Anesthesia technicians assist anesthesiologists and CRNAs by preparing equipment, managing supplies, and supporting anesthesia delivery in operating rooms and procedural suites.
As of 2026, the BLS categorizes anesthesia technicians under surgical technologists and medical equipment preparers, with median wages in the $50,000 to $57,000 range depending on classification.
Hospitals are the primary employer.
Certified anesthesia technicians (CerAT) from ASATT typically earn above non-certified peers. For a broader view of operating-room allied health salaries, compare with the surgical tech salary and the anesthesiologist salary.
Anesthesia Tech Salary Overview
The BLS does not separately publish a distinct wage for anesthesia technicians.
Related categories include surgical technologists (median approximately $57,800) and medical equipment preparers (median approximately $37,800).
Most anesthesia technicians in hospital settings earn in the $45,000 to $65,000 range depending on experience, certification, and facility.
Large urban hospitals and academic medical centers typically pay more. Compare with the medical lab tech salary (median approximately $57,380) and the physical therapy aide salary (median approximately $30,780) for context on where anesthesia techs sit within the allied health pay spectrum.
For a complete breakdown of how any hourly wage in these ranges translates to annual, monthly, weekly, and after-tax take-home, see our hourly-to-annual salary conversion guides.
Work Setting and Schedule
Anesthesia techs primarily work in hospital operating room settings with rotating shifts, on-call coverage, and potential weekend and holiday hours.
Outpatient surgical centers and cardiac catheterization labs also employ anesthesia techs.
OR and specialty suite work typically pays more than general hospital support roles.
Hospital employees often receive comprehensive benefits packages including employer-sponsored health insurance — understanding health insurance premium deductibility rules and 401(k) contribution strategy helps maximize the value of these benefits.
For those considering high-cost metro areas, the cost of living in New York and cost of living in California pages provide useful context.
Education and Training
Some anesthesia techs complete formal anesthesia technology programs (typically 1 to 2 years), while others are trained on the job at their institution.
The ASATT CerAT certification exam is available to those meeting education and experience requirements, and is an important career advancement step.
Anesthesia techs who wish to move up in the clinical ladder might explore paths toward becoming a surgical tech or, with additional education, pursue nursing or advanced practice routes.
Reviewing retirement savings planning options early in your healthcare career — even on a modest salary — allows compound interest to work in your favor over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do anesthesia technicians earn in 2026?
Most anesthesia techs in hospital settings earn approximately $45,000 to $65,000.
The BLS does not report a separate anesthesia tech wage; related surgical tech and equipment preparer categories show medians of $57,800 and $37,800 respectively.
See the surgical tech salary for the closest BLS comparator.
What is the CerAT certification for anesthesia techs?
The Certified Anesthesia Technician (CerAT) from ASATT is the primary credential for anesthesia technicians. Certification requires passing an exam and meeting education/experience requirements.
What does an anesthesia technician do?
Anesthesia techs prepare anesthesia machines and equipment, maintain supplies, assist during procedures by managing equipment, and support the anesthesia care team in operating rooms and procedural areas.
What degree do anesthesia technicians need?
Requirements vary. Some facilities hire high school graduates and train on the job. Others prefer candidates with anesthesia technology certificates or associate degrees from allied health programs.
Is anesthesia tech a good career?
Anesthesia technology offers solid pay in healthcare settings, opportunities for certification, and career advancement toward anesthesiologist assistant or CRNA programs for those who pursue further education.
The anesthesiologist salary page shows the earning potential at the top of the anesthesia care career ladder.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Surgical Technologists — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm
- American Society of Anesthesia Technologists & Technicians — CerAT Certification — https://www.asatt.org/certification
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — Surgical Technologists — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292055.htm
Last updated: April 27, 2026