Is Rheumatology a Good Career in 2026?
Diagnosing and treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases affecting joints, muscles, and organs.
Based on 61 approved physician salary reports + BLS employment projections
SalaryDr Career Intelligence
Based on 61 approved physician salary reports + BLS employment projections
Score Breakdown
Demand score powered by BLS Employment Projections (2024-2034): 3.3% projected growth (as fast as average)
Rheumatology Compensation & Earnings
Rheumatology Compensation
$350,000
$335,000 – $365,000(P25–P75)
Rheumatology Salary Progression
From medical school to senior attending — based on 61 approved salary reports
2 submissions
20 submissions
38 submissions
3 submissions
+6% salary growth from early career ($340,000) to mid-career ($360,000)
Best States for Rheumatologists (After Tax)
| State | Median Salary | After-Tax Income | Demand Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $450,000(2) | $450,000 | Very High(2,280 jobs) |
| Georgia | $406,430 | $384,117 | Very High(5,000 jobs) |
| Missouri | $367,020 | $349,770 | Limited(90 jobs) |
| Iowa | $360,000(5) | $346,320 | Low(360 jobs) |
| Alabama | $360,000(2) | $343,080 | Low(270 jobs) |
Estimate Your Take-Home
Based on median Rheumatology salary of $350K/yr
Select a state to see your estimated take-home pay
Take-Home Pay by State
How much a Rheumatology physician actually keeps after federal, state, and FICA taxes
Highest Take-Home States
Lowest Take-Home States
Tax impact: A Rheumatology physician keeps $203,000 more per year in Georgia vs. Tennessee — a 58.0% difference on gross income of $350,000.
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.
How does your compensation compare?
Benchmark yourself against 61 approved rheumatology salary reports — add yours in 2 minutes and see your percentile instantly.
Career Lifestyle
Career Reality: By the Numbers
Real data from 61 Rheumatology physician reports — not job board estimates.
Job Market & Future Outlook
Job Market Outlook
BLS Employment Projections (2024-2034) for Rheumatology
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034. Includes wage/salary and self-employed physicians.
AI & Automation Impact
Autoimmune disease management is too complex and individualized for AI to manage autonomously. The rheumatologist's clinical reasoning is the core value.
Training & Getting Started
5 years of post-medical-school training, with subspecialty fellowship options
Subspecialty Fellowships
Physicians Also Consider
Explore Rheumatology
Take the Next Step in Your Rheumatology Career
Real, physician-reported compensation data. 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 from 61 approved reports by Rheumatologists (as of November 2026), the Physician Career Score for Rheumatology is 61/100. Median total compensation is $350,000, career satisfaction is 3.8/5, and 95% would choose the specialty again. The BLS reports 73,200 practicing Rheumatologists nationally with 3.3% projected growth (2024-2034).