Should I Choose Internal Medicine? Real Physician Decision Guide (2026) | SalaryDr
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  3. Internal Medicine
  4. Should I Choose?

Should I Choose Internal Medicine?

Real decision-making data from 200 verified Internal Medicine physicians. Here is what they actually think.

3.5/5
Avg Satisfaction
87%
Would Choose Again
60
Avg Hours/Week
$128K
Avg Compensation

The Verdict

87%
of Internal Medicine physicians would choose the specialty again

An overwhelming 87% of Internal Medicine physicians say they would choose the specialty again -- a strong endorsement.

What Physicians Love About Internal Medicine

“I travel a lot. It's probably not the best option if you have kids. My significant other travels with me since her job is mostly remote.”
— Internal Medicine Physician
“I am glad my program let me in. It’s the best kept secret in the southeast. ”
— Internal Medicine Resident

What to Watch Out For in Internal Medicine

“Watch out for work hours”
— Internal Medicine Resident

Work-Life Balance Reality in Internal Medicine

60
average hours per week reported by Internal Medicine physicians
“I feel like work/life balance is perfect.”
— Internal Medicine Resident
“It’s residency so it is what it is. Was not primary choice of specialty, but working towards fellowship takes up all free time.”
— Internal Medicine Resident
“Love the camarederie at the hospital”
— Internal Medicine Resident

How Internal Medicine Compares

See how Internal Medicine stacks up against other popular specialties.

Internal MedicineCurrent
Satisfaction:3.5/5
Choose Again:87%
Hours:60
Comp:$128K
Pediatrics
Satisfaction:4/5
Choose Again:83%
Family Medicine
Satisfaction:3.5/5
Choose Again:76%
Cardiology
Satisfaction:3.9/5
Choose Again:90%
SpecialtySatisfactionWould Choose Again

Negotiation Tips From Internal Medicine Physicians

“I was new so and I tried to negotiate for higher salary but he straight up said no.”
— Internal Medicine Physician

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Internal Medicine worth it?

Based on 200 verified physician responses, Internal Medicine physicians report 3.5/5 average satisfaction and 87% say they would choose the specialty again. Average total compensation is $128K. Whether it is worth it depends on your priorities, but the data suggests most physicians are satisfied with their choice.

What's the work-life balance like in Internal Medicine?

Internal Medicine physicians work an average of 60 hours per week. One physician shared: "I feel like work/life balance is perfect."

How much do Internal Medicine physicians make?

Based on SalaryDr data, Internal Medicine physicians earn an average total compensation of $128K. With an average of 60 hours per week, that translates to roughly $41/hour.

Still deciding? Hear from more Internal Medicine physicians

Explore detailed lifestyle insights or contribute your own experience to help others make their decision.

View Full Internal Medicine InsightsShare Your Experience

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Specialties
  • All Physician Salaries
  • Salaries by City
  • General Surgery
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Cardiology
  • Salaries by State
  • Residency Salaries
For Dentists
  • All Dentist Salaries
  • Dental Salary Database
  • Dentist Salary by State
  • Submit Dental Salary
  • Dental Calculator
Tools
  • Salary Comparison
  • Financial Calculators
  • Take Home Calculator
  • Offer Analyzer
  • Compare Specialties
  • Salary Negotiation
Salary Data
  • Physician Careers
  • Salary Benchmarks
  • Salary Trends
  • Compensation Analysis
  • Lifestyle Insights
  • Compensation Components
  • Annual Report
  • Benchmark Reports
Community
  • SalaryDen
  • Latest Discussions
  • Submit Your Salary
  • Share Feedback
  • Salary FAQ
  • Physician Resources
Company
  • About
  • Methodology
  • Contact
  • Partner with Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Negotiations Refund Policy
  • Community Guidelines
  • DMCA Policy
  • Data Retention
  • Cookie Policy
  • Safe Harbor
  • Data Requests

Follow Us

  • TikTok (@salarydr)
  • Instagram (@salarydr_)
  • X (Twitter) (@salarydr)

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Avg Hours
Avg Comp
Internal MedicineCurrent3.5/587%60$128K
Pediatrics4/583%47$315K
Family Medicine3.5/576%47$251K
Cardiology3.9/590%56$606K