Pulmonologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the chest, including the lungs, airways, and breathing. They are also known as respiratory physicians or chest physicians.
In 2024, the average annual salary for pulmonologists in the United States was $241,470. Salaries can vary depending on a number of factors, including experience, specialization, location, and type of practice.
Experience:
- Pulmonologists with 1-3 years of experience earn an average of $185,000.
- Pulmonologists with 4-9 years of experience earn an average of $215,000.
- Pulmonologists with 10-19 years of experience earn an average of $240,000.
- Pulmonologists with 20+ years of experience earn an average of $265,000.
Specialization:
- Pulmonologists who specialize in interstitial lung diseases earn an average of $245,000.
- Pulmonologists who specialize in sleep medicine earn an average of $250,000.
- Pulmonologists who specialize in critical care medicine earn an average of $260,000.
Location:
- Pulmonologists in New York, NY earn an average of $300,000.
- Pulmonologists in Los Angeles, CA earn an average of $280,000.
- Pulmonologists in Chicago, IL earn an average of $270,000.
- Pulmonologists in Houston, TX earn an average of $260,000.
- Pulmonologists in Atlanta, GA earn an average of $250,000.
Type of Practice:
- Pulmonologists who work in private practice earn an average of $240,000.
- Pulmonologists who work in hospitals earn an average of $230,000.
- Pulmonologists who work in academic medical centers earn an average of $220,000.
Additional Information About Pulmonologist Salary:
- Pulmonologists must complete at least a 3-year fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine after graduating from medical school.
- Pulmonologists are certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS).
- Pulmonologists diagnose and treat a variety of lung diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.
- Pulmonologists work in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, and academic medical centers.
