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 job opportunities for anaesthetists and significant career growth and development within the field.

ANZCA workforce snapshot

Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (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.

Explore anaesthetist jobs

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.

In 2025, anaesthetists in Australia are earning betweeen AUD$200,000 - $600,000 depending on a variety of factors. In private practice, anaesthetists can earn up to AUD $600,000, and locum anaesthetics typically earn between $2,000 - $4,000 AUD per day. 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

For Anaesthetists looking for opportunities to progress outside of the linear career path, there are a variety of leadership and teaching opportunities to get involved in. Depending on what types of opportunities you are looking for, we can help you find locations that will support your goals. For example, we often see teaching opportunities come out of Rockhampton, Central Queensland.

The push towards more sustainable healthcare practices is also 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.

Our Anaesthetics team

At Medrecruit, our Anaesthetics Consultant team is led by Sherrie Swanborough in Australia (Sherrie's LinkedIn) and Debbie Fahey in New Zealand (Debbie's LinkedIn). They’re here to support you every step of the way, whether you’re considering a permanent role, locum opportunities, or simply keeping an eye on what’s available.

Sherrie and Debbie work with you to understand your professional and lifestyle goals, before leveraging their relationships across hospitals and private providers Australasia-wide to find you the best roles. Many of these opportunities aren’t advertised publicly, working with our team ensures you have access to positions before anyone else.

Final thoughts

Demand for Anaesthetists is high, making now an excellent time to explore what’s possible with the backing of Medrecruit’s Anaesthetics specialist team.

Whether through traditional roles in bustling city hospitals or through locum opportunities in regional locations, anaesthetists have numerous avenues to advance their careers while significantly impacting the communities they serve.

Whether you're looking for permanent or locum work, in Australia or New Zealand, or all of the above - register with our team today to be put in touch with our expert team to help support your career.