Is Pulmonary a Good Career in 2026?
Managing respiratory diseases and providing critical care for the sickest patients.
Based on 78 verified physician submissions + BLS employment projections
Pulmonary Compensation at a Glance
Pulmonary Compensation
$460,000
$340,000 – $520,000(P25–P75)
Career Score Breakdown
SalaryDr Career Intelligence
Based on 78 verified physician submissions + BLS employment projections
Score Breakdown
Demand score powered by BLS Employment Projections (2024-2034): 3.3% projected growth (as fast as average)
AI & Automation Impact
AI & Automation Impact
Interventional pulmonology is growing and procedure-driven. AI aids in CT screening and sleep studies, but critical care management and bronchoscopy remain human domains.
Best States for Pulmonary Physicians (After Tax)
| State | Median Salary | After-Tax Income | Demand Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $550,000(8) | $550,000 | Very High(2,930 jobs) |
| Arizona | $540,000(11) | $526,500 | High(1,700 jobs) |
| Oregon | $520,000(4) | $473,200 | Low(410 jobs) |
| Montana | $500,000(2) | $471,500 | Low(270 jobs) |
| Pennsylvania | $455,000(2) | $441,032 | High(1,400 jobs) |
Take-Home Pay by State
How much a Pulmonary physician actually keeps after federal, state, and FICA taxes
Highest Take-Home States
Lowest Take-Home States
Tax impact: A Pulmonary physician keeps $258,874 more per year in Alaska vs. Tennessee — a 56.3% difference on gross income of $460,000.
Assumes single filer, standard deduction, W-2 employment. State rates from Tax Foundation 2025. Gross salaries from BLS OEWS May 2024. FICA includes Social Security (6.2% up to $168,600) and Medicare (1.45% + 0.9% above $200K). Actual take-home varies with deductions, filing status, and local taxes.
Career Reality: By the Numbers
Real data from 78 verified Pulmonary physicians — not job board estimates.
Employment Growth Trajectory
BLS projects 3.3% growth for Pulmonary (2024-2034), as fast as average. Approximately 2,400 new positions expected.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034. Employment includes both wage/salary and self-employed physicians.
Take the Next Step in Your Pulmonary Career
Real compensation data from verified physicians. Know your market value before your next contract negotiation.
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Training Path
6 years of post-medical-school training, with subspecialty fellowship options
Subspecialty Fellowships
Explore Pulmonary
Career Score methodology: salarydr.com/methodology