Internal Medicine Physician Salary in California
Based on 6K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$313,890
$150.91/hr
vs National Average
$260,282
+20.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$74K – $442K
6K employed in California
Internal Medicine Physician salary in California averages $313,890 annually, positioning the state among the most competitive markets for this specialty. With approximately 6,370 employed internal medicine physicians, California offers compensation that runs 21% above the national average, reflecting the state's higher cost of living and robust healthcare demand across its diverse population centers.
Several factors influence internal medicine physician salaries throughout California, including geographic location within the state, years of clinical experience, and specific practice setting. Physicians working in high-demand urban areas and those with specialized certifications typically earn toward the upper end of the $74,180 to $441,710 range. Hospital-based positions, patient volume, and regional healthcare economics also play significant roles in determining individual compensation packages.
Salary Distribution — Internal Medicine Physician in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,180 |
| 25th percentile | $129,110 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $313,890 |
| 75th percentile | $388,150 |
| 90th percentile | $441,710 |
Top-Paying Industries for Internal Medicine Physician (U.S.)
Which industries pay Internal Medicine Physicians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Internal Medicine Physicians in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $303,100 | 160 |
| Educational Services | $269,110 | 7K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $256,200 | 60K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $230,000 | 80 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $220,790 | 110 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Internal Medicine Physician in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $218,640 |
| 2025 | $313,890 |
| 2026 (projected) | $332,723 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $218,640 | $188,484 |
| 2025 | $313,890 | $260,282 |
| 2026 (projected) | $332,723 | $275,899 |
Internal Medicine Physician Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $129,110 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $313,890 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $388,150 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $441,710 |
Internal Medicine Physician Salary in Other States
Related Internal Medicine Physician Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Internal Medicine Physician ($313,890 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Internal Medicine Physician | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +12.6% | $169.95/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | -4.0% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | -6.8% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | -13.8% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | -19.7% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | -31.8% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | -35.1% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | -35.9% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | -40.9% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | -46.3% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | -47.1% | $79.78/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CA | $165,650 | -47.2% | $79.64/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do internal medicine physicians make in California?
- Internal medicine physicians in California earn a median salary of $313,890 per year, which translates to approximately $151 per hour. This is 20.6% higher than the national average for the specialty.
What is the salary range for internal medicine doctors in California?
- The salary range for internal medicine physicians in California spans from $74,180 to $441,710 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and individual practice circumstances.
How many internal medicine physicians are employed in California?
- There are currently 6,370 internal medicine physicians employed in California, making it a significant portion of the state's medical workforce.
Is the internal medicine physician salary in California above the national average?
- Yes, California's internal medicine physician median salary of $313,890 is 20.6% higher than the national average. This premium reflects California's higher cost of living and competitive healthcare market.