Explore gastroenterologist salary ranges, hourly rates, and how procedural volume and locum work shape earning potential in 2026.
Gastroenterology is one of the highest-compensated internal medicine subspecialties, driven by high procedural throughput, growing colorectal cancer screening demand, and a constrained fellowship pipeline. Most gastroenterologists earn between $530,000 and $550,000 annually across major benchmarks.
| Source | What it Measures | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Medscape Physician Compensation Report (2026, data year 2025) | Average total compensation | $530,000 |
| Doximity Physician Compensation Report (2025, data year 2024) | Median total compensation | $537,870 |
| Merritt Hawkins 2024 Review of Physician and Advanced Practitioner Recruiting Incentives | Average starting salary | $531,000 |
| SalaryDr (April 2026, 79 verified submissions) | Median verified compensation | $550,000 |
| Region | Average Starting Salary |
|---|---|
| Northeast | $601,250 |
| Midwest | $550,000 |
| Southwest | $535,714 |
| West | $514,258 |
| Southeast | $417,828 |
Source: Merritt Hawkins 2024 Review of Physician and Advanced Practitioner Recruiting Incentives.
Procedural throughput and endoscopy volume directly impact gastroenterology compensation. Physicians who maintain high colonoscopy and EGD volumes consistently earn above the benchmark median.
| Compensation Type | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| W-2 employed (derived from Medscape avg, ~2,080 hrs) | ~$255 /hr |
| Locum tenens — lower band | $200 /hr |
| Locum tenens — upper band | $260 /hr |
Sources: Medscape 2026; Barton Associates market data 2025–2026.
HRSA projects a shortage of 720 gastroenterology FTEs by 2028, growing to 1,390 by 2037. Nonmetro areas face a deficit of approximately 2,140 FTEs — the structural driver of sustained locum demand.
Geographic variation in gastroenterology compensation reflects both cost of living and supply-demand dynamics. The Northeast commands the highest starting salaries, but rural and underserved markets offer the highest locum premiums because they have the fewest alternatives for coverage.
The gastroenterology shortage is not evenly distributed. Nonmetro areas face the steepest access gaps and pay the highest locum premiums to secure coverage.
A standard full-time gastroenterologist performs 8 to 12 endoscopic procedures per day, with clinic days interspersed for follow-up and new patient consultations. Colorectal cancer screening volumes have grown significantly since the USPSTF lowered the recommended screening age to 45, adding structural demand to an already constrained specialty pipeline.
Locum rates range from $200 to $260 per hour. The four scenarios below use representative rates from within that band.
To exceed $600,000: combine employed income with regular locum days, focus on high-volume endoscopy coverage, and target nonmetro markets at the top of the rate band.
Gastroenterology locum income scales with procedural volume and market scarcity. The practitioners targeting nonmetro markets with endoscopy coverage needs consistently earn at the top of the band.
A $240/hr locum rate versus a $255/hr W-2 equivalent is competitive on an hourly basis, but 1099 gastroenterologists unlock significant structural advantages: business deductions across licensing, CME, travel, and equipment; higher retirement contributions through a SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k); the Qualified Business Income deduction of up to 20%; and S-corp structuring at higher income levels. Barton partners with Earned to help locum physicians navigate these decisions.
Barton coordinates your job search from start to finish!
We’ll schedule a phone consultation to discuss your interests, goals, and work history to find the right opportunities.
Your Barton rep will submit your information to the facility you want to take an assignment at and work on next steps.
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Most earn between $530,000 (Medscape) and $550,000 (SalaryDr median). Doximity reports a median of $537,870. Merritt Hawkins reports an average starting salary of $531,000.
W-2 employed gastroenterologists average approximately $255 per hour based on Medscape data. Locum tenens rates range from $200 to $260 per hour.
Hybrid models combining employed income with regular locum days can push total compensation above $600,000. Full-time locum at $260/hr working 18 days per month yields approximately $449,280 annually.
The Northeast commands the highest starting salaries, but nonmetro areas pay the highest locum premiums. HRSA projects a shortage of 1,390 gastroenterology FTEs by 2037, with nonmetro areas facing a deficit of approximately 2,140 FTEs.
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