An anesthesia technician, also known in some areas of the world as an anaesthetic technician, works under the guidance of an anesthesiologist in the administration and monitoring of anesthesia medication during medical procedures. Average annual pay in the US for anesthesia technicians is just under $41,000 compared to AU$61,000 ($46,875 USD) in Australia.
Annual earnings in US dollar currency are similar in New Zealand and Canada at NZ$51,000 ($35,290 USD) and C$43,000 ($33,524 USD), respectively, followed by £25,000 ($29,275 USD) in the UK. On the lower end of the pay scale are South Africa at R128,000 ($9,054 USD) per year and India at Rs232,000 ($3,568 USD) per year. Earning potential varies by geographic region, work experience, and work setting, as further explained in this guide.
How Much Does an Anesthesia Technician Make per Year?
The chart below provides income information for anesthesia technicians in select countries.
| Anesthesia Technician Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $20 | C$21 | £12 | AU$29 | NZ$25 | Rs211 | R68 |
| Annual Wage | $40,860 | C$42,953 ($33,524 USD) |
£25,217 ($29,275 USD) |
AU$61,026 ($46,875 USD) |
NZ$51,266 ($35,290 USD) |
Rs231,539 ($3,568 USD) |
R128,036 ($9,054 USD) |
Factors that Influence the Anesthesia Technician Salary
A review of resources reveals varying salary ranges for anesthesia technicians based on geographic region, work experience, and work setting. The impact of these factors on earning potential is further explained in this guide.
1. Geographic Area
Anesthesia Technician Salary in US
In the US, anesthesia technicians make about $41,000 per year, plus $600 or more in additional bonus income. Those paid an hourly wage receive $20 per hour. The average starting salary for entry level employees is more than $32,000 per year compared to more than $50,000 for those with the most experience at the senior level.
Anesthesia Technician Salary in Canada
In Canada, anesthesia technicians earn about C$43,000 per year, or C$21 per hour. Bonus income potential can add about C$700 to overall earnings. Newly trained anesthesia technicians see an average starting salary of about C$34,000 per year, increasing to nearly C$53,000 per year for senior level positions.
Anesthesia Technician Salary in UK
As an anesthesia technician in the UK, annual earnings range from £20,000 for entry level pay to about £31,000 per year at the senior level. For all experience levels, the average annual salary is £25,217, or £12 per hour, while bonus income potential can add another £400 to overall income.
Anesthesia Technician Salary in Australia
In Australia, anesthesia technicians receive an average annual salary of about AU$61,000 plus bonus pay that can reach AU$1,000 in additional pay. Those paid an hourly rate earn an average of AU$29 per hour. Newly trained anesthesia technicians receive well over AU$48,000 annually compared to senior level positions that offer pay at about AU$75,000 per year.
Anesthesia Technician Salary in New Zealand
Anesthesia technicians in New Zealand earn, on average, more than NZ$51,000 per year, equivalent to NZ$25 per hour. Bonus earning potential can add nearly NZ$1,000 to total earnings. The average starting salary for entry level employees is just under NZ$41,000 per year, while senior level pay can reach NZ$63,000 per year.
Anesthesia Technician Salary in India
As an anesthesia technician in India, average earning potential ranges from Rs186,000 at the entry level to Rs288,000 upon reaching the senior level. Among all experience levels, annual pay averages Rs232,000 per year, or Rs111 per hour, and bonus opportunities can add another Rs3,600 or more to overall earnings.
Anesthesia Technician Salary in South Africa
In South Africa, anesthesia technicians receive an average annual salary of R128,000, plus R2,000 in additional bonus pay. Those paid by the hour receive R62 per hour, on average. Entry level pay averages R102,000 per year, while senior level positions garner an average annual salary of more than R158,000.
2. Experience
Worldwide earning potential increases with additional experience by a rate of 55% to 56%. In the US and Australia where annual earnings among the highest, the gap between entry level and senior level pay is about 56%, or $18,000 and AU$27,000 more per year, respectively. While annual pay in the UK is lower than the US and Australia, earning potential increases 55%, or £11,000 per year at the senior level. Earnings are much lower in South Africa, but the same percentage of growth is seen among earnings at senior level pay is about R56,000, or 55%, more per year.
3. Industry
Due to the nature of their work, anesthesia technicians work in hospitals and surgery centers. With little variance in the work setting for this career, this is not a strong factor in overall earning potential. However, those employed in for-profit organizations may receive higher income and have more potential for bonus income compared to those working in nonprofit or publicly funded institutions.
Working Hours
Anesthesia technicians often work full-time hours, although there are opportunities for part-time employment. While some surgeries are scheduled, and often during typical work hours Monday through Friday, there are times when emergency and urgent situations call for surgeries that may occur in the evenings, weekends, and even holidays. For this reason, anesthesia technicians may be scheduled during any day or time of day, or be on call for these unplanned situations.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
While some employers offer bonus income opportunities, the pay received from this incentive does not add significantly to overall income. Benefits packages often include healthcare coverage that includes medical, dental, and vision care, as well as paid time off for vacations and holidays. Those employed part-time may not receive the same level of benefits as their full-time working colleagues.
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 12% growth rate among surgical technologists, including anesthesia technicians, between 2016 and 2026. This growth is due to advancements in medical technology that make surgeries safer and more accessible for a variety of injuries and conditions. A career as an anesthesia technician requires a post-secondary education equivalent to an associate’s degree. Certification may make one more competitive for employment. Some geographic regions require licensure and registration with the local governing board.
Conclusion
Anesthesia technicians earn annual salaries reflective of the educational requirements necessary for this career. Bonus income is available, though does not greatly add to overall earnings. Benefits packages are standard for those working in supportive healthcare roles. A faster than average growth rate among this profession is estimated, which should support earnings in the coming years.
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