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
| Region | Setting | P25 | Median | P75 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Urban Hospital | $274/hr | $325/hr | $389/hr |
| Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH | $316/hr | $375/hr | $449/hr | |
| Midwest | Urban Hospital | $287/hr | $342/hr | $409/hr |
| Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH | $332/hr | $395/hr | $472/hr | |
| South | Urban Hospital | $298/hr | $354/hr | $423/hr |
| Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH | $344/hr | $408/hr | $489/hr | |
| Southeast | Urban Hospital | $294/hr | $350/hr | $418/hr |
| Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH | $340/hr | $404/hr | $483/hr | |
| West | Urban Hospital | $301/hr | $358/hr | $428/hr |
| Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH | $348/hr | $414/hr | $495/hr | |
| Southwest | Urban Hospital | $289/hr | $344/hr | $411/hr |
| 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 but physician-directed anesthesia remains required at most surgical centers
- OB anesthesia and cardiac subspecialty credentials each open a separate premium assignment pool
Get the full Anesthesiology negotiation toolkit — 50-state rate tables,
word-for-word recruiter scripts, and contract red flag checklist.
Get the Toolkit — $99 →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 affects your rate — clarify CRNA ratio in advance
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 are always included; negotiate for 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
Word-for-word scripts for every recruiter objection, 50-state rate tables at P25/50/75/90,
leverage points by credential and shift type, and a contract red flag checklist.
$99 one-time.
Get the Toolkit — $99 →Browse Other Specialties
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