Internal Medicine Salary in 2025

Internal medicine (IM) remains one of the foundational specialties in healthcare. In 2025, with healthcare systems evolving and demand for specialized care increasing, internal medicine physicians continue to play a vital role in diagnosing and managing complex adult health issues. This article explores the average salary for internal medicine doctors in 2025, key influencing factors, salary by experience, job outlook, and ways to increase earnings.

Average Salary for Internal Medicine Physicians in 2025

As of 2025, the average annual salary for an internal medicine physician in the United States ranges from $225,000 to $275,000. This range reflects variations across regions, subspecialties, and work environments (hospital vs. private practice).

Entry-level (0–3 years of experience): $180,000 – $210,000
Mid-career (4–9 years): $220,000 – $250,000
Senior (10+ years): $260,000 – $320,000+

Some highly experienced internists in academic or administrative roles may earn beyond $350,000 annually, especially in high-demand urban markets or specialty practices.

Key Factors Influencing Internal Medicine Salaries

Several factors affect how much an internal medicine physician earns. Understanding these can help physicians and job seekers make informed career decisions:

1. Geographic Location

High-paying states: California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Massachusetts.
Lower-paying regions: Rural Midwest and Southern states, although cost of living is often lower there.

2. Work Setting

Private Practice: Often comes with higher earning potential and autonomy.
Hospital Employment: Offers stable income, benefits, and less administrative burden, though sometimes at a slightly lower pay scale.

3. Subspecialization

Internal medicine physicians with additional training in cardiology, gastroenterology, or endocrinology can command higher salaries:

Cardiologists: $400,000+
Gastroenterologists: $450,000+
Endocrinologists: $250,000 – $300,000

4. Call Responsibilities & Hours Worked

Physicians who take on-call shifts or work overtime often receive bonuses or additional pay.

Salary by Experience Level

Experience Level	Estimated Salary (2025)
0–3 years	$180,000 – $210,000
4–9 years	$220,000 – $250,000
10+ years	$260,000 – $320,000+

Increased experience often leads to leadership roles (e.g., Chief of Medicine), boosting earnings significantly.

Additional Earnings: Bonuses, Incentives & Take-Home Pay

Physicians may receive:

Productivity bonuses based on patient volume or RVUs.
Signing bonuses, especially in underserved areas (up to $25,000).
Retention incentives after a few years of service.

For a salary of $103,000, such as that earned by a senior lead navigator or clinical coordinator, take-home pay after taxes typically falls between $70,000–$78,000 depending on state and deductions. However, this is below the national average for internists and more aligned with non-physician healthcare roles.

Certifications & Education Impacting Salary

To become an internal medicine physician, one must:

Complete a 4-year medical degree
Undergo a 3-year internal medicine residency
Pass the ABIM (American Board of Internal Medicine) certification

Optional fellowships in subspecialties can add 2–3 years of training but significantly increase income potential.

Additional credentials like:

Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA)
Quality Improvement Certifications
Teaching or academic appointments

…can open doors to leadership roles with higher pay.

Job Outlook for Internal Medicine Physicians

The job market for internal medicine remains strong in 2025, driven by:

An aging U.S. population
Chronic disease prevalence (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
A growing shortage of primary care physicians

Job growth is expected at 4–7% over the next decade, with competitive salaries, especially in underserved or rural areas.

Benefits Beyond Salary

Besides compensation, internists enjoy:

Comprehensive health and malpractice insurance
Retirement contributions (401k/403b)
CME (Continuing Medical Education) allowances
Paid time off and sabbaticals in academic institutions

Conclusion

Internal medicine remains a stable, rewarding career in 2025 with strong compensation, benefits, and job security. While salaries can vary based on experience, location, and specialization, internists continue to be in high demand, offering physicians flexibility and a wide range of career paths. By investing in education, certifications, and strategic career planning, internal medicine doctors can significantly enhance their earning potential and career satisfaction.