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 - GeriatricsOur client in California is seeking a dedicated Geriatrics Physician for an 80-day assignment starting Mar 23, 2026. This role involves working 8a-5p, primarily within a PACE Program, providing comprehensive care for highly complex geriatric patients, including rounding at skilled nursing facilities and managing chronic conditions.Responsibilities and DutiesProvide comprehensive care... View This Job
Our client in Colorado is seeking a dedicated Internal Medicine Physician for a 72-day assignment starting Jul 6, 2026. This role involves 24-hour shifts, providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages, including pediatrics. The Physician will manage adult and pediatric ICU cases, handle deliveries, and perform critical procedures, supporting... View This Job
We are seeking an experienced Physician, specializing in Internal Medicine, for a 65-day assignment in Massachusetts, starting Jun 1, 2026. The chosen candidate will work Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, conducting 1-hour patient visits for comprehensive physicals, managing general cases such as chest pains, gout flares,... View This Job
Our client in Texas is actively seeking a dedicated Internal Medicine Physician for a 60-day assignment beginning May 5, 2026. In this role, the physician will deliver essential internal medicine services, managing a diverse patient population within a supportive clinical setting. The position offers a focused opportunity to contribute to... 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.