Anesthesiology is a vital and rapidly growing field within healthcare, especially in Virginia, where the demand for surgical and pain management services continues to rise. Whether you’re just starting your career or thinking about shifting into a specialized healthcare role, anesthesiology offers diverse opportunities with strong job security and competitive pay.
Our blog outlines anesthesiology as a career path, detailing the growing need for technicians before explaining the top 5 anesthesiology careers in Virginia. Compare salaries, education requirements, and more below.
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Key Takeaways:
•Anesthesiology careers are in high demand across Virginia due to an expanding healthcare system and an aging population.
•Roles range from anesthesia technician and technologist positions, which only require a high school diploma or associate’s degree, to doctoral-level providers such as anesthesiologists and CRNAs.
•Many anesthesiology careers offer above-average salaries and opportunities for advancement. Consider anesthesia subspecialties to grow your career.
What Is Anesthesiology?
Anesthesiology is the medical specialty of pain management and the care of patients before, during, and after surgery (also known as the perioperative period). Professionals in this field administer anesthesia to patients, which includes medications that numb or sedate the patient to prevent pain while ensuring vital body functions continue. This allows doctors and surgeons to carry out procedures that would otherwise be impossible due to pain.
While anesthesiologists are the most well-known providers in this field, the team also includes nurses, technologists, assistants, and technicians who work collaboratively to deliver high-quality care. Some specialize in surgical settings, while others support labor and delivery, emergency care, or outpatient clinics.
Is Anesthesiology a Good Career Path? Job Outlook in Virginia
Yes, anesthesiology is an excellent career path for those interested in high-responsibility roles in healthcare. Virginia’s growing hospital systems, outpatient surgery centers, and demand for chronic pain services are all fueling job growth in the field. As a result, anesthesiology is consistently listed as one of the most in-demand subfields within healthcare.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Virginia-specific workforce data, many anesthesiology-related roles are projected to grow faster than average between 2023–2033:
•Anesthesiologists are predicted to grow 4.0%
•Nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are projected to increase by 9–12%
•Certified anesthesia technologists are projected to grow by 6% alongside other surgical assistants
Why Is Demand for Anesthesiology Careers Growing?
The driving factors behind the demand for anesthesiology professionals are similar to other healthcare fields. As the aging population increases, the need for surgeries and pain management services will grow. Rising rates of chronic conditions that require anesthesia support, such as cancer surgeries, will also contribute to the boom.
Additionally, outpatient surgical centers are expanding across Virginia to ease strain on operating rooms. More dental, pediatric, and even cosmetic procedures require anesthesia to improve patient comfort.
Last but not least, a new generation of anesthesiology professionals must backfill positions as the current generation begins to retire.
5 Anesthesiology Careers to Consider
Whether you’re looking for a technician role that requires a high school diploma or a doctoral-level clinical career, these 5 in-demand paths offer a range of opportunities to work in anesthesiology in Virginia.
1. Anesthesia Technician (A.T.)
Anesthesia technicians, sometimes called anesthesia techs, work alongside anesthesiologists and nurses to prepare, maintain, and troubleshoot anesthesia equipment. They play a hands-on role in patient care by setting up monitoring systems, sterilizing tools, and stocking anesthesia carts before surgeries. It’s a popular job for pre-med students looking to gain clinical experience.
Because this is a technical entry-level role, most anesthesia technicians only need a high school diploma or GED and on-the-job training to get started. Additional requirements will depend on the employer.
As of 2025, the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians no longer tests for the Anesthesia Technician Certification (Cer.A.T.). However, it is still accepted for those who already hold one.
•Average Salary in Virginia: $42,000–$55,000 per year
•Education Requirements: High school diploma. Some employers require the completion of an accredited anesthesia technician program (typically 1–2 years)
2. Certified Anesthesia Technologist (Cer. A.T.T.)
Anesthesia technologists perform more advanced clinical and technical duties than technicians. In addition to setting up equipment, they assist with patient monitoring, troubleshoot intraoperative issues, and manage supplies in high-acuity cases. They may also interact more with patients to ensure comfortable care.
Anesthesia technologists can further their careers by pursuing additional certifications such as the Certified Anesthesia Technologist and the Certified Surgical Technologist credentials.
•Average Salary in Virginia: $55,000–$70,000 per year
•Education Requirements: Associate degree or higher in anesthesia technology
•Certifications: Certified Anesthesia Technologist (Cer.A.T.T.) through ASATT
3. Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)
Anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) work under the supervision of licensed anesthesiologists and assist with anesthesia care plans. Their duties include intubation, monitoring anesthesia depth, and responding to emergencies during surgery. This role is similar to that of a physician assistant but specialized in anesthesiology.
It typically takes 6–7 years to become a certified anesthesiologist assistant (CAA), which includes a pre-med college curriculum and an accredited anesthesia master’s program with hands-on clinical work.
As of 2025, Virginia has joined over 20 states that allow CAAs to practice in physician-led anesthesia care teams. This effectively expands the Virginia healthcare system’s capacity to administer quality anesthesia care to patients in need.
•Average Salary in Virginia: $105,000–$130,000 per year
•Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and Master’s in Anesthesiologist Assistant Studies
•Certifications: Certification from the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants (NCCAA)
4. CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses who administer anesthesia under the supervision of a surgeon or physician. In Virginia, CRNAs do not have independent practice or independent prescriptive authority.
Unlike anesthesiologist assistants and anesthesia techs, CRNAs approach main management from a patient care perspective, relying on their critical care experience to ensure patient comfort. They currently are one of the highest-paid nursing professions in the U.S.
•Average Salary in Virginia: $205,000–$220,000 per year
•Education Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Registered Nurse (RN) license, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or equivalent
•Certifications: National certification through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)
5. Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists are licensed physicians who manage all aspects of anesthesia care, including pre-operative assessments, intraoperative monitoring, and post-operative pain control. They also handle critical decisions during emergencies and supervise the anesthesia care team. Anesthesiologists often serve as department heads or medical directors.
It takes about 12–14 years to become an anesthesiologist, which includes undergrad, medical school, and residency in an anesthesiology program. Anesthesiologists pursuing further advancement can pursue fellowships in subspecialities such as pediatric anesthesia, neuro-anesthesia, and cardiac anesthesia.
•Average Salary in Virginia: $280,000–$350,000 per year
•Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree on a pre-med track, medical school (MD or DO), and a 4-year residency in anesthesiology. Additional 2-year fellowship in subspecialty (optional).
•Certifications: Board certification from the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA)
Find an Anesthesiology Program in Virginia (Conclusion)
Anesthesiology offers a rewarding, high-impact career path in healthcare with ample demand. Hospitals and healthcare teams rely on anesthesia teams to perform surgical procedures, and there’s a need for anesthesia services at every level to deliver safe treatment.
If you’re ready to pursue a career in anesthesiology, start by researching educational programs near you. Community colleges, universities, and medical schools across Virginia offer pathways into this growing field. From technician certifications to doctoral degrees, there’s a path for every interest level and background.
