Specialists in Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine receive an average annual salary of $397,000.
If you’re curious about how much people make in this specialty, this guide offers a quick but comprehensive view of Pulmonary Critical Care salaries in the United States.
Also, learn the different benefits pulmonologists can receive on top of their base salary and how you can maximize your income in this field.
Key Takeaways
- A physician or specialist in Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine earns an average salary of $397,000 annually.
- Santa Cruz, California, offers one of the highest incomes for Pulmonary Critical Care jobs in the U.S.
- Some bonuses that practitioners get include a production bonus, relocation allowance, signing bonus, and more.
Table of Contents
Overview of Pulmonary Critical Care Salary in the U.S.
The Medscape Physician Compensation Report for 2024 reports that specialists in Pulmonary Medicine earn an average salary of $397,000 yearly.
Meanwhile, Salary.com reports a slightly lower salary average of $322,497, with salary ranges between $280,381 and $388,845 annually.
Despite their high incomes, 53% of pulmonologists feel underpaid, given their workload. However, 63% of pulmonologists say they would take less pay for a better work-life balance.
The Top-Paying Pulmonary Critical Care Salaries by City
The following ten cities offer high-paying Pulmonary Critical Care jobs in the U.S.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Hourly Wage |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $419,797 | $34,983 | $201.83 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $413,782 | $34,481 | $198.93 |
| Livermore, CA | $413,563 | $34,463 | $198.83 |
| Arlington, VA | $411,030 | $34,252 | $197.61 |
| Kent, WA | $400,641 | $33,386 | $192.62 |
| Vacaville, CA | $399,387 | $33,282 | $192.01 |
| Berkeley, CA | $397,086 | $33,090 | $190.91 |
| Manhattan, NY | $394,267 | $32,855 | $189.55 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $394,068 | $32,839 | $189.46 |
| Hillsboro, OR | $389,678 | $32,473 | $187.35 |
Source: ZipRecruiter
What Bonuses Does a Pulmonary Critical Care Physician Get?
According to the Review of Physician and Advanced Practitioner Recruiting Incentives by AMN Healthcare, 62% of employers offer a ‘salary with bonus’ type of contract.
Based on the report, the following are some of the incentives that Pulmonary Critical Care physicians receive.
- Production Bonus: A production or productivity bonus based on criteria set by a hospital or clinic. Many use an RVU (Relative Value Units) model that pays a doctor depending on the amount and type of work they do to treat a patient.
- Relocation Allowance: If you live far from the hospital, your employer may pay your relocation expenses. Based on AMN Healthcare’s report, a Pulmonary Critical Care physician may receive compensation between $3,000 and $150,000.
- Signing Bonus: After being accepted into the hospital, your contract may include a one-time bonus, given in a lump sum or over time. According to AMN Healthcare’s report, 63% of employers offer a signing bonus ranging from $500 to $570,000.
- Continuing Medical Education (CME) Pay: A CME allowance is a popular incentive among medical practitioners since it helps them continue their education and practice. The amount you receive may depend on your location, practice type, and clinician taxonomy.
- Retirement Plan: Many employers offer retirement plan options for practitioners in Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine.
It includes the 401(k) plan option, which features a profit-sharing plan where employees can contribute a part of their salary to individual accounts.
Government or non-profit pulmonologists are also eligible for a 403(b) retirement plan, which offers flexible contributions but limited investment options.
How Can Pulmonary Critical Care Physicians Achieve Financial Wellbeing?
Check out some of the ways you can spend and save your income wisely.
- Pay Your Student Loan Debt Effectively: Once you start earning, you may want to pay off your debt first from your student loans. Since this process can be confusing and time-consuming, many consult with a financial planning company, like Physicians Thrive, to help manage their student loan debt.
- Fix Your Taxes: A physician in Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine usually earns a high income, making them face complex tax situations. To ensure you have proper tax planning, seek a financial advisor to help you calculate your taxes, reduce your tax liability, and save more.
- Plan for Your Retirement: Planning your retirement as early as now will help you secure your future and enjoy financial freedom in your old age. If you don’t know how to start saving for your retirement, consider seeking advice from Physicians Thrive’s financial experts!
Maximize Your Salary Today and Tomorrow!
Pulmonary Critical Care physicians earn one of the highest incomes in healthcare, with an average job salary of $397,000 annually.
As high-income earners, practitioners in Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine should consider spending and saving their money wisely to manage their current finances and enjoy financial freedom in the future.
If you’re working or about to work in this specialty, consider talking to a financial advisor to help you manage your finances, pay off your loan debts, fix your taxes, save for your future, and more. Contact Physicians Thrive today!
