Physician (General Practice) vs Anesthesiologist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Physician (General Practice)
Diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
Anesthesiologist
Administer anaesthesia and monitor patients during surgical procedures.
Anesthesiologist earns more on average — the national median is $147,310/year (60%) higher than a Physician (General Practice). However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician (General Practice) vs Anesthesiologist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician (General Practice) | Anesthesiologist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $363,590 | $569,698 | Physician $206,108 |
| New York, NY | $294,372 | $482,857 | Physician $188,485 |
| Seattle, WA | $353,641 | $565,019 | Physician $211,378 |
| Austin, TX | $272,440 | $427,231 | Physician $154,791 |
| Chicago, IL | $255,595 | $413,113 | Physician $157,518 |
| Boston, MA | $311,219 | $526,637 | Physician $215,418 |
| London, UK | £101,944 | £234,621 | Physician $132,677 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$294,137 | CA$412,651 | Physician $118,514 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician (General Practice) or Anesthesiologist earn more?+
A Anesthesiologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician (General Practice) is $244,180/year, compared to $391,490/year for a Anesthesiologist — a difference of $147,310 (60%).
Which has better career growth — Physician (General Practice) or Anesthesiologist?+
Physician (General Practice) roles are growing at 5% YoY while Anesthesiologist demand is growing at 4% YoY. Physician (General Practice) has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician (General Practice) 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 — Physician (General Practice) or Anesthesiologist?+
Physician (General Practice) has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 12%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.