Physician Salary Guide

Are you curious about what physicians make? And how does the salary for physicians compare across states and between perm and temp work? Let’s find out!

Explore our Physician salary guide to discover:

  • Physician Salary
  • Physician Salary by State
  • How Do Physicians’ Salaries Compare Against Other Healthcare Specialties?
  • How Much Will Physicians Make in 2024?

Looking for physicians jobs? Check out our open physicians assignments nationwide.

NP salary guide

How Much Do Physicians Make?

The average annual physician salary is $229,300 per year in the U.S., according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, physicians can make a total of $352,000 per year, according to Medscape’s 2023 physician compensation report.  

How Much Do Locum Tenens Physicians Make?

Locum tenens physicians can make upwards of $242 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 $503,360. 

That means locum tenens physicians can make up to 43% more than the average provider. However, making direct salary comparisons can be complicated. While perm physicians are more likely to be salaried, locum tenens physicians are independent contractors earning an hourly rate, which can vary based on which assignments they take in a year. 

Furthermore, because locum tenens physicians are paid by the hour, the hours they work are directly reflected in their pay, while a salaried physician’s additional hours may not be reflected in their salary.

Finally, paid time off and insurance may be reflected in the perm physicians salary structure, but locum tenens providers do have options when it comes to health insurance

Physician Salary by State

The most recent state breakdown of physicians 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 physician salary are:

  • Montana (Physician Salary of $239,200+)
  • South Dakota  (Physician Salary of $239,200+)
  • Wyoming  (Physician Salary of $239,200+)
  • Indiana (Physician Salary of $274-330,900)
  • Colorado (Physician Salary of $274-330,900)

How Do Physician Salaries Compare Against Other Healthcare Specialties?

Physicians are the top earners among healthcare practitioners according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, followed by dentist, podiatrists, pharmacists, and medical dosimetrists. The average salary for healthcare practitioners is $77,760.

How Much Will Physicians Make in 2024?

Physician salaries have been on the rise over the last several years, with a 17% increase in reported salary since 2018. A safe estimate is that physicians’ salary will increase roughly 3% yearly, meaning that physicians will make around $363,968 in annual salary in 2024.

Find Your Next Physician Job with Barton

Barton coordinates your job search from start to finish!

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

LEARN MORE

Complete the following form to learn more about how we can help you find the perfect opportunity
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