Source: SalaryDr satisfaction data for Pulmonology (N=85 approved reports). URL: https://www.salarydr.com

Last updated: | Based on 85 approved salary reports

Is Pulmonology Worth It? (2026)

At a Glance: Is Pulmonology Worth It?

95% of pulmonologists would choose their specialty again, with an average satisfaction of 4.2/5 and median salary of $460,000, based on 85 approved physician salary reports on SalaryDr.

Satisfaction
4.2/5
Would Choose Again
95%
Median Salary
$460,000
Avg Hours
52/wk
Source: SalaryDr Physician Salary Database, updated

The Numbers

Median

$460,000

Average

$457,809

25th

$360,000

75th

$530,000

Based on 85 physician salaries

Breakdown

Monthly$38,333
Hourly$221

Satisfaction Breakdown

Career Satisfaction4.2 / 5

Based on 85 physician responses (1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied)

Would Choose Again95%

81 of 85 respondents would choose pulmonology again

Average Hours Worked52 hrs/week

Based on 85 physician responses (bar scaled to 80 hrs/week)

What Physicians Say

Anonymized responses from pulmonologists about their career and work-life balance.

“Does not offer protected time for sleep study reading”

On career & specialty — Pulmonologist

“Mix of outpatient, bronchoscopy and icu. Never gets mundane. ”

On career & specialty — Pulmonologist

“More time with family and less call would be nice as I cannot be present with family. ”

On career & specialty — Pulmonologist

“Better work life balance but that’s what comes with the territory owning a medical group”

On career & specialty — Pulmonologist

“Ability to combine weeks off for longer vacation time”

On career & specialty — Pulmonologist

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