Physician Compensation FAQ
Get clear, honest answers to the most important compensation questions physicians ask.
Physician Compensation FAQ – What Providers Should Know
Comprehensive guide to salaries, bonuses, and earning potential nationwide.
What is the average salary for Internal Medicine physicians in the U.S.?
The average salary for Internal Medicine physicians ranges from $240,000 to $300,000, depending on location, call schedule, and patient volume. Rural and underserved areas generally offer the highest compensation.
What is the typical salary for Family Medicine physicians?
Family Medicine physicians usually earn $230,000 to $280,000 in outpatient settings. Rural areas or positions requiring additional responsibilities can exceed $300,000.
How much do Hospitalists make per year?
Hospitalists typically earn $300,000 to $360,000, with some high-demand regions offering up to $380,000. Extra shifts and nocturnist roles increase earnings significantly.
Do J-1 waiver physicians earn less than U.S. citizens or green card holders?
No. J-1 waiver physicians earn the same salary as other physicians. Many underserved areas actually offer higher pay to attract J-1 candidates.
How much do H-1B physicians usually make?
H-1B physicians earn market-rate salaries, similar to U.S. graduates. Compensation ranges from $230,000 to $360,000 depending on specialty and region.
What is the salary difference between outpatient and inpatient roles?
Hospitalists (inpatient) generally earn $60,000 to $100,000 more per year than outpatient primary care physicians due to shift work and higher patient volume.
Which states offer the highest compensation for IM/FM/Hospitalists?
Top-paying states include:
Texas, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Louisiana, Alabama, Arizona, and Missouri.
These states combine high demand with lower cost of living.
Texas, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Louisiana, Alabama, Arizona, and Missouri.
These states combine high demand with lower cost of living.
Do physicians earn more in rural or urban areas?
Rural areas pay significantly more, often $20,000–$80,000 above urban salaries, especially for J-1 or shortage-area positions.
How much should a new graduate expect to earn?
New graduates in IM/FM typically start around:
$240K–$280K outpatient
$300K–$340K hospitalist
With the right negotiation, many start at top-tier ranges.
$240K–$280K outpatient
$300K–$340K hospitalist
With the right negotiation, many start at top-tier ranges.
What factors determine a physician’s final salary offer?
Key factors include:
Location (rural vs urban)
Visa status (no effect on pay, but affects availability)
Patient volume expectations
Shift schedules
Call responsibilities
Productivity bonuses (RVU structure)
Location (rural vs urban)
Visa status (no effect on pay, but affects availability)
Patient volume expectations
Shift schedules
Call responsibilities
Productivity bonuses (RVU structure)
Do physicians receive signing bonuses?
Yes. Most physicians receive signing bonuses ranging from $20,000 to $50,000. Rural and underserved markets may offer bonuses up to $75,000 or include relocation assistance.
What are RVUs and how do they affect salary?
RVUs (Relative Value Units) measure productivity. Many hospitals pay a base salary + RVU bonus, which can add $20,000 to $120,000 annually depending on workload and specialty.
How much do outpatient physicians earn compared to specialists?
Primary care physicians generally earn $230K–$300K, while specialists (Cardiology, GI, Pulm, Neuro, etc.) earn $350K–$700K+, depending on the specialty.
Do hospitalists get paid extra for night shifts?
Yes. Nocturnists typically earn $30,000 to $70,000 more per year than daytime hospitalists due to night differential and higher demand.
How much do PA and NP salaries usually range?
PAs and NPs typically earn $110,000 to $150,000 depending on specialty, shift differential, and location. Hospitalist and urgent care roles can reach $150K+.
What benefits are usually included in physician compensation?
Common benefits include:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with matching
CME allowance ($2K–$5K/year)
Malpractice insurance (with tail coverage in some cases)
Paid time off
Relocation assistance
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with matching
CME allowance ($2K–$5K/year)
Malpractice insurance (with tail coverage in some cases)
Paid time off
Relocation assistance
Are relocation bonuses common?
Yes. Relocation packages range from $10,000 to $20,000, with rural or high-need locations offering up to $25,000
How much can international medical graduates (IMGs) expect to earn?
IMGs earn the same salaries as U.S. graduates. Compensation is based on specialty and location, not immigration status. J-1/H-1B physicians often secure top-tier salaries due to high demand.
Do Florida, Texas, and Georgia offer competitive physician salaries?
Yes. These states offer very competitive salaries because:
No state income tax (FL, TX)
High physician shortages
Rapid population growth
Large hospital systems expanding coverage
Hospitalist pay often reaches $340K–$380K in these states.
No state income tax (FL, TX)
High physician shortages
Rapid population growth
Large hospital systems expanding coverage
Hospitalist pay often reaches $340K–$380K in these states.
What determines whether a physician can negotiate a higher salary?
Stronger negotiating power comes from:
Working in shortage areas
Willingness to take call
Flexibility (inpatient + outpatient)
Visa status with limited competition
Multiple offers at once
High RVU productivity
Physicians represented by a recruiter often earn $20,000–$50,000+ more due to structured negotiation.
Working in shortage areas
Willingness to take call
Flexibility (inpatient + outpatient)
Visa status with limited competition
Multiple offers at once
High RVU productivity
Physicians represented by a recruiter often earn $20,000–$50,000+ more due to structured negotiation.
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