At what age do anesthesiologists retire?

Anesthesiologists typically retire in their mid-60s, with average ages often cited around 62-66, though many work part-time or delay full retirement due to career satisfaction, finances, or the ability to reduce on-call duties, with some continuing into their 70s. Retirement age varies, influenced by health, lifestyle, and whether they shift to less demanding roles, as factors like on-call stress and personal health often prompt earlier transitions out of full-time clinical work, notes ResearchGate, anesth_1, and anesthesia-experts.com.

How old do anesthesiologists retire?

Many anesthesiologists retire in their early 60s. However, some continue working part-time in lower-pressure settings or transition into teaching roles. Anesthesiologists must maintain sharp cognitive abilities, and as they age, some may choose to retire earlier to ensure patient safety.

What is the average age of anesthesiologists?

In 2020 there were 53,804 anesthesiologists practicing in the U.S. with an average age of 52.6 years, and 45% of anesthesiologists are older than 55. [8] Many older clinicians opt for part-time status. [9] In a mere 10 years a large portion of the current supply could simply retire or semi-retire.

How much do senior anesthesiologists make in the US?

How much does a Senior Anesthesiologist make? As of Jan 10, 2026, the average annual pay for a Senior Anesthesiologist in the United States is $393,215 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $189.05 an hour. This is the equivalent of $7,561/week or $32,767/month.

At what age do most doctors retire?

Although physicians may intend to retire at the age of 60, they will in fact typically retire at around 69. Commonly-reported reasons include career satisfaction, a feeling of purpose, strong work identity and lack of interests outside of Medicine.

The PERFECT Age to Retire (Backed by Data)

What doctor makes $500,000 a year?

Doctors in high-demand surgical and specialized fields like Orthopedics, Plastic Surgery, Radiology, Cardiology, and Gastroenterology often earn over $500,000 annually, with some top earners in Thoracic Surgery or Neurosurgery making significantly more, while even family doctors can reach this level through practice ownership or specialized services.
 

At what age do most doctors become millionaires?

Millionaire Status

Across the board according to the 2021 physician wealth report, 56% of physicians reported a net worth of over a million. Out of family physicians, the majority become millionaires by the age of 55, with only 11% having a net worth of a million before 45.

Who makes more money, a doctor or anesthesiologist?

Anesthesiologists are among the highest-paid doctors, earning significantly more than the average physician, with recent figures showing averages from around $472,000 to over $500,000 annually, compared to the overall physician average of roughly $363,000, with specialties like Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery, and Plastic Surgery often earning even more, while primary care physicians earn considerably less. This high pay reflects extensive, rigorous training and critical responsibility, placing anesthesiologists at the top alongside other surgical and procedural specialists, according to Medscape and Kaplan Test Prep. 

Is anesthesiology more stressful than surgery?

There is high level of stress and overload dimension of burnout among the residents of anesthesia and surgical branches at our tertiary care academic institution and the surgical residents score marginally higher than anesthesia residents.

Can you make 7 figures as an anesthesiologist?

Yes, many anesthesiologists can earn seven figures, especially top earners in high-demand areas, private practice, or specific subspecialties, though the average is lower, typically in the $300k-$500k range, with potential to reach over $1 million with significant hours or ownership. While most earn well below $1 million, high-paying contracts, partnership roles, and extensive work can push salaries into the seven-figure bracket for some.
 

What is the life expectancy of an anesthesiologist?

Research has shown that, for example, if you're an anaesthetist, you can expect a lifespan up to 10 years shorter than that of your colleagues in other fields, at just over 73 years. General Practitioners enjoy a lifespan of almost 79 years.

Is there a shortage of anesthesiologists in the USA?

Shortage of anesthesia providers: There is a shortage of anesthesia providers in many regions of the country. By 2033, the anesthesiology workforce may experience a shortage of approximately 12,500, representing nearly 22% of the current staff.

What states pay anesthesiologists the most?

1. California – Leader in Compensation: The Golden State emerges as a frontrunner, not only in its medical prowess but also in offering anesthesiologists a median annual salary of $450,000.

Can I retire at 62 with $400,000 in 401k?

Yes, you can retire at 62 with $400,000 in a 401(k), but it will likely be tight and highly dependent on your spending, lifestyle, healthcare costs, and especially your Social Security benefits, with many financial experts suggesting it's only feasible with very low expenses or if you can delay Social Security for higher payouts, noting that waiting a few more years could significantly improve your comfort and longevity. 

Do anesthesiologists have a good life?

More than a half of participating anesthesiologists (55.3%) expressed satisfaction with their current income. One in every two were satisfied with their social status and the respect they have.

What is the average net worth of a retired doctor?

One-quarter of doctors in their 60s are not even millionaires. The chart from the prior year was even more stunning, as it showed 11%-12% of doctors in their 60s didn't even have a net worth over $500,000, and only 48% of doctors over 65 were multi-millionaires.

What is the most abused drug by anesthesiologists?

In the US, opioids are also the most used recreational substances among anesthesiologists, although 26% of professionals abuse of more than one substance concomitantly. The most frequent opioids among US anesthesiologists are injectables, chiefly fentanyl and sufentanil.

What personality type is an anesthesiologist?

Anesthesiologists are investigative and enterprising

They also tend to be enterprising, which means that they are usually quite natural leaders who thrive at influencing and persuading others. If you are one or both of these archetypes, you may be well suited to be an anesthesiologist.

What do surgeons think of anesthesiologists?

9 in 10 surgeons believe anesthesiologists are the best qualified to respond to complications and emergencies in the operating room.

Why are anaesthetists so highly paid?

Anesthesiologists earn high salaries due to extensive, demanding training (12-15+ years), critical patient safety responsibilities (managing life support during surgery), high demand vs. supply, and complex skills in pharmacology and physiology, justifying their significant risk and expertise in ensuring patient comfort and stability during procedures. Their pay reflects their vital role in maintaining stable vitals and managing pain, requiring constant attention and quick decision-making, with higher pay for complex cases or specialized areas like pain management or pediatrics. 

What is the best state to be an anesthesiologist in?

Aspiring anesthesiologists should note the demand for their profession in states like California, Texas, and Florida.

What is the richest type of doctor?

The highest-paid doctors in the U.S. are neurosurgeons, thoracic surgeons, and orthopedic surgeons. These surgical specialists earn average annual salaries between $650,000 and $760,000, making them the top earners among physicians.

What are the top 3 professions of millionaires?

Based on a large study by Ramsey Solutions, the top three careers for millionaires are Engineer, Accountant, and Teacher, followed by Management and Attorney in the top five, showing that wealth often comes from consistent effort in stable professions rather than high-risk, high-reward jobs. 

What is the lowest paid doctor?

The lowest-paid doctor specialties are often pediatric subspecialties, with Pediatric Endocrinology frequently cited as the lowest, followed closely by Pediatric Rheumatology, Infectious Disease, and Hematology/Oncology, alongside general Pediatrics, Public Health/Preventive Medicine, and Medical Genetics, due to factors like broad training needs, lower patient volume for complex cases, and systemic compensation structures, though salaries vary by source and year.