Source: SalaryDr salary data for Gastroenterology (N=79 verified submissions, updated March 25, 2026, data as of 2026-03-25). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
Becoming a gastroenterologist requires 10 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 3 years (IM residency) of residency, and 3 years GI fellowship. The median attending salary is $550,000/year based on 79 verified submissions.
4 years
Average medical school debt: $200,000 (AAMC). No physician income during this period.
3 years (IM residency)
Median residency salary: $74,000/year (PGY-1 to PGY-3)(3 submissions)
3 years GI fellowship
Fellowship salary data not yet available. Fellows typically earn $70,000-$95,000/year.(2 submissions)
0-5 years experience
Based on 20 verified submissions(20 submissions)
6-15 years experience
Based on 50 verified submissions(50 submissions)
16+ years experience
Based on 9 verified submissions(9 submissions)
Gastroenterologist salaries typically increase significantly with experience. Mid-career gastroenterologists earn approximately $70,000 more per year than early career physicians — a 15% increase. Senior gastroenterologists earn a median of $580,000/year, reflecting peak earning potential.
| Career Stage | Median Salary | vs. Early Career | Submissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residency | $74,000 | — | 3 |
| Early Career (0-5 yrs) | $480,000 | Baseline | 20 |
| Mid-Career (6-15 yrs) | $550,000 | +$70,000 | 50 |
| Senior (16+ yrs) | $580,000 | +$100,000 | 9 |
It takes 10 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 3 years (IM residency) of residency, and 3 years GI fellowship. Most physicians begin independent practice in their early 30s.
Gastroenterologists earn a full attending salary after completing all required training (10 years post-college). During residency and fellowship, physicians earn a training salary that is significantly less than attending pay — typically $74,000/year during residency.
With average medical school debt of $200,000 and a median attending salary of $550,000, gastroenterologists can typically expect to reach a financial break-even point approximately 1 years after starting attending practice. Actual timelines vary based on loan terms, living expenses, and repayment strategy.
Yes. Gastroenterology attending salaries generally increase with experience. Our data shows mid-career gastroenterologists (6-15 years) earn approximately 15% more than early career physicians (0-5 years).
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