Emergency Medicine Physicians Salary 2025: $335,550 Median
Emergency Medicine Physicians earn a median of $335,550 per year, according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates. That works out to roughly $161 per hour. The typical range spans from $103,610 at the 10th percentile to $495,910 at the 90th, meaning top earners approach half a million.
How much Emergency Medicine Physicians earn
The BLS reports a mean annual wage of $317,480 for Emergency Medicine Physicians, with a median of $335,550. Hourly, that's about $161. The bottom 10% earn under $103,610, while the top 10% make over $495,910.
These figures are from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. Keep in mind they reflect all emergency physicians, including those in residency or part-time roles, so your actual offer may vary based on experience, location, and employer.
- Median salary: $335,550
- Mean salary: $317,480
- 10th percentile: $103,610
- 90th percentile: $495,910
- Hourly mean: $161
Pay by state
Where you practice matters a lot. Rhode Island tops the list with an average salary of $512,730. West Virginia comes in second at $491,230, followed by Missouri ($456,280), Alaska ($452,620), and Maryland ($451,620).
At the lower end, Florida averages $204,990, Kentucky $169,390, and Utah $140,370. That's a swing of over $370,000 between the highest and lowest states.
How to become Emergency Medicine Physician
The path is long but straightforward: complete a bachelor's degree (typically pre-med or a science), then medical school (4 years), followed by a 3-4 year emergency medicine residency. After residency, you must pass the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) certification exam and obtain a state medical license.
Some physicians pursue fellowship training in subspecialties like pediatric emergency medicine, toxicology, or sports medicine, but that's optional for general practice.
- Bachelor's degree with pre-med courses
- Medical school (MD or DO) - 4 years
- Emergency medicine residency - 3-4 years
- ABEM board certification
- State medical license
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for Emergency Medicine Physicians will grow 2.7% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 1,000 new openings each year over the decade.
Current employment stands at 32,880. Most work in hospitals, with some in urgent care centers or academic settings. The steady demand reflects the essential nature of emergency care regardless of economic cycles.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest paying state for Emergency Medicine Physicians?
Rhode Island pays the most, with an average salary of $512,730. West Virginia, Missouri, Alaska, and Maryland also rank high.
How long does it take to become an Emergency Medicine Physician?
After high school, plan for about 11-12 years: 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, and 3-4 years of residency.
Is emergency medicine a growing field?
Yes, the BLS expects 2.7% growth from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average, with roughly 1,000 job openings per year.
Do Emergency Medicine Physicians earn more than the average doctor?
The median for emergency physicians ($335,550) is higher than the median for all physicians and surgeons ($239,200), but varies widely by specialty.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Emergency Medicine Physicians data.