Anesthesia technicians are trained members of a medical anesthesia care team, who work under the supervision of an anesthesiologist to provide basic patient care, as well as to assist other members of the anesthesiology team by helping with routine tests and procedures, setting up equipment and supplies, and ensuring that equipment is cleaned, sterilized and operating well. Although the training necessary to become an anesthesia technician varies by state, most professionals in the field receive a one-year certification or two-year associate's degree in anesthesia technology from a community college. Due to a shortage of anesthesia personnel at hospitals across the country, anesthesia techs are more in demand than ever, earning an average salary of $31,000 to $50,000 a year.