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 2025?
Looking for internist jobs? Check out our open internist assignments nationwide.
How Much Do Internists Make?
According to 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, internal medicine physicians, or internists, make $262,710 in average 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.
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:
- Hawaii
- Georgia
- Missouri
- South Dakota
- Minnesota
How Do Internist Salaries Compare Against Other Physician Specialties?
Internists are in the bottom half of the 29 physician specialties surveyed in Medscape’s 2025 “Physician Compensation Report.” The top five specialties (orthopedics & orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, radiology, cardiology, and gastroenterology) all reported average total pay greater than $500,000.
How Much Will Internists Make in 2025?
Internist salaries have increased over the last several years, with a 4% increase in reported pay from 2023 to 2024. A safe estimate is that internists will continue to increase with salaries, meaning that internists will make around $273,218 in annual salary in 2025, although compensation can vary depending on assignment location, experience, and other factors.
Explore Our Open Internist Jobs
Physician - Internal MedicineWe are seeking a skilled Internal Medicine Physician for a 60-day locum tenens assignment at a Multi-Specialty Clinic in California. Starting on 06/10/2025, this role offers a varied schedule including weekdays and two Saturdays per month. The position focuses on providing general internal medicine care, including treating common illnesses, managing... 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 seeking an Internal Medicine Physician for a 120-day locum tenens assignment in South Carolina. This opportunity starts on Aug 18, 2025, and involves day shifts from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. The Physician will manage approximately 18 patients per day, focusing on chronic conditions, ensuring... View This Job
We are excited to offer a rewarding opportunity for an Internist to join our outpatient team in North Carolina. Starting Sep 8, 2025, this full-time locum tenens role spans 120 days and features a considerate 4-day work week, promoting work-life balance with no weekends or on-call duties. Candidates will enjoy... 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.