How Much Do Gastroenterologists Make Across America?
by Warren Goldie
For many gastroenterologists seeking to make a job change, that is certainly a question of great interest.
As seen in job ads posted on top boards such as PhysEmp.com, the salaries of gastroenterologists, or GI specialists, are among the highest in the field of medicine.
As with all physician specialties, compensation levels can vary significantly depending on a large number of factors, which makes exploring this area in the fast-changing world and diverse landscapes of healthcare well worth a look.
How much does a GI specialist earn in USA
What is the average gastroenterologist salary?
As of 2021, the median salary for gastroenterologists in the United States was $380,000-$450,000 per year. It’s important to keep in mind that actual earnings can fluctuate depending on many factors, such as experience, geographical location, practice type (i.e., private or academic), and the demand for gastroenterologists.
High-demand regions and large metropolitan areas are generally associated with higher salaries due to competition among medical practices and increased patient volumes. Similarly, gastroenterologists with extensive experience, significant specialized skills and in-demand board certifications tend to receive more generous compensation packages.
As with all salaries, they are subject to change over time, and ranges can vary significantly depending on factors such as education, certifications, additional skills, and number of years in the profession.
Thus, understanding gastroenterologists’ salaries can be akin to aiming at a moving target with variables that change frequently.
Gastroenterology as a specialty
Before diving further into the topic of how much does a gastroenterologist make, let’s take a moment to appreciate the importance of this profession.
Gastroenterologists are highly specialized physicians who diagnose and treat gastrointestinal (GI) system disorders. They play a vital role in evaluating and managing a range of conditions that affect the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
GI specialists perform diagnostic procedures such as the endoscopy and colonoscopy to visualize and assess issues that may be occurring in the GI tract. Gastroenterologists are often at the frontlines of illness treatment, diagnosing and treating conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), peptic ulcers, liver diseases, and pancreatitis.
Often, these docs are instrumental in managing chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, striving to achieve remission and improve their patients’ quality of life.
The versatility of the GI physician’s role is enhanced by collaboration with other medical specialists such as surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and nutritionists, ensuring comprehensive care for patients. Emphasizing preventive care, GI physicians conduct screenings for colorectal cancer and provide patient education on GI health and lifestyle modifications.
Through research and ongoing medical advancements, gastroenterologists continually contribute to enhancing the understanding and treatment of GI disorders, with the goal of promoting optimal digestive health for their patients.
Where do gastroenterologists make the most
According to Merritt Hawkins, the 10 most in-demand states in terms of gastroenterologist salary are:
- New York
- Ohio
- Texas
- California
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- Georgia
- Tennessee
So, if those states offer the most opportunities, which ones pay the most for GI docs?
According to ZipRecruiter data, the following states pay the highest GI doctor salary:
- New York $449,573
- Vermont $405,803
- Maine $404,690
- Massachusetts $396,067
- Nevada $395,590
- New Jersey $393,283
- Wisconsin $392,116
- Washington $388,523
- Oregon $386,048
- Wyoming $383,291
Interestingly, in a divergent view, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published the average gastroenterologists salary at a lower $208,000 per year, though this is based on slightly older data.
It’s worth noting that medical job boards such as PhysEmp.com, Indeed, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, and others all are publishing gastroenterologist jobs that are on the market right now—that is, in August of 2023— and will reflect compensation offered by employers at this time.
How much do GI doctors make in California
California, the Golden State, has long been a highly-sought destination for many in the medical profession, and gastroenterologists are no exception. As of July 25, 2023, according to Salary.com, the average salary for a gastroenterologist in California is $454,600. The salary range falls between $383,800 and $536,800.
However, as with any salary data, this figure represents only one part of the larger picture.
While ZipRecruiter has reported GI doc salaries as high as $202.10 per hour in California, it’s worth noting that some lower-income outliers report salaries as low as $49.62 per hour.
At this time, job posting activity data on ZipRecruiter reveals that the gastroenterology physician job market in California is currently experiencing a diminution of activity, with only a few companies hiring for these positions. However, with California ranking 4th out of 50 states nationwide for gastroenterology physician jobs, it appears that experienced GI specialists still have reasons to consider California a viable option for their career path.
How much does a GI doctor make in Florida
Turning our attention to a market on the East Coast, Florida emerges as another attractive possibility for gastroenterologists. Based on data reported by Salary.com, the average gastroenterologist salary in Florida is $391,535 as of July 2023, with a range for positions typically of $330,525-$462,328.
The variance in salary ranges indicates the potential for higher earnings for GI specialists in Florida, especially those with top qualifications and experience. The state’s warm climate, robust economy, and thriving healthcare industry contribute to its appeal as a prime location for professionals in all medical fields.
GI physicians are in demand
The salary landscape of gastroenterologists in America is shaped by an intricate interplay of many factors. From the crucial role these physicians play in managing a myriad of gastrointestinal disorders to the geographic disparities that can influence earnings, the area of GI specialist salaries is both fascinating and dynamic.
As healthcare models continue to evolve in the post-pandemic dynamic world of the 2020’s, which features an ever-shrinking pool of physicians overall, as well as seeing the profession return to its traditional in-person relational model, we will probably continue to see a steady increase in pay for gastroenterologists and other medical professionals.
Both new GI specialists and seasoned practitioners looking for jobs should keep an eye on ever-changing salary data to make informed decisions about careers, locations, practices and potential earning opportunities.
By staying abreast of industry trends and changing market dynamics, gastroenterologists can successfully navigate the complex healthcare market and optimize their earning potential.
Gastroenterologists looking to make a change are advised to closely monitor job boards for positions.
Check out the best gastroenterologist job opportunities today!
