If you’re thinking about becoming a sports medicine physician, you’re probably wondering how much you can expect to earn. Here’s a look at the average salary for this career, as well as some factors that can affect how much you’ll make.
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Introduction
A sports medicine physician is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and illnesses related to physical activity and sports. These physicians may work with athletes of all levels, from professional to recreational. They may also work with Active Duty military, law enforcement, and other populations that have a high risk of injury.
The average salary for a sports medicine physician is $100,000 per year. This salary can vary depending on many factors, such as location, experience, and type of employer.
Factors That Affect Salary
Several factors can affect how much a sports medicine physician earns. These include the type of practice, geographic location, years of experience, and board certification. For example, physicians who own their own practices tend to earn more than those who work for hospitals or other employers. Likewise, physicians who work in rural areas typically earn less than those who work in urban areas.
Location
Location is one of the biggest factors that affect salary for a sports medicine physician. Physicians in rural areas tend to earn less than those in more urban areas. This is because the cost of living is generally lower in rural areas, and there are fewer opportunities for sports medicine physicians. In addition, physicians who are located in areas with a high concentration of athletes (such as college towns) tend to earn more than those who are not.
Employer Type
Working for a hospital or other medical facility will typically offer the highest average salary for sports medicine physicians. However, these employers also usually require longer hours, which can include being on call. A sports medicine physician working in a hospital may make an average salary of $​249,​​ 309 per year, while those employed by the government earn an average of $​206,​​542 per year. Private practices usually offer the lowest average salary, but often have more flexible hours. Sports medicine physicians employed by private practices make an average salary of $​199,​​000 per year.
Experience
In general, experience is the biggest factor in how much money you’ll make. Your salary as a doctor will increase significantly the longer you’re out of residency and in practice. In fact, most doctors see their incomes double (or more) after their first few years in practice.
Board Certification
Board certification by the American Board of Physiatry (ABP) or the American Osteopathic Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AOBPMR) is required for licensure in some states. Certification by either board generally requires successful completion of an accredited residency training program and passage of a written and oral examination.
Salary by Location
The average salary for a sports medicine physician varies depending on their location. In the United States, the average salary is $145,000. However, in Canada, the average salary is $107,000. In the United Kingdom, the average salary is £37,500.
Northeast
The average salary for a sports medicine physician in the Northeast is $174,000. This is slightly higher than the national average of $169,000.
Midwest
The average salary for a Sports Medicine Physician in the Midwest is $175,000.
South
The South has the lowest average salary for sports medicine physicians, at $211,000. This is likely due to the lower cost of living in the region.
West
In the West, the average salary for a sports medicine physician is $174,000.
Salary by Employer Type
Private Practice
In a private practice, you will be running your own business. This means that you will be responsible for all aspects of the business, including marketing, accounting, and human resources. You will also be responsible for setting your own salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a self-employed physician is $174,610 per year.
Hospital
In 2018, the median salary for hospital-based sports medicine physicians was $357,000.
University
The average salary for a sports medicine physician working at a university is $87,500. This is significantly lower than the average salary for all sports medicine physicians, which is $145,000.
Government
The mean annual wage for a sports medicine physician working in the government is $174,610, which is slightly lower than the average for all industries. The main employer of sports medicine physicians working in the government is the Department of Defense, where they work with military personnel to prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries. Other government employers include the Department of Veterans Affairs, community health centers, and state and local governments.
Salary by Experience
In order to become a sports medicine physician, one must complete a residency and obtain a medical license. The average salary for a sports medicine physician is $120,000. The median salary is $85,000. Salaries typically start from $50,000 and go up to $250,000.
Entry-Level
As an entry-level sports medicine physician, you can expect to earn a salary in the range of $60,000 to $80,000 per year. With experience, your salary will increase to the range of $100,000 to $150,000 per year.
Mid-Career
Mid-career sports medicine physicians make an average salary of $124,000. These physicians have typically been practicing for 5 to 10 years. Experienced sports medicine physicians make an average salary of $159,000. These physicians have typically been practicing for more than 20 years.
Late-Career
The average salary for a sports medicine physician is $129,000. Those in the late-career stage of their careers can expect to earn an average of $154,000.
Salary by Board Certification
Board certified sports medicine physicians make a higher salary than non-certified physicians.In general, physicians who are board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) earn more than those who are not certified.A report by the American Medical Association (AMA) showed that, in 2012, the average salary for an ABIM certified physician was $329,000, while the average salary for a non-certified physician was $288,000.
Certified
Sports medicine physicians who are certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (AOABOS) earn an average salary of $300,000 per year. Salary ranges for certified sports medicine physicians can vary depending on experience, geographic location, and type of practice.
Not Certified
Many sports medicine physicians are not board certified. While certification is not required to practice sports medicine, it may be required by some employers. The average salary for a sports medicine physician who is not board certified is $200,000.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the average salary for a sports medicine physician is around $145,000 per year. However, this salary can vary greatly depending on experience, location, and other factors.