Emergency Medicine Physician Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 120+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$318,200
$152.98/hr
vs National Average
$353,789
-10.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$236K – $319K
120 employed in District of Columbia
Emergency Medicine Physician salary in District of Columbia averages $318,200 annually, based on data from 120 employed professionals in the field. Salaries typically range from $235,610 to $318,720 per year. Despite being a major metropolitan area, compensation in DC runs approximately 10% below the national average for emergency medicine physicians, reflecting regional cost-of-living adjustments and competitive market dynamics.
Several factors influence Emergency Medicine Physician salary in District of Columbia, including years of clinical experience, board certification status, and specific hospital or facility type. Geographic proximity to established academic medical centers and the concentration of federal healthcare institutions shape local compensation packages. Additionally, shift patterns, on-call requirements, and individual negotiation skills play significant roles in determining final earnings for emergency medicine professionals in the region.
Salary Distribution — Emergency Medicine Physician in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $235,610 |
| 25th percentile | $236,340 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $318,200 |
| 75th percentile | $318,200 |
| 90th percentile | $318,720 |
Top-Paying Industries for Emergency Medicine Physician (U.S.)
Which industries pay Emergency Medicine Physicians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Emergency Medicine Physicians in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $337,680 | 31K |
| Educational Services | $316,830 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $313,070 | — |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Emergency Medicine Physician in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $318,200 |
| 2026 (projected) | $327,746 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $318,200 | $353,789 |
| 2026 (projected) | $327,746 | $364,403 |
Emergency Medicine Physician Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $236,340 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $318,200 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $318,200 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $318,720 |
Emergency Medicine Physician Salary in Other States
Related Emergency Medicine Physician Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Emergency Medicine Physician ($318,200 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Emergency Medicine Physician | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Podiatrist in DC | $265,740 | -16.5% | $127.76/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DC | $233,390 | -26.7% | $112.21/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in DC | $223,250 | -29.8% | $107.33/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in DC | $202,570 | -36.3% | $97.39/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DC | $183,080 | -42.5% | $88.02/hr |
| Radiologist in DC | $182,450 | -42.7% | $87.72/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | -51.2% | $74.59/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | -51.8% | $73.75/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in DC | $137,220 | -56.9% | $65.97/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DC | $135,880 | -57.3% | $65.33/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DC | $135,140 | -57.5% | $64.97/hr |
| Optometrist in DC | $134,840 | -57.6% | $64.83/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do emergency medicine physicians make in Washington DC?
- Emergency medicine physicians in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $318,200 per year, or approximately $153 per hour. This salary is 10.1% below the national average for this specialty.
What is the salary range for emergency room doctors in DC?
- The salary range for emergency medicine physicians in District of Columbia spans from $235,610 to $318,720 annually. This range reflects the variation in compensation based on experience, qualifications, and specific employer factors.
Is the emergency medicine physician salary in DC competitive compared to the US average?
- No, the median salary of $318,200 in District of Columbia is 10.1% lower than the national average for emergency medicine physicians. Job seekers should consider this difference when evaluating compensation packages in the DC area.
How many emergency medicine physicians are employed in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 120 emergency medicine physicians currently employed in District of Columbia, representing the local job market size for this specialty.