Family Medicine Physicians Salary 2025: $244,180 Median, How to Start & Job Growth
The median Family Medicine Physician earns $244,180 per year, according to the latest BLS data. That works out to about $117 an hour. The top 10% pull in over $428,550, while the bottom 10% make around $76,830. With 107,510 jobs nationwide and moderate growth ahead, this is a stable, high-paying primary care specialty.
How much Family Medicine Physicians earn
The BLS estimates the mean annual wage for Family Medicine Physicians at $255,820. Half of all practitioners earn between the 25th and 75th percentiles — roughly $164,000 to $355,000. Starting salaries near the 10th percentile are around $76,830, often reflecting residency or part-time roles.
Several factors push pay higher: years of experience, certification, practice setting (hospital vs. private), and geographic location. Physicians in outpatient clinics or urgent care may earn differently than hospitalists.
- National median annual wage: $244,180
- Mean hourly wage: $117
- 10th percentile: $76,830
- 90th percentile: $428,550
Pay by state
Where you practice matters enormously. Rhode Island tops the list with an average salary of $467,160 — nearly double the national mean. Oklahoma ($361,350), Idaho ($347,160), Montana ($330,760), and Alaska ($323,490) also pay well above average.
On the lower end, Missouri averages $171,180, Connecticut $163,930, and Alabama $134,550. These states may have lower cost of living, but the gap is stark. Rural and underserved areas often offer higher pay to attract physicians.
How to become Family Medicine Physician
The path is long but straightforward. You need a bachelor’s degree (typically in a science field), then four years of medical school to earn an MD or DO. After that, complete a three-year residency in family medicine. Board certification through the American Board of Family Medicine is standard and often required by employers.
Licensure includes passing the USMLE or COMLEX, plus meeting state-specific requirements. Many physicians pursue additional certifications in geriatrics, sports medicine, or hospice to boost skills and pay.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree with pre-med courses
- Graduate from an accredited medical school (4 years)
- Complete a family medicine residency (3 years)
- Pass licensing exams (USMLE/COMLEX)
- Obtain board certification (ABFM)
- Apply for state medical license
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for family medicine physicians will grow 2.7% from 2024 to 2034 — about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 3,300 new openings each year, largely due to retirements and an aging population needing more primary care.
Demand remains strong in rural and underserved regions. Telemedicine and value-based care models are also creating new opportunities. Overall, it’s a stable career with solid income potential.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Family Medicine Physician make per hour?
According to BLS data, the mean hourly wage is about $117. The median annual salary is $244,180.
Which states pay Family Medicine Physicians the most?
Rhode Island ($467,160), Oklahoma ($361,350), Idaho ($347,160), Montana ($330,760), and Alaska ($323,490) are the highest-paying states.
Is family medicine a growing field?
Yes. The BLS projects 2.7% growth from 2024 to 2034, with about 3,300 new openings each year, on par with the average for all occupations.
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 Family Medicine Physicians data.