As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Internist in California is $284,989 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $137.
However, a General Internist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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General Internist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $314,438 | $26,203 | $6,047 | $151 |
| Average | $284,989 | $23,749 | $5,481 | $137 |
| 25th Percentile | $267,346 | $22,279 | $5,141 | $129 |
A General Internist'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a General Internist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level General Internist | $275,973 |
| Intermediate Level General Internist | $277,241 |
| Senior Level General Internist | $278,510 |
| Specialist Level General Internist | $280,286 |
| Expert Level General Internist | $284,988 |
What Am I Worth?
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 General Internists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For General Internist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, General Internist positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view General Internist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $370,485 | $178.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $313,488 | $151.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a General Internist'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $314,438 | $26,203 | $6,047 | $151 |
| Average | $284,989 | $23,749 | $5,481 | $137 |
| 25th Percentile | $267,346 | $22,279 | $5,141 | $129 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current General Internist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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