Internist Salary Guide
Do you wonder how much internal medicine physicians, or internists, make? Or how does the salary for internists compare across states and between perm and temp work? Follow along to learn more!
Discover our internist salary guide to find:
- Internist Salary
- Physician Salary by State
- How Do Internists Salaries Compare Against Other Physician Specialties?
- How Much Will Internists Make in 2024?
Looking for internist jobs? Check out our open internist assignments nationwide.
How Much Do Internists Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, internal medicine physicians, or internists, make $225,270 in annual compensation.
How Much Do Locum Tenens Internists Make?
Locum tenens internists can upwards of $125 per hour on average, however, there are many factors that impact rates including location, years of experience, and the level of demand.
If you were to extrapolate that rate over a year (at 40 hours per week), the average locum salary comes out to around $260,000.
That means locum tenens internists can make up to 15% more than the average provider. However, making direct salary comparisons can be complicated. While perm internists are more likely to be salaried, locum tenens internists are independent contractors earning an hourly rate, which can vary based on which assignments they take in a year.
Furthermore, because locum tenens internists are paid by the hour, the hours they work are directly reflected in their pay, while a salaried internist’s additional hours may not be reflected in their salary.Finally, paid time off and insurance may be reflected in the perm internists salary structure, but locum tenens providers do have options when it comes to health insurance.
Internist Salary by State
The most recent state breakdown of internist salaries comes from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, though the BLS was not able to collect enough data for all 50 states. That said, the top 5 highest paying states for internist salary are:
- Alaska
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
- Kentucky
- Minnesota
How Do Internist Salaries Compare Against Other Physician Specialties?
Internists are in the bottom half of the 30+ physician specialties surveyed in the Medscape 2023 compensation report. The top five specialties (plastic surgery, orthopedics, cardiology, urology, gastroenterology) all reported annual income of greater than $500,000.
How Much Will Internists Make in 2024?
Internist salaries have increased over the last several years, with a 39% increase in reported salary since 2015. In 2023, internist salary increased 4% from the previous year. A safe estimate is that internists will continue to increase with salaries, meaning that internists will make around $234,280 in annual salary in 2024.
Explore Our Open Internist Jobs
Physician - MTA hospital in Montana is seeking a skilled Internal Medicine Physician for a 120-day locum tenens assignment. Starting on 07/07/2025, this role requires working Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM. The ideal candidate should be comfortable with primary care and internal medicine cases. This position offers an... View This Job
We are seeking a licensed Internal Medicine Physician for a 24-day locum tenens assignment at a small private practice in Maryland with a focus on nephrology cases. Starting 05/19/2025, this role requires expertise in outpatient nephrology, diabetes management, weight loss, and thyroid disorders. The physician will work two days a... View This Job
We are actively seeking an Internal Medicine Physician for a locum tenens assignment in Missouri. This part-time role offers the unique flexibility of working one day a week, providing medical care in the realm of Internal Medicine, with a focus on chronic pain management. This opportunity allows for concentrated patient... View This Job
We are currently seeking a qualified Internal Medicine Physician for a 120-day locum tenens assignment in California. This role, ideal for those dedicated to community medical systems, begins on Sep 8, 2025. The schedule is favorable, with weekday work from Monday to Friday, 8-5, including a shortened day, and a... View This Job
Find Your Next Internist Job with Barton
Barton coordinates your job search from start to finish!
TALK WITH A REP
We’ll schedule a phone consultation with a Barton Associates team member to discuss your interests, goals, and work history in order to get a sense of what you’re looking for in your next job.
Your Barton team will then go to work, compiling a list of open jobs in our extensive network that match your interests and skill set.
REVIEW YOUR OPTIONS
Once you’ve had a chance to evaluate your list of opportunities, your Barton rep will submit your information to facility you want to take an assignment at.
If there’s a match, we’ll work with the client manager on next steps.
START YOUR JOB!
Don’t worry! Barton Associates will handle licensing, credentialing, and travel arrangements before you arrive.
Your Barton rep will also work with your new facility to ensure you’re set up and ready to go on day one.