Cardiologist
$470,167
avg. annual salary
Anesthesiologist
pays more on average
Anesthesiologist
$495,901
avg. annual salary
Choosing a career in medicine is both rewarding and challenging. Among the many specialties, cardiology and anesthesiology stand out due to their critical roles in patient care and advanced clinical practices. Cardiologists focus on diagnosing and treating heart conditions, while anesthesiologists play a vital role in managing pain and anesthesia during surgeries. However, if you're contemplating between these two paths, understanding their salary structures, benefits, and long-term career prospects is crucial. In this guide, we will compare the salaries of cardiologists and anesthesiologists, discuss the associated benefits of their professions, and outline their career trajectories. By the end, you'll have a clearer perspective on which specialty might align better with your career goals and financial aspirations.
Salary by Experience Level
starting salary
starting salary
avg. difference (5%)
Salary Overview
In 2025, cardiologists are expected to earn an average salary of approximately $430,000, while anesthesiologists will have a higher average at around $480,000. Both specialists experience variation in their earnings based on factors such as location, years of experience, and type of practice.
Cardiologists typically work in hospitals and private practices, leading to different compensation structures compared to anesthesiologists, who often work closely in surgical settings. Additionally, the workload for anesthesiologists can influence their income, as they may also be involved in critical care management.
Benefits Comparison
Both fields offer substantial benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Cardiologists tend to enjoy more predictable hours compared to anesthesiologists, who may have irregular schedules due to the nature of surgical procedures.
Additionally, anesthesiologists may receive higher incentives tied to case volume. Professional development opportunities, such as attending conferences or further specialized training, are also available in both fields, with some institutions covering these costs.
Career Path and Job Outlook
The career trajectories for cardiologists and anesthesiologists differ significantly. Cardiologists must complete a residency in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in cardiology, taking a total of 6-8 years after medical school.
On the other hand, anesthesiologists typically complete a residency in anesthesiology that lasts about 4 years after their medical degree. The job outlook for both specialties remains strong, with an increasing demand for cardiovascular care and surgical procedures, ensuring stable career opportunities.
Work-Life Balance
Cardiologists often enjoy a more manageable work-life balance, primarily due to their outpatient focus. In contrast, anesthesiologists may face challenges with long hours and on-call duties.
Understanding these dynamics is essential, especially for those prioritizing personal time alongside professional responsibilities.
Which Specialty is Right for You?
Deciding between cardiology and anesthesiology depends on your interests and career goals. If you prefer long-term patient relationships and outpatient care, cardiology might be more suitable.
Conversely, if you enjoy acute care and working in operating rooms, anesthesiology could be your path. Consider shadowing professionals in both fields to gain deeper insight before making your decision.
Detailed Salary Comparison: Cardiologist vs Anesthesiologist (2025)
### Overview
- •Typical base salary range (2025 estimates): cardiologists $420,000–$600,000; anesthesiologists $360,000–$520,000. Variation depends on sub-specialty and location.
### Compensation Components
- •Base pay: usually 70–85% of total in both fields.
- •Productivity bonuses: cardiologists may earn 10–30% extra for procedures (PCI, echo volumes); anesthesiologists earn 5–25% for block volumes or OR hours.
- •Call pay and overtime: anesthesiologists often get fixed call stipends ($3,000–$10,000/yr) or hourly night premiums (+25–50%).
- •Locum tenens rates: cardiologists $180–$300/hr; anesthesiologists $140–$260/hr.
Actionable takeaway: compare total compensation (base + bonus + call) and local market rates when evaluating offers.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between the Two
### Training, time, and debt
- •Cardiology: internal medicine residency (3 yrs) + cardiology fellowship (3 yrs minimum); total post-medical training ~6+ years.
- •Anesthesiology: residency 4 years; optional fellowships 1–2 years. Average educational debt: $180,000–$300,000.
### Work pattern and lifestyle
- •Cardiologists: clinic days, cath lab procedures, on-call heart failure or STEMI coverage. Expect irregular hours, but more outpatient control.
- •Anesthesiologists: OR schedule with early starts, predictable shift blocks, variable overnight ICU or pain service work.
### Risk, demand, and long-term growth
- •Malpractice premiums vary by state; both specialties can face high premiums (often $30,000–$70,000/yr).
- •Demand outlook: aging population increases cardiology needs; surgical volume and ambulatory surgery growth support anesthesiology.
Actionable takeaway: weigh training time, call frequency, and local malpractice costs against expected compensation and lifestyle.