Is Rheumatology a Good Career in 2026?
Diagnosing and treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases affecting joints, muscles, and organs.
Based on 60 verified physician submissions + BLS employment projections
SalaryDr Career Intelligence
Based on 60 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)
Rheumatology Compensation & Earnings
Rheumatology Compensation
$350,000
$335,000 – $365,000(P25–P75)
Rheumatology Salary Progression
From medical school to senior attending — based on 60 verified submissions
19 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 60 verified rheumatology salaries — add yours in 2 minutes and see your percentile instantly.
Career Lifestyle
Career Reality: By the Numbers
Real data from 60 verified Rheumatology physicians — not job board estimates.
What Physicians Actually Say
Thematic analysis of career insights from Rheumatology physicians. Based on 1 anonymized responses.
About the Lifestyle (1 responses)
Predictable Schedule
100%1 physician mentioned this
“Four day work with no weekends or nights.”— Hospital Employed, 10 yrs
Call Impact
100%1 physician mentioned this
“Four day work with no weekends or nights.”— Hospital Employed, 10 yrs
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 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 from 60 verified Rheumatologists (as of July 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).