The internal medicine doctor salary continues to draw attention from medical students, current physicians, and healthcare employers. Many readers want clear data about average annual compensation, job growth, and how location affects pay. In this guide, you will learn how much internal medicine physicians earn, what factors influence compensation, and how salaries differ across metropolitan areas like Queens and other states.
Internal medicine remains one of the most prevalent physician specialties in the United States. These physicians provide care for adults, manage chronic conditions, and coordinate long-term patient care. Because demand for primary care continues to increase, internal medicine physician pay remains stable and competitive.
What Is the Average Internal Medicine Doctor Salary in the United States?
According to the 2025 Medscape Physician Compensation Report, internal medicine physicians earn in the high-$200,000 range on average, while the 2025 Doximity Physician Compensation Report places national averages in the low-$300,000 range. Differences reflect survey methodology, practice type, and regional weighting, but both sources confirm that internal medicine remains a stable, mid-range earning specialty within primary care. Overall, most internal medicine physicians earn approximately $280,000 to $325,000 annually, depending on experience, employer type, and geographic location.
Survey data includes both outpatient internal medicine physicians and hospitalists, and compensation can vary significantly between these practice models. Internal medicine physicians are typically salaried or compensated under productivity-based structures, such as RVU models, rather than paid hourly. When annual salaries are converted into estimated hourly equivalents, earnings may range between roughly $120 and $160 per hour, depending on workload and total compensation.
Internal Medicine Doctor Salary at a Glance
Internal medicine physician compensation varies based on experience, geographic location, and practice setting. The summary below provides a simplified overview of national salary ranges reported in the recent 2025 compensation surveys.
| Category | 2025 Range (National) |
| Medscape Average | High-$200,000s |
| Doximity Average | Low-$300,000s |
| Most Common Range | $280,000–$325,000 |
| Top Earners | $330,000–$350,000+ |
| Compensation Model | Salary + RVU/Bonus |
This data provides a general overview, but compensation depends heavily on multiple factors discussed below.
Internal Medicine Doctor Salary in Queens and New York
Internal medicine doctor salary figures in Queens and greater New York metropolitan areas tend to align with or exceed national averages. In metropolitan areas such as Queens and greater New York City, reported salary ranges often fall between $290,000 and $340,000 annually, based on regional compensation surveys and aggregated job market data. However, actual earnings depend on employer contracts, productivity structure, and benefit packages.
Job postings in Queens frequently advertise competitive employer benefits, signing bonuses, and malpractice coverage. Because demand for primary care continues to rise, employment opportunities remain strong throughout New York. Physicians who provide care in urban communities often see high patient volume, which can increase productivity-based compensation.
How New York Compares to Other States
New York salaries generally surpass those of many midwestern states but may trail certain high-paying markets in California and other competitive coastal regions. Some California metropolitan areas report internal medicine compensation exceeding $320,000 to $350,000 annually. Meanwhile, states with a lower cost of living may report slightly lower averages but improved purchasing power.
Physicians considering relocation should review employment contracts carefully. Employer coverage plans, retirement contributions, and bonus structures can meaningfully affect total compensation.
How Experience Affects an Internal Medicine Doctor’s Salary
Experience plays a major role in determining an internal medicine doctor’s salary. Physicians completing residency training typically begin with salaries between $220,000 and $250,000 per year, depending on location and employer.
After five to ten years, compensation often rises into the $280,000 to $320,000 range. Senior physicians with over fifteen years of experience frequently earn above $325,000 annually, particularly in high-demand markets or productivity-based models.
Salary Growth by Career Level (Estimated)
| Experience Level | Average Salary |
| 0–3 Years | $220,000–$250,000 |
| 4–9 Years | $270,000–$310,000 |
| 10+ Years | $320,000–$350,000+ |
As physicians gain experience, they may assume leadership roles, manage clinical teams, or oversee operational responsibilities, which can increase compensation over time.
Practice Setting and Its Impact on Salary
Practice setting significantly influences an internal medicine doctor’s salary. Hospital-employed physicians often receive stable base pay, structured hours, and comprehensive benefits. Hospitalists may earn higher base compensation due to shift work and inpatient coverage responsibilities.
Private practice physicians may have higher earning potential but assume greater financial risk, including staffing and administrative costs. Ownership offers greater income upside tied to productivity.
Hospitalist vs. Outpatient Internal Medicine Salary
Internal medicine physicians may practice either as hospitalists providing inpatient care or as outpatient internists managing patients in clinic settings. Compensation can differ meaningfully between these two practice models based on workload, scheduling structure, and patient acuity.
| Practice Model | Estimated Annual Compensation | Key Factors Influencing Pay | Schedule Structure |
| Hospitalist | $300,000–$350,000+ | Shift-based coverage, inpatient acuity, overnight responsibilities, and additional shifts | Block or shift-based (often 7-on/7-off) |
| Outpatient Internist | $270,000–$320,000 | Patient volume, payer mix, RVU productivity, continuity care | Weekday clinic schedule |
National compensation surveys often include both hospitalists and outpatient internists when reporting internal medicine salary averages, which can influence overall published figures.
Internal Medicine vs. Other Physician Specialties
When comparing physician specialties, an internal medicine doctor’s salary typically falls in the mid-range of medical compensation. Pediatricians and family medicine physicians often earn slightly less, generally in the $220,000 to $270,000 range, depending on location.
Subspecialties such as Cardiology and Gastroenterology earn significantly more due to procedural reimbursement structures and additional fellowship training. Compensation in these fields often exceeds $400,000 annually, with some markets reporting higher averages.
Quick Salary Comparison
| Specialty | Average Annual Compensation |
| Internal Medicine | $280,000–$325,000 |
| Family Medicine | $240,000–$280,000 |
| Pediatrics | $220,000–$260,000 |
| Cardiology | $400,000–$450,000+ |
| Gastroenterology | $420,000–$470,000+ |
Factors That Influence Internal Medicine Doctor Salary
Several factors determine annual compensation:
- Geographic location
- Cost of living
- Patient volume and RVU productivity
- Practice ownership structure
- Fellowship training
- Academic appointments
- Leadership roles
- Employer bonus plans
Healthcare demand continues to increase nationwide, supporting long-term stability in internal medicine compensation.
Bonuses, Benefits, and Total Compensation Packages
Internal medicine compensation includes more than base salary. Signing bonuses commonly range between $10,000 and $40,000, with higher offers in competitive markets. Relocation assistance may also be provided.
Benefits often include malpractice coverage, health insurance, disability insurance, retirement contributions, and loan repayment incentives. Productivity bonuses may add 5 to 15 percent or more to base compensation. Physicians should evaluate total compensation rather than base salary alone.
Trends in Internal Medicine Salaries
Both the 2025 Medscape and Doximity compensation reports show modest year-over-year growth in internal medicine salaries, generally in the low single-digit percentage range. While procedural specialties may experience sharper increases, internal medicine compensation remains steady and predictable due to sustained demand for adult primary care services.
Healthcare workforce shortages and an aging population continue to support strong employment demand in both urban and suburban markets.
Work Hours, Lifestyle, and Job Outlook
Most internal medicine physicians work between 40 and 60 hours per week. Hospitalists may follow shift-based schedules, while outpatient physicians typically maintain weekday clinic hours.
Despite demanding training years, internal medicine offers long-term patient relationships, clinical variety, and leadership opportunities.
Is Internal Medicine a High-Paying Career?
Internal medicine provides competitive compensation compared to many professional careers. While subspecialties earn more, internal medicine offers a stable income with shorter training duration than many procedural specialties.
Medical school debt often exceeds $200,000. However, strong employment demand and consistent salary growth make internal medicine financially sustainable over the long term.
Conclusion
Internal medicine doctor salary remains competitive and stable compared to many other physician specialties. Based on 2025 national compensation reports, most internal medicine physicians earn in the high-$200,000 to low-$300,000 range annually, with higher compensation in major metropolitan areas and productivity-based models. Factors such as experience, practice setting, and geographic location meaningfully influence total earnings. As demand for adult primary care continues to grow, internal medicine remains a financially sustainable and respected medical career path.
At Rego Park Diagnostic & Treatment Center, our internal medicine physicians provide comprehensive, patient-centered care to adults throughout Queens and surrounding communities. Our experienced medical staff focuses on preventive care, chronic disease management, and long-term health planning tailored to your needs. If you are looking for trusted primary care services, contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn how we can support your health.
FAQs
What is the highest internal medicine doctor salary?
Top earners in competitive metropolitan markets may exceed $330,000 to $350,000 annually, particularly in productivity-based or hospitalist roles.
Do internal medicine physicians make more than pediatricians?
Yes. Internal medicine physicians generally earn more than pediatricians, reflecting differences in patient population, reimbursement structure, and scope of care.
How much do internal medicine doctors earn per hour?
When converted into estimated hourly equivalents, internal medicine physicians may earn approximately $120 to $160 per hour, depending on annual compensation and workload. Most physicians, however, are salaried or compensated under RVU-based models rather than hourly contracts.
Does location significantly affect pay?
Yes. Physicians practicing in large metropolitan or high-cost regions often earn higher compensation, although cost-of-living differences may affect net purchasing power.
