As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Physician in the United States is $373,971 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $180.
However, a Lead Physician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead 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, education 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 Lead Physicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 14.71% |
| Clinical Supervision | 2.87% |
| Medical Services | 1.72% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Utilization Management
|
$415,108 |
11%
|
|
Clinical Trial
|
$415,108 |
11%
|
|
Insight
|
$411,368 |
10%
|
|
Quality Management
|
$407,628 |
9%
|
|
Oncology
|
$400,149 |
7%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$396,409 |
6%
|
For Lead Physician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Lead Physician positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Physician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $560,956 | $270.0 | 50% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lead Physicians enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Lead Physician with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $320,393 and $336,921).
Lead Physician Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 1.1% |
| Associates | 0.9% |
| Bachelors | 3.7% |
| Masters | 5.0% |
| Doctorate | 89.2% |
Understanding how a Lead 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Lead Physician can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $255,266 in 2023 to around $244,031 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead Physician salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $255,266 |
| 2024 | $253,352 |
| 2025 | $244,031 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Lead Physician roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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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