Emergency Medicine vs Internal Medicine: Salary Comparison (2026)
Compare Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine compensation across salary, lifestyle, and career metrics. See how Emergency Medicine Physician salaries stack up against Internist pay using verified physician data on SalaryDr.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Emergency Medicine | Internal Medicine |
|---|---|---|
| Training Length | 3-4 year residency | 3-year residency |
| Practitioner Title | Emergency Medicine Physician | Internist |
| Live Salary Data | View Emergency Medicine salary → | View Internal Medicine salary → |
| Lifestyle Rating | See details below | See details below |
Salary figures are updated in real-time on each specialty page from verified physician submissions.
Key Differences
Training Path
- Emergency Medicine: 3-4 year residency
- Internal Medicine: 3-year residency
Practice Setting
Both Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine offer diverse practice settings including academic medical centers, private practice, and hospital employment. Compensation varies significantly by setting.
Lifestyle & Work-Life Balance
Emergency Medicine
Shift-based work with no call obligations but includes nights, weekends, and holidays. Higher burnout risk.
Internal Medicine
Variable depending on practice type. Outpatient tends to be more predictable; hospitalists work shift-based schedules.
Career Considerations
Job Market Outlook
Both Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine continue to see strong demand driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access. Geographic demand varies; rural and underserved areas often offer higher compensation to attract specialists.
Compensation Growth Trajectory
Physician salaries in both specialties typically increase with experience, with the largest jumps in the first 5-10 years post-training. Partnership or ownership in private practice can meaningfully accelerate earnings.
Subspecialization Opportunities
Both specialties offer fellowship pathways that can further differentiate earning potential and lifestyle. Compare detailed salary data for each specialty to see how subspecialties affect pay.
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