Aerospace Engineers vs. Anesthesiologists: Who Earns More?
Anesthesiologists out-earn Aerospace Engineers by $257K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Aerospace Engineers land at $134,960 and Anesthesiologists at $391,490. The education gap is real: aerospace engineer programs typically require bachelor's degree, while anesthesiologist programs require doctoral or professional degree. Top-paying state for Aerospace Engineers is Minnesota ($159,060); for Anesthesiologists it's Washington ($499,990).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Aerospace Engineers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Aerospace Engineers or Anesthesiologists?
Anesthesiologists earn more nationally. The median is $134,960 for Aerospace Engineers versus $391,490 for Anesthesiologists, a difference of $257K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Aerospace Engineers or Anesthesiologists?
Aerospace Engineers has the better 10-year outlook at 6.1% projected growth, compared to 3.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Aerospace Engineers or Anesthesiologists?
Aerospace Engineers typically requires bachelor's degree. Anesthesiologists requires doctoral or professional degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Aerospace Engineers get paid the most?
Minnesota is the top-paying state for Aerospace Engineers at $159,060/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Aerospace Engineers vs. Anesthesiologists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Minnesota, Aerospace Engineers earn $159,060 vs. $496,510 for Anesthesiologists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.