr	$483/hr
West	Urban Hospital	$301/hr	$358/hr	$428/hr
West	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$348/hr	$414/hr	$495/hr
Southwest	Urban Hospital	$289/hr	$344/hr	$411/hr
Southwest	Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH	$334/hr	$397/hr	$475/hr

Rate Evaluator

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Market Overview

Anesthesiology commands some of the highest locum rates of any specialty, driven by a persistent national shortage and the OR scheduling demands of surgical programs. Locum anesthesiologists fill coverage gaps during vacations, CRNA supervision requirements, and facility expansions. Regional variation is significant due to the California market effect.

Highest median hourly rate of any locum specialty — national range $300–400/hr in 2025
Shift-based OR work with predictable hours and minimal administrative burden
CRNA scope expansion is real, while physician anesthesiologists remain essential for many complex, academic, and facility-specific coverage models
OB anesthesia and cardiac subspecialty credentials each open a separate premium assignment pool

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Key Leverage Points

Urban Hospital

Cardiac and thoracic subspecialty training commands a 20–30% premium over general anesthesia
OB anesthesia availability (24/7 epidural coverage) is a high-value negotiating asset
Pediatric anesthesia experience significantly expands your available assignments
Medical direction vs. supervision model changes workload, documentation, and liability — price the CRNA ratio and case mix

Rural Critical Access

Solo anesthesia coverage at critical access hospitals commands the highest rural premiums
Obstetric coverage capability is critical for rural hospital survival — leverage it
Travel and housing should be included; negotiate a rental car or mileage reimbursement
Willingness to do pain management alongside OR coverage expands your negotiating position

Contract Review Checklist

Items to review carefully before signing

CRNA supervision ratio not specified — unlimited supervision obligation is unsustainable
Call commitments after hours without a separate call rate — standard is 1.5x
Malpractice tail not included — anesthesia tail coverage is expensive; confirm who pays
OR start times not specified — arriving to an 07:00 first case at 06:30 is not the same as 08:00

Anesthesiology Negotiation Toolkit

Exact recruiter scripts, 50-state rate tables at P25/50/75/90, specialty leverage, contract and malpractice protection, credentialing, and first-shift guidance. $99 one-time.