As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Physician in the United States is $301,354 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $145.
However, a Chief Physician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Chief Physician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Chief Physicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 11.46% |
| Quality Assurance | 7% |
| Support Services | 1.06% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Regulatory Compliance
|
$343,544 |
14%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$340,530 |
13%
|
|
Coaching
|
$337,516 |
12%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$331,489 |
10%
|
|
Lean
|
$328,476 |
9%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$322,449 |
7%
|
For Chief Physician roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Chief Physician positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Chief Physician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $331,489 | $159.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Chief Physician's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a Chief Physician can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $170,913 in 2023 to around $163,367 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Chief Physician salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $170,913 |
| 2024 | $169,276 |
| 2025 | $163,367 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Chief Physician and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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