Anesthesiologist vs Pharmacist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Anesthesiologist
Administer anaesthesia and monitor patients during surgical procedures.
Pharmacist
Dispense medications, counsel patients on drug therapies, and prevent errors.
Anesthesiologist earns more on average — the national median is $250,580/year (178%) higher than a Pharmacist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Anesthesiologist vs Pharmacist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Anesthesiologist | Pharmacist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $569,698 | $208,483 | Anesthesiologist +$361,215 |
| New York, NY | $482,857 | $168,405 | Anesthesiologist +$314,452 |
| Seattle, WA | $565,019 | $199,024 | Anesthesiologist +$365,995 |
| Austin, TX | $427,231 | $160,336 | Anesthesiologist +$266,895 |
| Chicago, IL | $413,113 | $155,619 | Anesthesiologist +$257,494 |
| Boston, MA | $526,637 | $179,962 | Anesthesiologist +$346,675 |
| London, UK | £234,621 | £111,126 | Anesthesiologist +$123,495 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$412,651 | CA$184,236 | Anesthesiologist +$228,415 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Anesthesiologist or Pharmacist earn more?+
A Anesthesiologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Anesthesiologist is $391,490/year, compared to $140,910/year for a Pharmacist — a difference of $250,580 (178%).
Which has better career growth — Anesthesiologist or Pharmacist?+
Anesthesiologist roles are growing at 4% YoY while Pharmacist demand is growing at 4% YoY. Pharmacist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Anesthesiologist to Pharmacist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Anesthesiologist or Pharmacist?+
Anesthesiologist has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.