Is Pulmonary a Good Career in 2026?
Managing respiratory diseases and providing critical care for the sickest patients.
Based on BLS employment data and national physician surveys
SalaryDr Career Intelligence
Based on BLS employment data and national physician surveys
* Limited data — score may shift as more physicians contribute
Score Breakdown
Demand score powered by BLS Employment Projections (2024-2034): 3.3% projected growth (as fast as average)
Pulmonary Compensation & Earnings
Best States for Pulmonary Physicians (After Tax)
| State | BLS Median | After-Tax Income | Demand Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $406,430 | $384,117 | Very High(5,000 jobs) |
| Missouri | $367,020 | $349,770 | Limited(90 jobs) |
| South Dakota | $339,050 | $339,050 | Low(160 jobs) |
| Washington | $323,100 | $323,100 | Moderate(810 jobs) |
| Minnesota | $327,510 | $300,654 | High(1,870 jobs) |
Estimate Your Take-Home
Based on median Pulmonary salary of $236K/yr
Select a state to see your estimated take-home pay
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 $203,000 more per year in Georgia vs. Tennessee — a 85.9% difference on gross income of $236,350.
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 Lifestyle
Job Market & Future Outlook
Job Market Outlook
BLS Employment Projections (2024-2034) for Pulmonary
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034. Includes wage/salary and self-employed physicians.
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.
Training & Getting Started
6 years of post-medical-school training, with subspecialty fellowship options
Subspecialty Fellowships
Physicians Also Consider
Explore Pulmonary
Take the Next Step in Your Pulmonary Career
Real compensation data from verified physicians. Know your market value before your next contract negotiation.
Powered by SalaryDr Career Intelligence
Career Score methodology: salarydr.com/methodology
According to SalaryDr Career Intelligence data (as of April 2026), the Physician Career Score for Pulmonary is 56/100. Median total compensation is $236,350. The BLS reports 73,200 practicing Pulmonologists nationally with 3.3% projected growth (2024-2034).