Intro
Explore Physical Medicine Rehabilitation salary ranges, factors, and trends. Learn about physiatrist income, rehabilitation medicine, and PM&R career paths.
The field of physical medicine and rehabilitation, also known as physiatry, is a branch of medicine that focuses on helping patients with physical disabilities or impairments to achieve optimal function and quality of life. Physiatrists, who are medical doctors specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, play a crucial role in the healthcare system. If you're considering a career in this field, you're likely wondering about the physical medicine rehabilitation salary guide. In this article, we'll delve into the details of physiatrist salaries, factors that influence salary, and provide insights into the career prospects and growth opportunities in this field.
The demand for physiatrists is on the rise, driven by an aging population and an increase in chronic diseases and disabilities. As a result, physiatrists are in high demand, and their salaries reflect this trend. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for physiatrists in the United States is around $280,000. However, salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as location, type of practice, level of experience, and subspecialty.
Physiatrists can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices, and academic institutions. Those working in private practice or as consultants tend to earn higher salaries than those working in academic or research settings. Additionally, physiatrists who specialize in certain areas, such as pain management or sports medicine, may earn higher salaries than those who work in general physiatry.
Physiatrist Salary by Location

- New York, NY: $343,000
- Los Angeles, CA: $329,000
- Chicago, IL: $324,000
- Houston, TX: $319,000
- Philadelphia, PA: $315,000
In contrast, the lowest-paying cities for physiatrists are:
- Birmingham, AL: $243,000
- Oklahoma City, OK: $248,000
- Memphis, TN: $251,000
- Louisville, KY: $254,000
- Kansas City, MO: $257,000
Physiatrist Salary by Type of Practice

Here are some average salary ranges for physiatrists in different types of practice:
- Private practice: $300,000 - $400,000
- Hospital-based practice: $250,000 - $350,000
- Academic/research setting: $200,000 - $300,000
- Rehabilitation center: $220,000 - $320,000
- Consulting: $250,000 - $400,000
Physiatrist Salary by Level of Experience

Here are some average salary ranges for physiatrists based on level of experience:
- Less than 5 years of experience: $200,000 - $250,000
- 5-9 years of experience: $230,000 - $300,000
- 10-19 years of experience: $260,000 - $350,000
- 20-29 years of experience: $290,000 - $400,000
- 30 or more years of experience: $320,000 - $450,000
Physiatrist Salary by Subspecialty

Here are some average salary ranges for physiatrists based on subspecialty:
- Pain management: $320,000 - $420,000
- Sports medicine: $290,000 - $390,000
- Pediatric rehabilitation: $260,000 - $360,000
- Spinal cord injury medicine: $280,000 - $380,000
- Brain injury medicine: $300,000 - $400,000
Benefits and Perks
In addition to salary, physiatrists often receive a range of benefits and perks, including:- Malpractice insurance
- Health insurance
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off
- Continuing medical education (CME) allowances
- Professional membership fees
These benefits can vary depending on the employer and the specific job offer.
Job Outlook and Growth Opportunities
The job outlook for physiatrists is excellent, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 10% growth in employment opportunities from 2020 to 2030. This growth is driven by an aging population and an increase in chronic diseases and disabilities.Physiatrists can pursue various career paths, including:
- Clinical practice
- Research
- Academia
- Administration
- Consulting
With experience and additional training, physiatrists can also pursue leadership roles or start their own private practices.
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What is the average salary for a physiatrist in the United States?
+The average salary for a physiatrist in the United States is around $280,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What factors can impact a physiatrist's salary?
+Factors that can impact a physiatrist's salary include location, type of practice, level of experience, and subspecialty.
What is the job outlook for physiatrists?
+The job outlook for physiatrists is excellent, with a 10% growth in employment opportunities predicted from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What benefits and perks do physiatrists typically receive?
+Physiatrists typically receive benefits such as malpractice insurance, health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and continuing medical education (CME) allowances.
What career paths can physiatrists pursue?
+Physiatrists can pursue various career paths, including clinical practice, research, academia, administration, and consulting.
In conclusion, the physical medicine rehabilitation salary guide highlights the excellent compensation and benefits that physiatrists can expect. With a strong job outlook and various career paths to pursue, physiatry is an attractive and rewarding medical specialty. We hope this article has provided valuable insights into the world of physiatry and inspired you to explore this exciting field further. Whether you're a medical student, a resident, or an experienced physician, we encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let's continue the conversation and explore the many opportunities and challenges that physiatry has to offer.