Complete 2026 Anesthesiologist Assistant Career Guide: Education Requirements, Daily Stress, and Salary Roi
By Chloe Bennett
Base salary figures tell only part of the story. While an entry-level CAA starting salary averages roughly $175,000 to $190,000, the base pay serves as a foundation for additional income streams. In most clinical groups, base pay assumes a 40-hour workweek, but operating room schedules rarely adhere to strict nine-to-five boundaries.
Hourly wage and overtime rates dramatically inflate total earnings. Standard hourly rates range from $85 to $115 per hour, while pre-scheduled overtime and emergency callback shifts routinely pay 1.5 to 2 times the base rate. Operating room shift differentials, extra pay for working night shifts, weekends, or staying past scheduled case times, add another $15,000 to $35,000 annually to standard contracts. Hospital signing bonuses have climbed as well, often pairing $25,000 to $50,000 upfront with two-year retention commitments, alongside employer 401(k) contributions matching up to 8% to 10% of base salary.
Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.
