Physician Salary Negotiations Guide
Master contract negotiations with data-driven strategies and expert insights.
Key Negotiation Principles
1. Know Your Market Value
Use our salary data to understand where you stand in your specialty and location. Reference specific percentiles and market averages during negotiations.
2. Negotiate Total Compensation
Look beyond base salary. Consider bonuses, benefits, retirement contributions, CME allowances, and other perks that add significant value.
3. Understand Practice Setting
Different practice settings have different compensation structures. Hospital-employed positions often have different negotiation points than private practice.
4. Consider Long-term Growth
Evaluate partnership tracks, equity opportunities, and career advancement potential, not just immediate compensation.
Contract Red Flags to Avoid
Non-compete clauses that are too restrictive
Avoid clauses that prevent you from practicing within 50+ miles for 2+ years.
Unclear productivity metrics
Ensure bonus structures are clearly defined and achievable.
Excessive call responsibilities
Understand call frequency and compensation before signing.
Vague termination clauses
Ensure termination procedures are fair and include adequate notice periods.
Effective Negotiation Strategies
1. Research and Prepare
- Review salary data for your specialty and location
- Understand the practice's financial structure
- Prepare specific examples of your value and achievements
- Know your minimum acceptable offer
2. Frame Your Request
- Use market data to support your request
- Focus on your contributions and future value
- Be specific about what you're asking for
- Consider alternative forms of compensation
3. Negotiate Professionally
- Maintain a collaborative tone
- Listen to their concerns and constraints
- Be willing to compromise on non-essential items
- Get everything in writing
Using Salary Data in Negotiations
How to Reference Market Data
Percentile Positioning
"Based on market data, I'm currently at the 25th percentile for my specialty and location. I'd like to discuss moving toward the median range."
Geographic Comparisons
"The median salary for my specialty in this region is $X, which is $Y higher than my current offer."
Practice Setting Adjustments
"Given that this is a hospital-employed position, I'd expect compensation to align with the 75th percentile for this setting."
Additional Resources
Salary Data
Access comprehensive salary data by specialty and location to support your negotiations.
Salary Comparison Tool
Compare your compensation against market data and identify negotiation opportunities.
Salary Trends
Understand how salaries are changing over time in your specialty.
Share Your Data
Help other physicians by contributing your salary and negotiation experience.
Ready to Negotiate?
Use our comprehensive salary data to support your next contract negotiation.