Emergency Medicine Physician Salary in the United States
Based on 18K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$353,789
$170.091/hr
▲ 107.8% vs 2024Salary Range
$74K – $566K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
18K
workers nationwide
Emergency Medicine Physicians in the United States earn a median salary of $170,277 per year, reflecting the critical nature of their work in hospital emergency departments. With approximately 3,920 workers in this specialty, these physicians play a vital role in acute care settings, treating everything from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions. The Emergency Medicine Physician salary in the United States varies based on several important factors.
Multiple elements influence compensation for Emergency Medicine Physicians, including geographic location, years of experience, and specific hospital settings. Physicians working in high-cost urban areas or regions with greater demand typically earn more than their rural counterparts. Additionally, shift differentials, call schedules, and whether a physician works in a trauma center versus a smaller facility can significantly impact total compensation and benefits packages.
Salary Distribution — Emergency Medicine Physician
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $73,920 |
| 25th percentile | $310,300 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $353,789 |
| 75th percentile | $566,150 |
| 90th percentile | $566,150 |
Emergency Medicine Physician Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Emergency Medicine Physician
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rhode Island | $512,730 | +44.9% | 290 |
| 2 | West Virginia | $491,230 | +38.8% | 300 |
| 3 | Missouri | $456,280 | +29.0% | — |
| 4 | Alaska | $452,620 | +27.9% | 190 |
| 5 | Maryland | $451,620 | +27.7% | 550 |
| 6 | Vermont | $430,820 | +21.8% | 130 |
| 7 | Iowa | $429,050 | +21.3% | 290 |
| 8 | Connecticut | $418,940 | +18.4% | 470 |
| 9 | Michigan | $417,760 | +18.1% | 910 |
| 10 | New Mexico | $405,130 | +14.5% | 340 |
Historical Salary Trend — Emergency Medicine Physician
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $221,745 |
| 2023 | $210,099 |
| 2024 | $170,277 |
| 2025 | $353,789 |
Emergency Medicine Physician Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do emergency medicine physicians make per hour in the US?
- Emergency medicine physicians earn a median of $82 per hour in the United States. This hourly rate is based on the median annual salary of $170,277 for the profession.
What is the salary range for emergency medicine physicians?
- The salary range for emergency medicine physicians starts at $215,520 annually. This represents the lower end of compensation for physicians in this specialty across the United States.
Which state pays emergency medicine physicians the most?
- Kentucky offers the highest pay for emergency medicine physicians, with a top salary of $239,100 per year. This makes it the best-paying location for this specialty in the nation.
How many emergency medicine physicians are currently employed in the US?
- There are currently 3,920 emergency medicine physicians employed in the United States. This represents the total workforce size for this medical specialty.