Anesthesiologist Assistant Salary Realities: How Starting Pay Broke the $200K Barrier
By Alexander Ross
Workplace dynamics are diverging between high-acuity hospital systems and outpatient surgical centers (ASCs).
Ambulatory surgery centers emphasize schedule predictability. Procedures are scheduled during standard business hours, meaning CAAs working in ASCs rarely take overnight call, work weekends, or manage massive trauma resuscitations. While base compensation at ASCs is slightly lower, typically $180,000 to $205,000, the quality-of-life benefits are unmatched. Clinicians trade call stipends for consistent 40-hour workweeks and predictable holiday schedules.
For practitioners seeking peak earnings over schedule predictability, the locum tenens market offers remarkable compensation. Staffing shortages force facilities to hire traveling CAAs on 13-week to six-month contracts. Locum tenens hourly rates range from $160 to $230 per hour, with housing, malpractice insurance, and travel covered by the agency. A traveling assistant working a full schedule can generate between $290,000 and $380,000 in annualized gross revenue, making locum work an appealing option for unencumbered younger practitioners.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
