Source: SalaryDr satisfaction data for Emergency Medicine (N=132 verified submissions, updated July 18, 2026, data as of 2026-07-18). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
85% of emergency medicine physicians would choose their specialty again, with an average satisfaction of 3.7/5 and median salary of $410,000, based on 132 verified physician submissions on SalaryDr.
$410,000
$455,011
$360,000
$475,000
Based on 132 physician responses (1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied)
112 of 132 respondents would choose emergency medicine again
Based on 131 physician responses (bar scaled to 80 hrs/week)
Anonymized responses from emergency medicine physicians about their career and work-life balance.
“I wish I knew the toll night shifts take and that, most importantly, nothing is free. Higher paying locums roles equate almost universally in my experience to wild volumes, high acuity, and toxic environments. ”
On career & specialty — Verified Emergency Medicine Physician
“If you are young work as much as you can in the Start of your career I will continue this for 4 more years then open my own pvt clinic ”
On career & specialty — Verified Emergency Medicine Physician
“Unfortunately, Emergency Medicine now was driven by patient’s satisfaction scores, and many times you don’t do what best for the patient but what they want and that’s not good medicine. Many times patients request a specific test or have a very high expectation from a ER visit and if you don’t order it, they will give a 1 star review on google write your name on it.”
On career & specialty — Verified Emergency Medicine Physician
“Being front lines of medicine, often first to make a diagnosis. I thrive on critical patients, trauma, and procedures, even after several years out from residency. ”
On career & specialty — Verified Emergency Medicine Physician
“Variety, staff, sick patients, procedures”
On career & specialty — Verified Emergency Medicine Physician
Share your compensation and career satisfaction anonymously to help colleagues make informed decisions about emergency medicine.
Submit Your Salary