The field of pain medicine continues to grow in importance as chronic pain and age-related conditions become increasingly prevalent. Physicians specializing in pain management are in high demand—and their compensation reflects this. In this article, we’ll explore the average salary for pain medicine professionals in 2025, delve into the factors affecting income, and look at market trends, certifications, and career prospects.
Average Pain Medicine Salary in 2025
As of 2025, the average annual salary for pain medicine physicians in the United States is approximately $305,000 to $385,000, depending on the practice setting and geographic location. This figure encompasses base salary, bonuses, and profit-sharing.
Salary Breakdown by Setting:
Private Practice: $330,000 – $400,000+
Hospital-employed: $290,000 – $350,000
Academic/Teaching Role: $240,000 – $300,000
Locum Tenens (temporary positions): $150 – $250/hour
Key Factors Influencing Salary
Several variables can impact how much a pain medicine physician earns:
1. Experience Level
Entry-level (0–3 years): $240,000 – $300,000
Mid-career (4–9 years): $310,000 – $375,000
Experienced (10+ years): $375,000 – $450,000+
2. Geographic Location
Urban and coastal areas often have higher cost of living and compensation.
Rural areas may offer higher salaries or signing bonuses to attract specialists.
3. Subspecialty & Certifications
Fellowship-trained professionals in interventional pain medicine tend to earn more.
Certifications from ABPM (American Board of Pain Medicine) or ABMS-recognized specialties can lead to better opportunities.
4. Employment Type
Salaries tend to be higher in private practices due to profit-sharing.
Hospital-employed physicians may enjoy more benefits but slightly lower base pay.
Additional Financial Considerations
What is Take-Home Pay on a $103,000 Salary?
For context, a $103,000 gross salary results in approximately $72,000–$76,000 take-home pay annually after federal and state taxes, depending on your location, deductions, and filing status. Comparatively, pain medicine specialists in the mid to upper salary range have significantly higher net earnings.
Earnings vs. Other Professions
Compared to:
Sapeloton Instructor Salary (typically $100K–$500K depending on visibility and contracts)
LatPen Test Salary (unclear—possibly a niche or fictional term)
Senior Lead Navigator (Auxano) roles ($90K–$130K average)
Pain medicine physicians often surpass these earnings, especially with years of experience and specialization.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Average Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| 0–3 years | $250,000 |
| 4–9 years | $330,000 |
| 10+ years | $400,000+ |
Job Outlook & Market Trends
Positive Industry Growth
Chronic pain affects over 50 million adults in the U.S., creating ongoing demand.
Increased focus on non-opioid treatment options is expanding roles for pain specialists.
Aging population and sports-related injuries contribute to a stable job market.
Work-Life Balance
Many pain medicine physicians enjoy predictable hours and clinic-based practice, which is attractive compared to other high-intensity medical roles.
Education, Certification & Impact on Salary
Required Education Path:
Medical School (4 years)
Residency in Anesthesiology, Physical Medicine & Rehab, or Neurology (3–4 years)
Pain Medicine Fellowship (1 year)
Board Certification (ABMS or ABPM)
Certifications that Boost Salary:
ABPM Certification
Fellowship in Interventional Pain Management
DEA Registration for controlled substances
Professionals with advanced training and board certification typically command higher salaries and leadership roles.
Benefits & Perks Beyond Salary
Health & Dental Insurance
Retirement Plans (401k, pension)
Malpractice Coverage
Paid CME (Continuing Medical Education)
Flexible Scheduling / Part-time Opportunities
Conclusion
A career in pain medicine offers high earning potential, a positive job outlook, and a meaningful impact on patients’ quality of life. With the right credentials and experience, physicians in this field can expect strong financial rewards, work-life balance, and a stable career path.
Whether you’re a medical student, a physician considering specialization, or an established doctor exploring a new path—pain medicine in 2025 remains a highly rewarding specialty.