As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Primary Care Physician in the United States is $242,402 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $117.
However, a Primary Care Physician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Primary Care 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Primary Care Physician'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 Primary Care Physician | $234,734 |
| Intermediate Level Primary Care Physician | $235,813 |
| Senior Level Primary Care Physician | $236,892 |
| Specialist Level Primary Care Physician | $238,403 |
| Expert Level Primary Care Physician | $242,402 |
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 Primary Care Physicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.16% |
| Medical Services | 4.42% |
| Medical Education | 2.94% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Emergency Medicine
|
$256,946 |
6%
|
|
Critical Care
|
$256,946 |
6%
|
|
Internal Medicine
|
$254,522 |
5%
|
|
Medical Education
|
$254,522 |
5%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$252,098 |
4%
|
|
Geriatrics
|
$249,674 |
3%
|
For Primary Care 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 Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Primary Care Physician positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Primary Care Physician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $363,603 | $175.0 | 50% |
| Biotechnology | $290,882 | $140.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Primary Care Physicians enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 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 Primary Care Physician with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $225,884 and $241,944).
Primary Care Physician Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.3% |
| High School | 1.3% |
| Associates | 4.0% |
| Bachelors | 4.0% |
| Masters | 5.3% |
| Doctorate | 85.3% |
Understanding how a Primary Care 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 Primary Care Physician can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $227,353 in 2023 to around $222,253 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Primary Care Physician salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $227,353 |
| 2024 | $232,754 |
| 2025 | $222,253 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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