CAA Salary by State: 2026 Complete Guide
Quick Facts
- National CAA salary range: $200,000–$275,000
- National average estimates: ~$247,000 (Becker's/ASC Review, April 2026), ~$253,000 (Marit Health, 2026)
- AAAA survey range: $158,000–$240,000 (AAAA 2025 Survey)
- Glassdoor estimate: ~$291,000 average; St. Louis: $238,309
- Cardiac anesthesia premium: $264,000–$328,000 (Emory advertised range)
- Top earners / salary ceiling: Up to $350,000 (BagMask Q1 2026)
- ZipRecruiter 90th percentile: $333,500
- Market hourly rate: ~$200–$275/hr (permanent, 2026)
- New grad starting salary: ~$200,000–$250,000, up to $270,000+ with call/cardiac
- Practice states: ~20 states (physician-led anesthesia care team model)
Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) are among healthcare's best-kept salary secrets. If you're exploring CAA salary data or considering this rapidly growing career path, you'll be pleased to discover that anesthesiologist assistants command impressive compensation — with some earning well over $300,000 annually in high-demand specialties and locations.
CAAs work within the physician-led anesthesia care team model, practicing alongside anesthesiologists to deliver high-quality anesthesia care. Currently licensed in approximately 20 states, the CAA profession is expanding rapidly. Industry data shows an average of $247,000–$253,000 (Becker's/Marit Health, 2026), with the AAAA 2025 Survey reporting a range of $158,000–$240,000 and some roles reaching a $350,000 ceiling (BagMask Q1 2026). Salaries reflect the strong demand for these highly trained providers. In this complete guide, we break down CAA pay by state, explore the factors that influence compensation, and show you where the best opportunities are in 2026.
Understanding CAA Salary Data
📊 Salary Data Sources & Freshness This guide cites data from multiple sources: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 — latest government data), ZipRecruiter (2026 advertised salaries), Glassdoor, AMN Healthcare, SalaryDr, and other industry reports. Government salary surveys have a 12–18 month reporting lag. Current advertised salaries on job boards typically reflect real-time market conditions and may be higher. Anesthesia provider compensation has risen steadily over the past five years.
Unlike CRNAs and anesthesiologists, CAA salary data from the BLS is less granular because of the profession's smaller size and state-specific licensure. We draw from multiple sources to paint the most accurate picture:
| Source | Reported Average/Range | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Becker's ASC Review / Marit Health | ~$247,000 | April 2026 |
| Marit Health | ~$253,000 | 2026 |
| AAAA 2025 Survey (via Kalkfy) | $158,000–$240,000 | 2025 |
| Glassdoor | ~$291,000 avg; $238,309 (St. Louis) | 2026 |
| ZipRecruiter (90th percentile) | $333,500 | 2025 |
| Emory cardiac anesthesia posting | $264,000–$328,000 | 2025 |
| BagMask (salary ceiling) | Up to $350,000 | Q1 2026 |
| Indeed (Texas) | $215,000–$275,000 | 2026 |
| Market hourly rate | ~$200–$275/hr | 2026 |
| Entry-level / new grad | $200,000–$250,000 | 2025–2026 |
The wide range in reported figures reflects differences in methodology, practice setting, geographic location, and subspecialty focus. What's clear across all sources is that CAAs earn well into the $200,000+ range, with significant upside for those in cardiac anesthesia or high-demand states. On an hourly basis, CAAs command approximately $200–$275/hr in the current market — comparable to permanent CRNA rates of ~$200/hr.
CAA Salary by State
CAAs currently practice in approximately 20 states that authorize the anesthesiologist assistant role within the physician-led care team model. Here's a breakdown of salary expectations across the primary practice states:
Top-Paying States for CAAs
| State | Estimated Avg Salary | Employment Level | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $260,000–$300,000+ | High | Major metro premium, academic centers |
| Florida | $240,000–$280,000 | High | No income tax, large market |
| Georgia | $235,000–$280,000 | Very High | Emory system, cardiac premium |
| Ohio | $230,000–$270,000 | High | Cleveland Clinic, major health systems |
| Texas | $235,000–$275,000 | Growing | No income tax, expanding market |
| Colorado | $230,000–$265,000 | Moderate | Growing demand, quality of life |
| North Carolina | $225,000–$260,000 | Moderate | Strong healthcare systems |
| Missouri | $220,000–$255,000 | Moderate | Competitive market |
| Wisconsin | $218,000–$250,000 | Moderate | Stable healthcare demand |
| Kentucky | $215,000–$245,000 | Moderate | Low COL, good value |
(Sources: Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, Marit Health, employer postings, 2025–2026)
Additional Practice States
| State | Estimated Avg Salary | Market Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $210,000–$245,000 | Low COL, strong purchasing power |
| District of Columbia | $240,000–$280,000 | Federal facility demand |
| Indiana | $210,000–$240,000 | Growing market |
| Michigan | $215,000–$250,000 | Major health systems |
| Montana | $215,000–$245,000 | Limited CAA supply, premium potential |
| New Hampshire | $220,000–$255,000 | Northeast compensation level |
| New Mexico | $210,000–$240,000 | Underserved area premiums |
| Oklahoma | $205,000–$235,000 | Competitive COL |
| South Carolina | $215,000–$248,000 | Growing healthcare market |
| Vermont | $218,000–$250,000 | Small market, competitive pay |
Note: Salary estimates are based on available data from industry compensation surveys, job postings, and reported averages. Actual offers may vary.
The Cardiac Anesthesia Premium
One of the most significant salary differentiators for CAAs is cardiac anesthesia specialization. CAAs trained and experienced in cardiac surgery anesthesia command substantially higher compensation.
The numbers are striking:
- Emory Healthcare's cardiac anesthesia team has advertised CAA positions at $264,000–$328,000
- ZipRecruiter reports 90th-percentile CAA earnings at $333,500 — largely driven by cardiac-specialized roles
- Cardiac call pay and weekend differentials can add $30,000–$50,000+ annually
Why Cardiac Pays More
Cardiac anesthesia requires advanced skills in:
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
- Cardiopulmonary bypass management
- Hemodynamic monitoring and management
- Complex pharmacology for critically ill patients
- Management of ventricular assist devices and heart transplants
These skills are in limited supply and critical demand, creating premium compensation for CAAs who develop this expertise.
If you're a CAA student or new grad, strongly consider pursuing cardiac anesthesia rotations and experience — it's one of the fastest paths to the highest earning brackets in the profession.
CAA Salary by Practice Setting
Your workplace type meaningfully affects compensation:
| Practice Setting | Typical Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiac Surgery Centers | $264,000–$333,500 | Highest compensation |
| Academic Medical Centers | $230,000–$280,000 | Teaching opportunities, benefits |
| Large Hospital Systems | $220,000–$270,000 | Stable, comprehensive benefits |
| Ambulatory Surgery Centers | $215,000–$260,000 | Growing sector |
| Private Anesthesia Groups | $225,000–$290,000 | Variable, performance-based |
CAAs working within physician-led anesthesia care teams in high-acuity settings generally earn the most, reflecting the complexity and critical nature of the cases they handle.
New Grad CAA Salary Expectations
If you're currently in a CAA program or recently graduated, here's what to expect for your first position:
- Base salary: $200,000–$250,000, often $220,000–$250,000
- With call/cardiac: Up to $270,000+ in your first year
- Sign-on bonuses: $10,000–$30,000 are common
- Relocation assistance: Often provided, especially for less urban areas
New Grad Negotiation Tips
- Research your market — Use the state data above to know your worth
- Highlight specialty training — Cardiac rotations and TEE experience are valuable
- Negotiate the full package — Beyond salary, consider CME allowance, student loan assistance, and scheduling
- Consider geographic flexibility — States with fewer CAA graduates often offer the highest starting salaries
- Ask about growth — Salary escalation timelines and performance bonus structures matter long-term
For more new graduate salary advice, see our guide on entry-level CRNA salary negotiation strategies — many of the same principles apply to CAAs.
Factors That Influence CAA Salary
1. State Licensure and Market Size
States with larger, more established CAA markets (Georgia, Florida, Ohio) tend to have more standardized compensation. States that have recently authorized CAA practice may offer premium pay to attract early adopters.
2. Physician Supervision Model
CAAs practice exclusively within the physician-led anesthesia care team model. States where this model is dominant tend to have stronger demand for CAAs, which can positively impact salaries.
3. Experience Level
Like most healthcare professions, experience translates directly to higher pay:
- 0–2 years: $200,000–$230,000
- 3–5 years: $230,000–$260,000
- 6–10 years: $250,000–$290,000
- 10+ years: $275,000–$333,500+
4. Call Coverage
CAAs who take call — particularly cardiac call — can significantly boost their annual income. Cardiac call pay can range from $1,500–$3,000+ per shift, adding substantial annual income.
5. Benefits Package
Total compensation goes beyond salary. Evaluate:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement contributions (403b/401k match)
- Malpractice coverage
- CME allowance ($3,000–$5,000 typical)
- Paid time off (20–30 days)
- Student loan repayment assistance
CAA vs. CRNA Salary Comparison
Both CAAs and CRNAs are essential members of the anesthesia care team, and both enjoy excellent compensation. Here's how they compare:
| Factor | CAA | CRNA |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $247,000–$253,000 (Becker's/Marit Health, 2026) | $223,210 median / $260,000 advertised avg (BLS 2024 / ZipRecruiter 2026) |
| Top-End Earnings | $350,000 (BagMask Q1 2026) | $394,500 (ZipRecruiter 90th pctl, 2026) |
| Cardiac Premium | $264,000–$328,000 | Similar premiums available |
| Practice States | ~20 states | All 50 states + DC |
| Practice Model | Physician-led team | FPA or physician-supervised |
| Job Growth | Strong and expanding | 38% (2022–2032) |
Both paths offer outstanding career opportunities. For a more detailed comparison, visit our CAA vs CRNA career guide.
The Growing CAA Market
The CAA profession is expanding rapidly. Several key trends are driving growth:
- More states adopting CAA licensure — The number of practice states has been growing and is expected to continue
- Increased training programs — More universities are launching CAA programs to meet demand
- Physician preference — Many anesthesiologists actively prefer the care team model with CAAs
- Healthcare system demand — As surgical volumes increase, so does the need for qualified anesthesia providers
The combination of growing demand, limited supply, and expanding state authorization creates a very favorable salary trajectory for CAAs over the coming decade. To explore current opportunities, visit the AnesthesiaJobs CAA job board.
How to Become a CAA
Interested in pursuing this high-paying career? Here's the pathway:
- Earn a bachelor's degree with pre-med prerequisites (biology, chemistry, physics, organic chemistry)
- Complete a master's degree in anesthesia from a CAAHEP-accredited CAA program (typically 24–28 months)
- Pass the NCCAA certification exam
- Obtain state licensure in a practice-authorized state
- Begin practicing within a physician-led anesthesia care team
For more on anesthesia career pathways, explore our comprehensive anesthesia careers guide.
Related Reading
- How Much Do CRNAs Make? Complete 2026 Salary Guide
- CAA vs CRNA: Career Comparison
- CRNA vs Anesthesiologist Salary Comparison
- How Much Do Anesthesiologists Make? 2026 Salary Breakdown
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do CAAs make per year?
Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants earn an average of $247,000–$253,000 per year nationally (Becker's ASC Review April 2026 / Marit Health 2026), with the AAAA 2025 Survey reporting $158,000–$240,000. Top earners in cardiac anesthesia or high-demand states can earn up to $350,000 (BagMask Q1 2026). On an hourly basis, CAAs command approximately $200–$275/hr in the current market.
Which state pays CAAs the most?
New York generally offers the highest CAA salaries, with average compensation of $260,000–$300,000+. Florida, Georgia, and Ohio also rank among the top-paying states for CAAs, particularly for those with cardiac anesthesia specialization.
How much do new grad CAAs make?
New graduate CAAs typically start at $200,000–$250,000 in their first year, with many earning $220,000–$250,000. New grads who take call or specialize in cardiac anesthesia can earn up to $270,000+ in their first year, plus sign-on bonuses of $10,000–$30,000.
Do CAAs make more than CRNAs?
CAA and CRNA salaries are broadly comparable. CAAs average $247,000–$253,000 (Becker's/Marit Health, 2026), while CRNAs earn a BLS median of $223,210 (2024) and advertised average of $260,000 (ZipRecruiter, 2026). CAAs specializing in cardiac anesthesia can earn up to $350,000 (BagMask Q1 2026), while top CRNA earners reach $394,500 (ZipRecruiter 90th pctl). CRNAs benefit from the ability to practice in all 50 states.
How many states allow CAAs to practice?
CAAs currently practice in approximately 20 states that have authorized the anesthesiologist assistant role within the physician-led anesthesia care team model. This number is growing as more states adopt CAA licensure legislation.
Practicing anesthesiologist with experience across MD-only, medical supervision of CRNAs, and medical direction of CAAs. Founded AnesthesiaJobs.com to help anesthesia professionals find the best job for their personal and professional life.
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