The landscape for pulmonologists and critical care physicians has evolved significantly in recent years. Compensation for pulmonologists grew in 2023, while critical care physician saw a slight decrease. For physicians of both specialties, many face long hours, high stress, and pay levels that don’t meet their expectations. Here’s a deep dive into Medscape’s 2024 pulmonology and critical care salary report.
Compensation up for pulmonologists and down for critical care physicians
According to the report, pulmonologists earned an average annual salary of $397,000 in 2023, a 5% increase from $378,000 in 2022. However, despite this growth, many pulmonologists still feel underpaid relative to the demands of their profession.
Meanwhile, critical care physicians experienced a slight decrease in earnings, with the average salary decreasing by over 1% from $406,000 in 2022 to 401,000 in 2023.
How pulmonologist and critical care physician pay compares with other specialties
The average pay for all U.S. physicians grew by about 3% last year. Medscape reports that many physicians are negotiating greater schedule flexibility rather than more money, contributing to less growth in pay for physicians.
Pulmonologists and critical care physicians ranked among the middle earners in 2023. Despite positive growth, pulmonologists ranked 14th in compensation compared to other specialties, while critical care physicians ranked 13th.
The highest earners were orthopedists, with an average salary of $558,000, followed by plastic surgeons ($536,000) and cardiologists ($525,000). The lowest-paid specialists were endocrinologists at $256,000 annually, pediatricians ($260,000), and infectious disease doctors ($261,000).
Potential pay isn’t a significant factor in picking pulmonary medicine
Of those surveyed, 81% of pulmonologists said that potential pay was only a minor factor or not a factor at all in their choice of specialty.
This contrasts with perspectives earlier in their careers, where half of the surveyed residents reported that potential earnings were extremely or very influential in choosing their specialty. Medscape notes that these perspectives may evolve as physicians progress in their careers.
Many pulmonologists seek extra income through side work
Although pay wasn’t a primary factor in deciding specialty, many pulmonologists still seek outside work to supplement their income. Forty-eight percent of pulmonologists reported taking on extra work, including 12% who moonlight. These side gigs aren’t simply passion projects, as many physicians cited the need for extra income.
Are pulmonologists taking extra work to boost their income?
Many use locum tenens work to supplement their income, but some switch to locum tenens full time as a way to meet their financial goals and enjoy more variety in their work. This is especially appealing to pulmonologists looking for a change of pace or a better work/life balance.
Why locums? 3 pulmonologists explain why they work locum tenens
How pulmonologists view physician pay
In 2023, only a third of pulmonologists believed that U.S. physicians are compensated fairly, and 65% felt that most physicians are underpaid. According to a University of Chicago and Associated Press study, this sentiment contrasts with public perception, where only 11% of surveyed Americans believe doctors are underpaid.
What pulmonologists think about physician pay in the U.S.
Despite an overall rise in physician pay, many pulmonologists still feel underpaid. When asked about their specialty, pulmonologists were more temperate, with 47% saying their pay aligned well with their job expectations.
About half of pulmonologists say they feel happy with their pay
Compared to pay satisfaction for all specialties, 47% of pulmonologists reported being happy with their current income, placing them in the mid-range. Public health and preventive medicine physicians ranked highest in income satisfaction (65%), while infectious disease doctors were the least satisfied (34%).
Happiness with pay: How pulmonology and critical care compare to select specialties
What pulmonologists find most rewarding
Twenty-seven percent of pulmonologists said excelling in their field is the most rewarding aspect of their work. Strong relationships with their patients and making the world a better place are also ranked highly as the most rewarding aspects of the job.
What pulmonologists find most challenging
Not every day is filled with seamless procedures and straightforward cases. Pulmonologists face significant frustrations on the job. In 2023, too many rules and regulations proved to be the most challenging aspect of pulmonologists’ jobs. Long work hours emerged as a more pressing concern than in previous years, with dealing with difficult patients and working with an electronic health record system also ranking as top challenges.
For pulmonologists looking to mitigate these job challenges, locum tenens is a great solution. These temporary assignments offer physicians the flexibility to design their schedules, often resulting in better work/life balance while avoiding many of the stressors that come with permanent positions. Locum tenens allows pulmonologists to work in different settings — including underserved areas — and provides opportunities to take meaningful breaks and focus on personal passions.
Pulmonologist Dr. Bhadriraju shares why he decided to transition into working locum tenens. “I made the conscious decision that I’d like to practice medicine in places where there’s a need, and as a result, there is a lot of recognition for what you do in the community.”
Interested in learning more about locum tenens for pulmonologists or locum tenens for critical care medicine? Give us a call at 954.343.3050.
