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
$213,000
$17,750/mo
Entry Level
$174,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$302,000
experienced
Job Growth
+3%
10-yr outlook
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)
730K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$102.40/hr
Monthly Pay
$17,750
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
$258,000
$21,500/month · $9,923/biweekly · $124.04/hr
Physician Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Physician field.
Entry-level Physicians earn around $174,000, while the top 10% earn $347,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Physicians
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $251,000 | +$38,000 |
| New York | $245,000 | +$32,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $213,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $209,000 | $-4,000 |
| Florida | $209,000 | $-4,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Physicians
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $251,000 | +$38,000 |
| Los Angeles | $239,000 | +$26,000 |
| Miami | $217,000 | +$4,000 |
| Philadelphia | $217,000 | +$4,000 |
| Houston | $211,000 | $-2,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Physician Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Physician from entry level to expert.
$174,000
0-2 years
$238,000
3-7 years
$302,000
8-14 years
$392,000
15+ years
Related Healthcare Jobs
Physician Salary FAQ
How much does a Physician make in 2026?
The median salary for a Physician in the United States is $213,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $174,000, while senior professionals earn up to $302,000. Top earners in the field can make $392,000 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 730K 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 $251,000. 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 $174,000 to $302,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Physician Salary
How we calculate Physician 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: $213,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Physician in the Healthcare sector.
- Entry-level ($174,000) and senior-level ($302,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +3% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 730K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 10% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Healthcare sector wages.
- Education requirement: Doctor of Medicine (MD), 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 $213,000.
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 Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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