Is Sports Medicine a Good Career in 2026?
Based on 15 approved physician salary reports
SalaryDr Career Intelligence
Based on 15 approved physician salary reports
* Limited data — score may shift as more physicians contribute
Score Breakdown
Sports Medicine Compensation & Earnings
Sports Medicine Compensation
$375,000
$310,000 – $450,000(P25–P75)
Sports Medicine Salary Progression
From medical school to senior attending — based on 15 approved salary reports
7 submissions
8 submissions
+23% salary growth from early career ($310,000) to mid-career ($382,500)
Estimate Your Take-Home
Based on median Sports Medicine salary of $375K/yr
Select a state to see your estimated take-home pay
Take-Home Pay by State
How much a Sports Medicine physician actually keeps after federal, state, and FICA taxes
Highest Take-Home States
Lowest Take-Home States
Tax impact: A Sports Medicine physician keeps $34,500 more per year in Alaska vs. California — a 9.2% difference on gross income of $375,000.
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 15 approved sports medicine salary reports — add yours in 2 minutes and see your percentile instantly.
Career Lifestyle
Career Reality: By the Numbers
Real data from 15 Sports Medicine physician reports — not job board estimates.
Job Market & Future Outlook
Training & Getting Started
4 years of post-medical-school training
Explore Sports Medicine
Take the Next Step in Your Sports Medicine Career
Real, physician-reported compensation data. Know your market value before your next contract negotiation.
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Career Score methodology: salarydr.com/methodology
According to SalaryDr Career Intelligence data from 15 approved reports by Sports Medicine Physicians (as of September 2026), the Physician Career Score for Sports Medicine is 62/100. Median total compensation is $375,000, career satisfaction is 4.3/5, and 80% would choose the specialty again.