CAA Salary 2026: Advertised Anesthesiologist Assistant Pay by State (Q1)

The first quarter of 2026 data for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) advertised salaries shows a market that continues to move upward. While these data points are limited and should not be used as a final market conclusion, they provide valuable insight into the base pay ranges currently being offered by employers across the country.

This report focuses specifically on advertised salaries found in job postings.

It is important to note that in some instances, the high-end figures listed by employers may include compensation for extra shifts, call pay, or total compensation components that are not always clearly itemized in the initial job description. As such, these numbers represent the “top-line” figures hiring entities are currently using to market their positions.

For a complete history of pay trends, visit our Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) Salary Data Center & Report Hub.

Key Trends in Q1 2026 CAA Advertised Salaries

1. The New Salary Ceiling: $350,000

For the first time, we are seeing advertised salaries reach as high as $350,000 in Texas. Other states like Georgia ($340,000) and Wisconsin ($330,000) are following close behind. This indicates that anesthesia provider compensation is being pushed to new heights in competitive markets to attract talent within the Anesthesia Care Team (ACT) model.

2. Rising Pay Floors in Missouri and Nevada

While some states still advertise a minimum of 80,000, Missouri and Nevada have established a very strong “floor” with advertised minimum salaries starting at 50,000. This consistency suggests a highly stable and competitive market for CAAs in these regions.

3. Top-Tier Average Salaries

New Mexico (75,000), Michigan (71,300), and Nevada (70,000) currently boast the highest average advertised salaries. These states offer a robust balance of high starting points and significant earning potential without the wide pay ranges seen in states like Texas.

Understanding the CAA Job Market: Beyond Advertised Base Pay

When comparing a $350,000 salary in Texas to a 50,000 salary in Nevada, consider these critical variables that drive the “high-end” of the advertised range:

• Call Requirements & Specialized Teams: The highest advertised rates are frequently tied to positions with heavy call obligations or specialized roles, such as being part of a cardiac anesthesia team. These high-acuity or high-frequency responsibilities naturally command a premium in advertised base pay.

• Aggressive Recruitment Demand: In highly competitive markets, extreme employment demand often forces facilities to push their advertised rates to the absolute limit. These “top-line” numbers are frequently used as a strategic tool to attract talent from neighboring healthcare systems or out-of-state facilities.

• Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): A high salary in a metropolitan hub like Austin or Atlanta may be offset by higher housing costs and local taxes. Always factor in a cost-of-living comparison to ensure that a higher base pay actually results in more take-home wealth.

The Q2 2026 Outlook

The data from the first quarter of 2026 confirms a robust financial outlook for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants. As hospitals continue to utilize the Anesthesia Care Team (ACT) model to manage rising surgical volumes, we expect CAA salary trends to remain aggressive. Use these insights to identify top-tier anesthesia markets and secure a position that reflects your value as a specialized provider.

Ready to find your next opportunity in a high-paying state? Search all Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant jobs now on BagMask.com.