Paramedic vs Anesthesiologist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Paramedic
Provide emergency medical care and transportation to critically ill patients.
Anesthesiologist
Administer anaesthesia and monitor patients during surgical procedures.
Anesthesiologist earns more on average — the national median is $343,340/year (713%) higher than a Paramedic. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Paramedic vs Anesthesiologist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Paramedic | Anesthesiologist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $70,590 | $569,698 | Paramedic $499,108 |
| New York, NY | $58,936 | $482,857 | Paramedic $423,921 |
| Seattle, WA | $70,025 | $565,019 | Paramedic $494,994 |
| Austin, TX | $55,223 | $427,231 | Paramedic $372,008 |
| Chicago, IL | $51,127 | $413,113 | Paramedic $361,986 |
| Boston, MA | $63,402 | $526,637 | Paramedic $463,235 |
| London, UK | £37,374 | £234,621 | Paramedic $197,247 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$62,016 | CA$412,651 | Paramedic $350,635 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Paramedic or Anesthesiologist earn more?+
A Anesthesiologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Paramedic is $48,150/year, compared to $391,490/year for a Anesthesiologist — a difference of $343,340 (713%).
Which has better career growth — Paramedic or Anesthesiologist?+
Paramedic roles are growing at 5% YoY while Anesthesiologist demand is growing at 4% YoY. Paramedic has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Paramedic to Anesthesiologist?+
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 — Paramedic or Anesthesiologist?+
Paramedic has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 12%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.