CAA Jobs | Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Career Guide
Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) play an essential role in the healthcare system, ensuring the safe and effective delivery of anesthesia care. This guide provides a comprehensive view of CAA jobs, market trends, salary expectations, and career options.
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Click Here To Start Your Job Search TodayJob Market Trends For Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants
The demand for CAAs is growing steadily across the United States. Currently, over 4,000 CAAs are working nationwide, and the number is expected to increase as new certified training programs are launched. With enhanced recognition of CAAs’ critical contributions, more healthcare facilities are actively seeking qualified professionals.
Emerging trends also highlight higher demand in states where CAAs are licensed or work under delegation agreements. This expanding job market allows CAAs to choose from a wide range of settings, from private practices to academic medical centers.
To learn more about these trends, visit the NCCAA.
States Licensing And Delegating CAAs As Of July 2025
Knowing where you can practice as a CAA is vital to your career planning. Here’s an updated list of states that either license CAAs to work independently or allow CAAs to work under delegation agreements.
Licensed States
Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants are licensed in the following states.
Delegation States
These states allow CAAs to work under physician delegation agreements.
Average Salary For CAAs
CAA is one of the highest-paying anesthesia roles, with salaries reflecting the complexity and demands of the job. Below is a breakdown of salary expectations.
National Average
| Salary Statistic | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide Average Salary | $249,000 | Based on 40 hours/week with 6 weeks PTO |
| Median Salary (Annual) | $222,000 | |
| 75th Percentile Salary | $265,000 |
State-Specific Salaries
Earnings can vary by state, with Texas being one of the top-paying regions:
| State | Average |
|---|---|
| Texas (TX) | $264,000/year |
| Florida (FL) | $210,000/year |
| Georgia (GA) | $250,000/year |
| Michigan (MI) | $242,000/year |
| Colorado (CO) | $233,000/year |
These numbers highlight the earning potential for CAAs, with opportunities to boost income in high-demand states.
Locum Tenens Opportunities For Traveling CAAs
For CAAs looking to explore new regions or enjoy the flexibility of travel-based work, locum tenens positions offer exciting opportunities. These roles allow you to work temporarily in various healthcare settings while earning competitive hourly pay.
- Hourly rate for locum tenens CAAs: $211/hour
Travel positions are ideal for professionals interested in a diverse practice environment and better work-life balance.
Career Options For New Grad CAAs
If you’re a CAA or a recent graduate exploring career paths as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant, several prestigious organizations offer roles tailored to early career professionals. Consider applying to some of the largest private practice groups in the country:
- Anesthesia Management Solutions (AMS)
- North American Partners in Anesthesia (NAPA)
- US Anesthesia Partners (USAP)
These organizations provide mentoring opportunities and structured career growth pathways, making them excellent options for those just entering the field.
Takeaways
The CAA job market is a promising avenue for healthcare professionals who want to make a difference. With expansive growth, competitive salaries, flexible travel options, and diverse job settings, there’s never been a better time to pursue a career as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant.
Start your job search today or explore locum tenens roles to discover where your career can take you! Whether you're seeking your first position or planning your next move, the opportunities in anesthesia are abundant and rewarding.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a CAA make compared to a CRNA?
CAAs (Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants) earn an average salary of $247,000–$253,000 per year, which is comparable to CRNA salaries averaging $220,000–$260,000. Both roles provide anesthesia care but follow different educational pathways — CRNAs through nursing and CAAs through medicine/science. (Sources: ZipRecruiter 2025, BLS 2025)
What is the hourly rate for a CAA doing locum tenens work?
Locum tenens CAAs typically earn $200–$275 per hour, depending on location, urgency of the assignment, and facility type. The locum CAA market is growing as more facilities recognize CAAs and seek flexible staffing solutions. (Source: AMN Healthcare 2025)
What is a CAA and how do I become one?
A Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) is a master’s-level medical professional who administers anesthesia under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. To become a CAA, you need a bachelor’s degree with pre-medical prerequisites, then complete a 24–28 month accredited CAA master’s program. After graduation, you pass the NCCAA certification exam.
How many CAA programs are there in the United States?
As of 2026, there are approximately 15+ accredited CAA programs in the United States, with new programs continuing to open. Programs are concentrated in states that authorize CAA practice, including Georgia, Ohio, Colorado, Missouri, and several others. The number of CAA programs has been steadily growing as demand for anesthesia providers increases.
What are the prerequisites for CAA school?
CAA program prerequisites are similar to medical school requirements and typically include a bachelor’s degree with coursework in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physics, biochemistry, and statistics. Most programs also require GRE scores, clinical shadowing hours with an anesthesiologist, and healthcare experience. A competitive GPA of 3.0+ is generally expected.
I’m a pre-med student. Should I consider the CAA pathway instead of medical school?
The CAA pathway is an excellent option for pre-med students interested specifically in anesthesia. CAA programs take just 24–28 months (vs. 8+ years for med school plus residency), and CAAs earn $247,000–$253,000 annually. If your passion is hands-on anesthesia delivery rather than independent medical practice or research, the CAA pathway offers a faster route to a rewarding, high-paying career.
CAA Career Guides
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