Gastroenterologist Salary in 2026
Diagnose and treat disorders of the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract.
Median Salary
$380,000
$31,667/mo
Entry Level
$280,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$480,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
Gastroenterologist Overview
Diagnose and treat disorders of the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract.
Education
M.D./D.O.
Experience
14+ years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
15K
5-Year Growth
+4%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$182.69/hr
Monthly Pay
$31,667
Gastroenterologist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Gastroenterologist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Gastroenterologist Salary
$412,000
$34,333/month · $15,846/biweekly · $198.08/hr
Gastroenterologist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Gastroenterologist field.
Entry-level Gastroenterologists earn around $280,000, while the top 10% earn $515,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Gastroenterologists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $448,000 | +$68,000 |
| New York | $437,000 | +$57,000 |
| Illinois | $395,000 | +$15,000 |
| Texas | $372,000 | $-8,000 |
| Florida | $372,000 | $-8,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Gastroenterologists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $448,000 | +$68,000 |
| Los Angeles | $426,000 | +$46,000 |
| Chicago | $399,000 | +$19,000 |
| Philadelphia | $388,000 | +$8,000 |
| Houston | $376,000 | $-4,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Gastroenterologist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Gastroenterologist from entry level to expert.
$280,000
0-2 years
$380,000
3-7 years
$480,000
8-14 years
$550,000
15+ years
Related Healthcare Jobs
Gastroenterologist Salary FAQ
How much does a Gastroenterologist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Gastroenterologist in the United States is $380,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $280,000, while senior professionals earn up to $480,000. Top earners in the field can make $550,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Gastroenterologist?
A Gastroenterologist typically requires a M.D./D.O. with 14+ years of experience. Key skills include Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Hepatology. Relevant certifications such as Board Certification in Gastroenterology can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Gastroenterologists?
The job market for Gastroenterologists is projected to grow by 4% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 15K Gastroenterologist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 4%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Gastroenterologists the most?
The highest-paying states for Gastroenterologists include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $448,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Gastroenterologist salary?
To increase your Gastroenterologist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Endoscopy and Colonoscopy. Pursue certifications such as Board Certification in Gastroenterology. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 14+ years of experience, you can progress from $280,000 to $480,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Gastroenterologist Salary
How we calculate Gastroenterologist salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $380,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Gastroenterologist in the Healthcare sector.
- Entry-level ($280,000) and senior-level ($480,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +4% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 15K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 4% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Healthcare sector wages.
- Education requirement: M.D./D.O., per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $380,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Gastroenterologist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Gastroenterologist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Gastroenterologist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Hepatology), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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