Physician Salary in 2026
Physicians diagnose and treat injuries, illnesses, and disorders using examinations, tests, and medical procedures. They specialize in areas like internal medicine, pediatrics, or surgery.
Median Salary
$265,930
$22,161/mo
Entry Level
$217,200
starting pay
Senior Level
$377,000
experienced
Job Growth
+3%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Physicians, All Other (SOC 29-1229, the closest published occupation to Physician) at a national median of $265,930 per year (mean $262,040), or $127.85 per hour, with 342,720 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Physician Overview
Physicians diagnose and treat injuries, illnesses, and disorders using examinations, tests, and medical procedures. They specialize in areas like internal medicine, pediatrics, or surgery.
Education
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Experience
3-7 years residency
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
343K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$127.85/hr
Monthly Pay
$22,161
Physician Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Physician salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Physician Salary
$323,000
$26,917/month · $12,423/biweekly · $155.29/hr
Physician Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Physician field.
Entry-level Physicians earn around $217,200, while the top 10% earn $433,200 or more.
Top Paying States for Physicians
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $314,000 | +$48,070 |
| New York | $306,000 | +$40,070 |
| Pennsylvania | $266,000 | +$70 |
| Texas | $261,000 | $-4,930 |
| Florida | $261,000 | $-4,930 |
Top Paying Cities for Physicians
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $314,000 | +$48,070 |
| Los Angeles | $298,000 | +$32,070 |
| Miami | $271,000 | +$5,070 |
| Philadelphia | $271,000 | +$5,070 |
| Houston | $263,000 | $-2,930 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Physician Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Physician.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Physician Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Physician from entry level to expert.
$217,200
0-2 years
$297,000
3-7 years
$377,000
8-14 years
$489,400
15+ years
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Physician Salary FAQ
How much does a Physician make in 2026?
The median salary for a Physician in the United States is $265,930 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Physicians, All Other (SOC 29-1229); the mean is $262,040. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $217,200, senior professionals around $377,000, and top earners at $489,400 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Physician?
A Physician typically requires a Doctor of Medicine (MD) with 3-7 years residency of experience. Key skills include Diagnosis, Treatment Planning, Patient Communication. Relevant certifications such as USMLE or Board Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Physicians?
The job market for Physicians is projected to grow by 3% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 343K Physician positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 10%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Physicians the most?
The highest-paying states for Physicians include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $314,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Physician salary?
To increase your Physician salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Diagnosis and Treatment Planning. Pursue certifications such as USMLE. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 3-7 years residency of experience, you can progress from $217,200 to $377,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Physician Salary
How we calculate Physician salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Physicians, All Other (SOC 29-1229), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $265,930, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Physicians, All Other; BLS mean $262,040; BLS hourly median $127.85.
- Entry-level ($217,200) and senior-level ($377,000) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +3% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 342,720 Physicians, All Other jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 10% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Healthcare sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Doctor of Medicine (MD), per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $265,930; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Physician compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physician 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: Physician salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Diagnosis, Treatment Planning, Patient Communication), 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 Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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