Salary is paramount when considering job satisfaction, making it crucial for physicians to understand their market value and advocate for appropriate compensation. Access to transparent salary data empowers doctors to negotiate effectively and secure fair remuneration. For Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) doctors, comprehensive salary insights, including average physiatrist salaries and typical compensation package components, are vital for successful contract negotiations.
To address this need for transparency, we have compiled extensive physician salary data, offering it freely to our community members, eliminating the need for costly databases. Leveraging data from our physician online communities, this article initiates a series on specialty-specific compensation data, drawing from our physician salary and compensation database contributed by doctors nationwide.
Disclaimer: The data presented herein is derived from our physician salary and compensation databases, subject to self-reporting variations and data availability. Intended for educational purposes and individual physician advocacy, this information is not for collective bargaining. Refer to additional disclaimers on our physician salary data pages. Conduct independent research before making decisions based on this data. We are not financial, legal, or tax professionals and do not offer personalized advice. Consult appropriate experts and seek physician contract review by an attorney for situation-specific guidance.
Methodology for PM&R Aggregate Salary Statistics
Unless stated otherwise, the statistics pertain to full-time attending physiatrists, defined as working 36+ hours per week on average. Data from residents and fellows has been excluded.
We are committed to updating this data as we receive more contributions to ensure the most accurate and insightful representation of PM&R physician compensation.
Contribute your 2024 physician salary and negotiation data to enhance the accuracy and value of this resource for your PM&R colleagues.
2024 Physiatrist Salary: An Overview
In 2024, the average annual salary for physiatrists across our database, including both full-time and part-time practitioners, stands at $355,000.
However, a single average salary can be misleading due to various influencing factors. To provide a more nuanced understanding, we have further segmented this data to offer more relevant comparison points.
Full-Time Physiatrist Salary in 2024: Breaking Down the Average
For full-time physiatrists in 2024, the average annual salary is $364,000. To illustrate the salary range around this average, consider these additional data points:
- Highest Reported Salary: $736,000 per year
- Lowest Reported Salary: $200,000 per year
- Median Salary: $325,000
Notably, the two highest reported salaries were from physiatrists who were practice owners or partners. The impact of employment type on physiatry salaries is further explored below.
Part-Time PM&R Doctor Salary Trends in 2024
To determine the average part-time physiatrist salary, we analyzed data from attending PM&R doctors working between 16 and 35 hours per week.
The average part-time PM&R doctor salary in 2024 is $315,000.
Physiatrist Salary by Subspecialty
Physician specialization significantly impacts earning potential. We have examined the average PM&R doctor salary based on different subspecialties.
Brain Injury Medicine Salary Insights
While our current data for brain injury medicine specialists is limited, preliminary observations indicate that reported salaries are generally below the average for PM&R overall.
Pediatric Physiatrist Salary Analysis
Similarly, we lack sufficient data to provide a specific average pediatric physiatrist salary at this time. However, current data suggests that reported salaries in pediatric physiatry are also below the overall PM&R average.
Pain Management Doctor Salary within PM&R
We have previously detailed average pain management physician salaries, but here we focus on pain management specialists within PM&R. Pain management is the most frequently reported subspecialty among our physiatry data.
The average pain management physiatrist salary for 2024 is $439,000. This is 8% higher than the average for pain management doctors across all specialties (non-anesthesiology) and significantly higher (21% more) than the average across all PM&R physicians.
Reported pain management physiatrist salaries range from $250,000 to $736,000 (the highest salary in our dataset), with a median of $400,000.
Gender-Based Physiatrist Salary Differences
Analyzing salary data by gender reveals notable disparities in PM&R physician compensation.
Female PM&R physicians reported an average salary of $329,000. In contrast, male PM&R doctors reported significantly higher earnings, with an average salary of $411,000 – a 25% difference.
Further analysis indicates that six of the eight highest salaries (over $500,000) were reported by men, although the absolute highest salary was reported by a female physician. Additionally, female physiatrists were more likely to be employed in government facilities like VA or city hospitals, while male physicians were more commonly found in private group practices. As detailed below, the practice environment significantly influences average physiatrist salaries.
PM&R Doctor Salary Variations by Practice Environment
Practice environment plays a crucial role in determining physiatrist compensation. We have categorized salary data by reported work setting:
- Government (VA, City Hospital, etc.): $274,000
- Group Private Practices (Private Equity and Non-Private Equity): $454,000
- Hospital, Academic: $296,000
- Hospital, Non-Academic: $434,000
PM&R doctors in government facilities (VA, city hospitals) consistently reported the lowest average salaries. They earned 8% less than those in academic hospitals, 58% less than those in non-academic hospitals, and 66% less than those in group private practices. However, government positions often offer Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility and robust retirement benefits, which can significantly enhance the overall compensation package. Consider the total compensation, not just the base salary, when evaluating job offers.
Physiatrists in non-academic hospitals earned 47% more on average than their counterparts in academic hospitals. Again, academic hospital positions often qualify for PSLF.
Group private practices offered the highest average salaries for PM&R physicians. Many of these physicians reported being practice owners or partners, which can significantly impact earning potential.
While we currently lack sufficient data for solo private practices, preliminary data suggests that physiatrists in solo practice generally earn more than the overall PM&R average.
Impact of Employment Type on Physiatrist Salary
Employment type is a significant determinant of PM&R physician salary.
15% of full-time physiatrists in our dataset reported being owners or partners in private practices. These physicians reported an average salary of $482,000, while W2-employed physiatrists earned an average of 40% less, at $345,000.
Of the factors analyzed, employment type exhibits one of the most substantial impacts on salary. For PM&R physicians seeking career growth and increased earning potential, pursuing a partnership track or practice ownership can be highly advantageous.
If private practice ownership is of interest, explore relevant resources to guide your path.
Independent contractor (1099) data is currently insufficient for average salary assessment. For those interested, resources are available to explore the W2 vs. 1099 physician compensation models.
Physicians interested in locum tenens compensation can access our dedicated locums compensation database and statistics on locum tenens compensation for doctors.
Geographic Variations in PM&R Physician Salary
Geographic location can influence physiatrist salaries. While our data is still developing state-level averages, we have some initial comparisons:
- California: $327,000 per year
- New York: $311,000 per year
- Texas: $416,000 per year
While more data is needed for definitive conclusions, geographic arbitrage may present opportunities for physicians willing to relocate. Comparing salary options across different states against the cost of living, including often-overlooked local taxes, is crucial for informed decisions.
Physiatrist Salary Based on Hours Worked
In the medical field, often characterized by a “eat what you kill” mentality, we examined how average PM&R salaries vary based on reported hours worked per week in 2024:
- 21-35 hours/week: $315,000
- 36-40 hours/week: $374,000
- 41-45 hours/week: $370,000
- 46-50 hours/week: $359,000
- 51+ hours/week: $345,000
Interestingly, the expected positive correlation between hours worked and salary is not consistently observed in our PM&R data. While many PM&R contracts are RVU-based, which typically links higher hours to higher pay, this trend is not evident in our current dataset. Salary variations appear more scattered, suggesting other factors may exert a stronger influence on physiatrist compensation.
Further data collection is needed to determine if a clearer trend emerges. Detailed information on PM&R RVU contract structures is available in our comprehensive, free physician salary and compensation data.
PM&R Doctor Workload: Hours Per Week
The majority of PM&R doctors work between 36 and 45 hours per week.
Additionally, we assessed time spent charting outside of work hours. 29% of physiatrists reported spending 5+ hours per week charting at home, adding significantly to their overall workload. Unlike pain management specialists in our data, this trend is consistent across PM&R subspecialties.
For physicians spending excessive time on charting, AI scribe solutions can significantly reduce administrative burden. Explore free trials and discounts on AI scribing solutions in our practice resources for physicians.
Historical Trends in Physiatry Salary
The analyzed data spans mid-2023 to mid-2024, reflecting our most recent salary and compensation database. We also examined historical data from our database, starting in 2018, to identify salary trends for PM&R doctors over time. To maintain data consistency, we focused on PM&R physicians beyond residency/fellowship working 36+ hours per week. For 2023 data, we combined entries from both old and new databases, eliminating overlaps.
- 2018-2020: $283,000
- 2021-2023: $318,000 (12% increase)
- 2024: $364,000 (14% increase)
While year-specific salary increase breakdowns are limited by data availability, a clear upward trend in PM&R salaries is evident over time. We anticipate this trend to continue with increasing salary transparency for physicians.
Additional Components of Physiatrist Compensation Packages
Salary is only one aspect of a comprehensive employment package. We also examined trends in other compensation components for PM&R doctors.
Sign-On and Relocation Bonuses for PM&R Physicians
37% of physiatrists reported receiving a sign-on bonus, with an average amount of $29,000. Bonuses ranged from $5,000 to $100,000.
A trend of increasing sign-on bonuses across specialties is emerging. Comparing 2023 and 2024 data, while the average bonus amount remained similar, the highest reported bonus in 2024 ($100,000) significantly exceeded the 2023 high ($75,000). Furthermore, a higher percentage of physicians reported receiving sign-on bonuses in 2024 (41%) compared to 2023 (24%).
Learn more about signing bonuses for physicians.
30% of physiatrists reported receiving a relocation bonus, averaging $13,000. Relocation bonuses ranged from $5,000 to $60,000.
Vacation Days for Physiatrists
The average number of annual vacation days for physiatrists is 23 days, with a median of 21 days. Reported vacation time ranged from two to eight weeks.
Some physicians reported “unlimited” vacation time, but this often translates to unpaid time off, where compensation is only for days worked.
CME Stipends for PM&R Doctors
71% of PM&R doctors reported receiving CME stipends, ranging from $1,000 to $7,500 annually, with an average of $3,300.
Average Student Loan Debt for PM&R Physicians
While not direct compensation, student loan debt is a significant financial factor. Among PM&R doctors reporting student loan debt at graduation, the average was $228,000. Higher federal loan debt increases the value of repayment and loan forgiveness programs.
Explore resources on doctor student loans and student loan refinancing options.
Additional Insights from PM&R Physicians
Our physician community members contributing salary data also provide valuable comments. Key insights relevant to job selection and contract negotiations include:
Strategies to Increase Your Physiatrist Salary
If this salary data prompts you to re-evaluate your current compensation, several avenues exist to increase your PM&R income. Remember to consider the entire compensation package, not just the base salary, when assessing physician employment contracts.
If you are content with your current workplace but not your salary, initiate a conversation with management. As a valued team member, they may be open to contract renegotiation to retain you. While the answer might be no, it is worthwhile to inquire. Be realistic in your expectations and respectful in your approach. Utilize detailed physician salary and compensation data for comparable positions to establish a target for renegotiation.
Exploring new career opportunities can also be beneficial. If your current employer is unwilling or unable to meet your compensation expectations, other positions may offer more favorable terms. Interviewing for positions can provide market insights from the employer’s perspective. Explore open positions on our Physician Side Gigs job board and utilize our physician career resources and education to navigate your job search.
While our salary data is a valuable negotiation tool, we strongly recommend engaging a local contract review attorney for physicians to review your contract. Their expertise in physician contract negotiation and identifying potential red flags is invaluable.
If you are already earning a competitive salary for your market but seek additional income streams, consider these options:
- Consulting, including pharmaceutical consulting and startup advising.
- Medical surveys.
- Ambulatory surgery center ownership.
- Expert witness opportunities.
- Running a pain clinic.
- Offering concierge services.
- Providing outpatient physician therapy/rehab services.
Explore more side gigs for PM&R doctors to diversify your income.
Further Resources for Physiatrists: Salary and Career Development
Explore our related articles and resources on physician compensation and salaries:
Contribute your data to enhance our database and empower fellow physicians in salary negotiations. Data is anonymized and exclusively accessible to members of our Physician Side Gigs Facebook group. Contribution links are available on our compensation data for physicians page.
Explore current career opportunities on the Physician Side Gigs job board.
For guidance on negotiating your next contract, consider resources on physician contract negotiation.
Discover popular medical and nonmedical side gigs for doctors to expand your career horizons.
