Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as physiatry, is one of healthcare's most dynamic and rewarding fields. Physiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in helping patients recover function and improve their quality of life after debilitating injuries, illnesses, or chronic conditions. But beyond the profound personal satisfaction, a career in PM&R offers significant financial rewards.
For those considering this specialized path, a key question is: "What is a PM&R doctor's salary?" The answer is compelling. With average salaries comfortably in the six-figure range and multiple pathways to increase earnings, physiatry stands as a financially strong and stable career choice. This guide will break down the numbers, explore the factors that drive compensation, and provide a clear picture of what you can expect to earn as a PM&R physician.
What Does a PM&R Doctor Do?
Often called the "quality of life physicians," PM&R doctors take a holistic, multi-faceted approach to patient care. They are experts in nerves, muscles, bones, and the brain, and they lead a team of medical professionals—including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists—to create comprehensive recovery plans.
Their work spans a wide range of conditions, including:
- Stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury (SCI)
- Sports-related injuries and musculoskeletal pain
- Amputations and prosthetic management
- Chronic pain and back problems
- Pediatric conditions like cerebral palsy
By focusing on non-surgical treatments, from targeted injections and therapies to medication management, physiatrists empower patients to regain independence and achieve their highest possible level of function.
Average PM&R Doctor Salary
The earning potential for a PM&R doctor is substantial. While figures vary based on several factors, the data consistently shows a lucrative career path.
According to the Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2023, one of the most respected industry benchmarks, the average salary for a PM&R specialist is $322,000 per year.
Other authoritative sources provide a similar range:
- Doximity's 2023 Physician Compensation Report lists the average annual compensation for physiatrists at $345,230.
- Salary.com reports a median salary of $276,401, with a typical range falling between $250,563 and $305,584.
- Payscale data indicates a median salary closer to $255,000, which often reflects a broader mix of experience levels, including those early in their careers.
This data suggests a general salary range for a PM&R doctor is between $250,000 and $350,000, with significant potential to earn more based on the factors below.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Averages provide a great starting point, but your individual salary will be determined by a specific set of professional and geographic variables. Understanding these factors is key to maximizing your earning potential.
### Level of Education
For any physician, the foundational education—an undergraduate degree followed by a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree—is standard. After medical school, all aspiring physiatrists must complete a four-year residency program in PM&R.
The primary educational differentiator for salary is the pursuit of a fellowship. A one-to-two-year fellowship allows a physiatrist to sub-specialize in a high-demand area. Fellowships in fields like Interventional Pain Management or Interventional Spine can dramatically increase earning potential, often pushing salaries well above the average.
### Years of Experience
As with most professions, experience directly correlates with compensation. A PM&R physician's salary grows significantly after residency.
- Entry-Level (0-5 years): Physicians just completing their residency can expect to start at the lower end of the salary range, typically between $220,000 and $260,000.
- Mid-Career (6-15 years): With a solid decade of experience, physiatrists become more efficient, build a strong reputation, and often take on more complex cases or leadership roles. Their salaries climb well into the $300,000+ range.
- Senior/Late-Career (16+ years): Experienced physiatrists, especially those who become partners in a private practice or hold director-level positions in a hospital, can command the highest salaries, often exceeding $350,000 or $400,000, particularly in certain subspecialties.
### Geographic Location
Where you practice medicine is one of the most significant drivers of your salary. The Medscape report highlights that physicians in certain regions consistently earn more. Interestingly, the highest-paying states are not always those with the highest cost of living. Areas with a high demand for specialists and less market saturation often offer more competitive compensation packages.
For example, states in the Midwest and Southeast often offer higher-than-average physician salaries to attract top talent. Conversely, major metropolitan areas in the Northeast may offer slightly lower salaries due to a higher concentration of physicians, though this can be offset by more numerous job opportunities. Always research the specific market demand and cost of living for any location you are considering.
### Company Type
The type of setting in which a physiatrist works has a direct impact on their compensation structure and overall earnings.
- Private Practice (Single or Multi-Specialty Group): This setting often offers the highest earning potential. Physicians in group practices can benefit from economies of scale, ancillary services (like on-site physical therapy), and a pathway to partnership, which includes a share of the profits.
- Hospital-Employed or Health System: This is a very common and stable model. Hospitals offer a predictable salary, benefits package, and relief from administrative burdens like billing and staffing. Compensation is often competitive but may have a lower ceiling than a successful private practice.
- Academic Medical Center: Working in academia typically involves a mix of clinical work, teaching residents, and conducting research. While base salaries are generally lower than in private or hospital settings, it offers non-monetary rewards and opportunities for career advancement in education and research.
- Government (e.g., VA Hospitals): Government positions offer excellent job security, predictable hours, and strong federal benefits, but salaries tend to be on the lower end of the spectrum compared to the private sector.
### Area of Specialization
As mentioned, sub-specializing via a fellowship is a powerful tool for increasing income. Certain PM&R subspecialties are more lucrative due to the nature of the procedures involved and market demand.
- Interventional Pain Management/Spine: This is widely regarded as the highest-earning subspecialty. These physiatrists perform minimally invasive procedures like epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation, which are reimbursed at a high rate.
- Sports Medicine: A fellowship in sports medicine can lead to a role with a professional team or a thriving orthopedic group, offering high earning potential.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): These specialists are in high demand in inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and command strong, stable salaries for managing complex patient cases.
- Pediatric Rehabilitation: While incredibly rewarding, this subspecialty generally falls on the lower end of the PM&R salary spectrum.
Job Outlook
The future for PM&R physicians is exceptionally bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for all physicians and surgeons will grow by 3% from 2022 to 2032, which is about average. However, the specific demand for physiatrists is expected to be much stronger.
Two key demographic trends fuel this demand:
1. An Aging Population: As the Baby Boomer generation ages, there will be a greater incidence of strokes, arthritis, joint replacements, and other conditions that require comprehensive rehabilitation.
2. A Focus on Value-Based Care: The healthcare system is increasingly focused on outcomes and cost-effective treatments. Physiatrists excel in this environment by providing non-operative solutions that improve function and reduce the need for expensive surgeries.
This growing need ensures robust job security and continued salary strength for PM&R doctors for decades to come.
Conclusion
Choosing a career in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is a decision to enter a field that is both personally fulfilling and financially secure. With an average salary well over $300,000 and a strong, positive job outlook, physiatry offers an excellent return on the significant investment of time and education.
For aspiring physiatrists, the path to maximizing earnings is clear: pursue a fellowship in a high-demand specialty, be strategic about your practice location and setting, and build a reputation for excellent patient outcomes. By doing so, you can build a career that not only changes patients' lives but also provides an exceptional quality of life for yourself.