Emergency Medicine Physician Salary in Kentucky
Based on 620+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$169,390
$81.44/hr
vs National Average
$353,789
-52.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$123K – $316K
620 employed in Kentucky
Emergency Medicine Physician salary in Kentucky averages $169,390 annually, with approximately 620 physicians currently employed in the state. However, this median falls significantly short of national standards, sitting 52 percent below the average emergency medicine physician salary across the United States. The salary range varies considerably, from $123,240 to $316,490 per year depending on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence Emergency Medicine Physician salary in Kentucky, including years of clinical experience, geographic location within the state, hospital size and type, educational credentials, and board certifications. Additional considerations affecting compensation include shift schedules, on-call requirements, malpractice insurance costs, and the specific healthcare facility's financial resources. Rural versus urban positioning and patient population demographics also play meaningful roles in determining individual physician earnings.
Salary Distribution — Emergency Medicine Physician in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $123,240 |
| 25th percentile | $148,180 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $169,390 |
| 75th percentile | $272,980 |
| 90th percentile | $316,490 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $236,540 |
| 2024 | $239,100 |
| 2025 | $169,390 |
| 2026 (projected) | $169,390 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $236,540 | $210,099 |
| 2024 | $239,100 | $170,277 |
| 2025 | $169,390 | $353,789 |
| 2026 (projected) | $169,390 | $353,789 |
Emergency Medicine Physician Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $148,180 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $169,390 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $272,980 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $316,490 |
Emergency Medicine Physician Salary in Other States
Related Emergency Medicine Physician Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Emergency Medicine Physician ($169,390 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Emergency Medicine Physician | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in KY | $558,180 | +229.5% | $268.36/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | +105.4% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | +87.2% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | +65.3% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | +46.8% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | +42.6% | $116.12/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KY | $237,770 | +40.4% | $114.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KY | $222,520 | +31.4% | $106.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | +18.8% | $96.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | +3.7% | $84.47/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | -4.3% | $77.96/hr |
| Pharmacist in KY | $136,530 | -19.4% | $65.64/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do emergency medicine physicians make in Kentucky?
- Emergency medicine physicians in Kentucky earn a median salary of $169,390 per year, or approximately $81 per hour. This is notably 52.1% below the national average for this specialty.
What is the salary range for emergency medicine doctors in Kentucky?
- Emergency medicine physician salaries in Kentucky range from $123,240 at the lower end to $316,490 at the upper end, reflecting significant variation based on experience and location within the state.
How many emergency medicine physicians work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 620 emergency medicine physicians currently employed in Kentucky, representing the total workforce in this specialty across the state.
Is emergency medicine a well-paying specialty in Kentucky compared to the national average?
- Emergency medicine in Kentucky pays below the national average, with the state's median salary of $169,390 being 52.1% lower than the national median for emergency medicine physicians.