The demand for anaesthetists across Australasia: Trends and opportunities

In Australasia, the demand for anaesthetists remains strong, driven by an expanding healthcare sector, aging populations, a rise in cosmetic surgeries, and the increasing complexity of surgical procedures. This steady demand is creating significant opportunities for career growth and development within the field.

ANZCA workforce snapshot

ANZCA released a 2023 anaesthesia workforce snapshot in February 2024 which highlights that the anaesthesia workforce in Australia continues to increase at pre-pandemic growth rates.

• 1530 anaesthesia trainees in Australia – an increase of 4.7 per cent compared with 12 months ago and 15.7 per cent compared with December 2019, prior to the pandemic.
• 5514 specialist anaesthetists in Australia – an increase of 3.4 per cent compared with 12 months ago and 11.5 per cent compared with December 2019, prior to the pandemic.
• New Zealand experienced similar trends with 311 anaesthesia trainees in 2023 (up 16.9 per cent compared with December 2019) and 891 specialist anaesthetists (up 13.9 per cent compared with December 2019).

Regional demand variances

The demand for anaesthetists varies significantly across different regions. In Australia, areas such as New South Wales and Victoria show a higher need due to their large populations and well-established healthcare systems. However, it's the rural and remote regions that present unique opportunities. These areas often struggle to attract and retain medical professionals, offering incentives such as higher pay rates, relocation assistance, and more flexible working conditions to lure skilled anaesthetists.

In New Zealand, the demand is similarly skewed towards underserved areas. Regions like the West Coast and Northland are increasingly looking for medical specialists, including anaesthetists, to address their healthcare needs. The New Zealand government has been proactive in supporting healthcare in these regions, which can mean better support and funding for those willing to make the move.

Career growth and development

For anaesthetists, the current job market landscape in Australasia not only offers attractive financial incentives but also unique professional development opportunities. Working in high-demand areas often exposes anaesthetists to a wider variety of cases and conditions than they might encounter in more saturated markets. This exposure is invaluable for career growth and skill enhancement.

The ongoing advancements in medical technology and anaesthetic techniques mean that continuous learning and adaptation are integral to the role. Many institutions across Australasia provide ample support for professional development, including funding for conferences and specialist training programs, ensuring that anaesthetists remain at the forefront of the field.

Is it hard to become an anaesthetist?

Anaesthesia is a rewarding and fascinating field of medicine, and it offers a diverse range of research and sub-specialist study opportunities.

Professor Kate Leslie, president of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), says it is competitive to be selected for a registrar position in anaesthesia. “There are many more applicants than posts”, she says. However, once trainees have been awarded the Fellowship of ANZCA, career prospects are strong."

Anaesthetists are some of the most intensively trained specialist doctors in the world! In Australia and New Zealand, anaesthetists-in-training study for a minimum of 12 years to gain the advanced physiological and pharmacological knowledge they need to keep patients free of pain, immobile, and in a carefully controlled state of unconsciousness throughout complex surgery.

The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists offers a 5-year hospital-based training program. A fellow of ANZCA supervises trainees.

How much do anaesthetists make in Australia?

Anaesthetics is one of Australia’s highest-paid doctor specialities.

According to data from the Australian Tax Office, anaesthetists and anesthesiologists in Australia are earning an average taxable income of $386,065.

In private practice, anaesthetists can earn up to AUD $600,000, and locum earns up to AUD $3,500 daily. Entry-level positions start at AUD $190,624 annually, while most experienced workers make up to AUD $214,089 annually.

Where you’re based, your level of training and other factors can impact how much you earn. But the data’s clear: anaesthetics is one of the highest-paid medical specialities, vying with a surgeon salary for Australia’s best-paid job.

Emerging opportunities

Telehealth is another growing area offering new opportunities for anaesthetists. With the rise of remote consultation services, anaesthetists have the potential to extend their expertise beyond physical borders, providing pre-operative consultations and pain management services from virtually anywhere.

The push towards more sustainable healthcare practices is leading to innovations in anaesthetic techniques that reduce environmental impact. Anaesthetists passionate about sustainability can engage in research and implementation of these practices, positioning themselves as leaders in a niche yet increasingly important aspect of medical care.

The demand for anaesthetists in Australasia is not only maintaining its strength but is also evolving in ways that offer diverse and enriching career paths. Whether through traditional roles in bustling city hospitals or through locum opportunities in rural areas, telehealth, or sustainable practices, anaesthetists have numerous avenues to advance their careers while significantly impacting the communities they serve. For those looking to expand their horizons, the Australasian healthcare landscape presents a fertile ground for growth and development.