Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Doctoral or professional degree
None
Internship/residency
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
General internal medicine physicians diagnose and manage a wide range of adult health conditions, serving as core medical specialists for many patients. This role combines scientific knowledge with problem solving, critical thinking, and strong interpersonal skills. Nationally, there are about 73,000 jobs in this occupation, with projected employment growth of 3.3%. About 2,000 openings are expected each year, reflecting both new positions and replacement needs. Typical entry into this field requires a doctoral or professional degree, along with strong capabilities in science, mathematics, and information technology. Professionals in this career rely heavily on speaking and listening, writing and reading, and being detail oriented to support sound clinical decisions. The national median annual salary of $236,350 indicates high earning potential, with even higher median pay in several states and metro areas. For students and professionals prepared for a long education pathway and demanding skill profile, this career offers a blend of intellectual challenge, responsibility, and financial reward.
General internal medicine physicians earn a national median annual salary of $236,350, with substantial variation by state and metro area. Among the top states by CareerGPS opportunity score, median salaries range from $183,460 in New York to $340,010 in Washington. California and Colorado also report high medians of $313,890 and $299,990, while Massachusetts stands at $285,250. At the metro level, median earnings stretch from $105,960 in the New York–Newark–Jersey City area to $340,010 in Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue. Washington–Arlington–Alexandria and Boston–Cambridge–Newton show mid-to-upper range medians of $223,250 and $243,230, and Denver–Aurora–Centennial reports $299,990. These figures show that location choices can significantly influence income, and areas with strong CareerGPS opportunity scores can still vary widely in pay. Overall, the salary profile indicates strong earning potential across many regions.
Employment for general internal medicine physicians is 73,000 nationally, with projected growth of 3.3%. This projected change, combined with existing workforce turnover, is expected to generate about 2,000 openings per year. These openings may come from a combination of new positions and the need to replace physicians who leave the occupation. The consistent 3.3% growth rate shown across the top states and metro areas indicates a similar directional trend in multiple regions, though specific local conditions are not detailed. For career planners, this means the field shows measured growth rather than rapid contraction or expansion in the supplied data. The combination of a sizable existing employment base, ongoing openings, and a specialized education requirement suggests a professional pathway where opportunities are present but also competitive. Individuals considering this career can expect a labor market with continued demand that aligns with the overall national projections given.
Location plays a major role in both opportunity and pay for general internal medicine physicians. Among states, California, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, and Washington rank highest by CareerGPS opportunity score. Washington stands out for the highest listed state median salary at $340,010 with 1,100 employed, while California combines a high median salary of $313,890 with the largest employment among these top states at 6,370. New York shows the highest employment at 10,000 but a lower median salary of $183,460. Massachusetts and Colorado offer mid-to-upper range salaries ($285,250 and $299,990) with smaller employment bases. At the metro level, the New York–Newark–Jersey City area has the highest CareerGPS opportunity score (77.27) and the largest employment (10,380), but the lowest listed median salary at $105,960. In contrast, Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue reports a median salary of $340,010 with 850 employed, and Denver–Aurora–Centennial shows $299,990 with 290 employed. These contrasts highlight that high opportunity scores, high salaries, and large employment do not always coincide in the same locations.
The typical education for general internal medicine physicians is a doctoral or professional degree. This extended training pathway supports the advanced scientific knowledge and decision making required in the role. Success in this field relies on a broad mix of cognitive, technical, and interpersonal skills. Science and mathematics form a foundation for understanding medical information, while problem solving and decision making, together with critical and analytical thinking, support accurate clinical judgments. Being detail oriented is essential for interpreting complex information. Interpersonal, speaking and listening, and writing and reading skills are also central, enabling physicians to communicate clearly with patients and colleagues and document their work effectively. Competence with computers and information technology is important for managing information and using digital tools. Adaptability helps physicians respond to changing situations. Prospective entrants should be prepared for rigorous doctoral-level study and continued development of these skills throughout their careers.
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