Source: SalaryDr salary data for Internal Medicine (N=91 verified submissions, updated March 19, 2026, data as of 2026-03-19). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
Becoming a internist requires 7 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 3 years of residency. The median attending salary is $345,000/year based on 91 verified submissions.
4 years
Average medical school debt: $200,000 (AAMC). No physician income during this period.
3 years
Median residency salary: $69,500/year (PGY-1 to PGY-3)(24 submissions)
0-5 years experience
Based on 58 verified submissions(58 submissions)
6-15 years experience
Based on 22 verified submissions(22 submissions)
16+ years experience
Based on 10 verified submissions(10 submissions)
Internist salaries typically increase significantly with experience. Mid-career internists earn approximately $42,500 more per year than early career physicians — a 13% increase. Senior internists earn a median of $375,000/year, reflecting peak earning potential.
| Career Stage | Median Salary | vs. Early Career | Submissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residency | $69,500 | — | 24 |
| Early Career (0-5 yrs) | $322,500 | Baseline | 58 |
| Mid-Career (6-15 yrs) | $365,000 | +$42,500 | 22 |
| Senior (16+ yrs) | $375,000 | +$52,500 | 10 |
It takes 7 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 3 years of residency. Most physicians begin independent practice in their early 30s.
Internists earn a full attending salary after completing all required training (7 years post-college). During residency, physicians earn a training salary that is significantly less than attending pay — typically $69,500/year during residency.
With average medical school debt of $200,000 and a median attending salary of $345,000, internists 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. Internal Medicine attending salaries generally increase with experience. Our data shows mid-career internists (6-15 years) earn approximately 13% more than early career physicians (0-5 years).
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