How much does a Gastroenterologist make? According to this year's "Gastroenterologist Compensation Report," the average self-reported annual salary is $515,000 (may include bonuses and profit sharing). Since several critical factors can influence this figure, let's dive in.

Gastroenterology Salary Trends in the U.S.

Understanding salary trends can help Gastroenterologists make the most of their careers. In 2024, there was a 2% increase in pay for Gastroenterologists in the U.S. compared to the previous year. Notably, nearly 70% of Gastroenterologists reported receiving compensation bonuses, highlighting the impact of additional incentives on overall earnings.

Gastroenterologist Salary Range

The gastroenterology salary range varies based on experience, location, and the type of practice. It's also important to note what type of salary is being calculated.

• Average Base Salary: Reflects regular earnings without bonuses or benefits.
• Average Total Cash Compensation: Includes base salary plus bonuses, profit sharing, and any other additional financial compensation.

Self-reported average salaries tend to fall on the higher end of the physician salary scale since some survey participants may include cash bonuses and profit sharing. The $515,000 number above can be a bit misleading on its own!

That's why it's also important to look at average salary ranges. The average base salary for Gastroenterologists ranges from $357,011-$499,383. While a fresh graduate starting in the field can expect a number on the lower end of the range, a physician with experience and further specialization will see a significant increase in their base salary.

Predicted Salary Growth for Gastroenterologists

As medical technologies advance and the patient population ages, demand for specialists in gastrointestinal care is expected to grow. Over the last decade, Gastroenterologists have seen a 47% increase in their average salary, making gastroenterology the sixth highest-paid specialty.

Geographic Variations & Impact

Geographic location plays a pivotal role in determining a Gastroenterologist's salary. Factors such as the cost of living, local demand for healthcare services, and the density of healthcare facilities can significantly influence base salary across different regions. For example, Gastroenterologists practicing in metropolitan areas or regions with a high demand for sub-specialization tend to earn more than those in rural settings.

• Coastal vs. Inland: Coastal states often offer higher salaries due to align with higher cost of living and competitive healthcare markets.
• Rural vs. Urban: Urban areas tend to offer a wider variety of job opportunities and larger salaries than rural areas.

That said, as the healthcare landscape evolves, hospitals and health systems are changing their recruitment strategies to remain competitive. Areas with difficulty attracting physicians may have the means to offer higher compensation as an incentive, especially on a temporary basis to fill a critical gap. This makes it crucial to stay informed about market trends when job searching.

What Impacts a Gastroenterologist's Salary?

By understanding and staying informed about the key factors that affect compensation, Gastroenterologists can strategically navigate their careers for maximum financial gain.

The Role of Specialization in Compensation

Specialization in areas like hepatology or advanced endoscopic procedures can significantly impact compensation. Advanced endoscopy focuses on complex, high-demand procedures, such as ERCP and EUS, so Gastroenterologists typically earn more due to the advanced skills required.

The Impact of Healthcare Management Structure on Earnings

Gastroenterologists tend to earn higher salaries in single-specialty practices compared and generally make less in physician-owned practices. Organizational structure greatly influences compensation. Those employed in large healthcare systems or academic medical centers often have different salary structures and benefits than those in private practice. Additionally, the inclusion of advanced practice providers in the gastroenterology team can enhance patient care and efficiency, impacting overall compensation models.

Leveraging Geographic Location for Increased Salary

Location matters when it comes to salary. Regional demographics, economic conditions, and the local healthcare landscape all determine compensation levels. Gastroenterologists can strategically use this knowledge to their advantage and "play the field" by engaging in locum tenens work to explore different markets and salary potentials.

For instance, some Gastroenterologists choose to live in rural areas with a lower cost of living while taking part-time assignments in metropolitan regions where demand and salaries are higher. Conversely, others may reside in urban centers but provide short-term relief in rural areas, leveraging locum tenens roles to maximize income and gain diverse clinical experiences.

Understanding the complex interplay of specialization, healthcare structures, and geographic factors allows Gastroenterologists to make informed decisions that optimize their compensation and career satisfaction. And with the right staffing partner, you don't have to make these decisions alone.

How Caliber Supports Gastroenterologists Financially

At Caliber, our mission is to empower Gastroenterologists by providing professionally satisfying and financially rewarding practice opportunities. In today’s highly competitive healthcare landscape, maximizing your earning potential requires more than just clinical expertise; it demands strategic partnership and comprehensive support, which is precisely what we're here for.

Our provider-centric approach to healthcare staffing means that we provide tailored support to ensure we connect each locum Gastroenterologist with opportunities that leverage their skills, advance their careers, and optimize their earnings. Our support extends to negotiating competitive compensation packages that reflect not only your qualifications and experience but also your commitment to exceptional patient care.

Our Provider-Centric Approach

All our medical providers work with specialty-focused recruiting teams who can speak their language. And our GI recruiters are experts in the gastroenterology job market. They have valuable insights into pay equity, unique geographic opportunities, and the impact of different healthcare management structures on earnings. We believe that exceptional patient care begins with well-supported providers. That's why we focus on setting each Gastroenterologist up for success from the beginning, seeking environments where their skills are most valued and their personal and professional needs are met.

Whether you're looking to serve in high-demand areas or explore opportunities in internal medicine and critical care, our goal is to keep you well-informed and optimally positioned for financial growth and professional advancement.

Why Choose Caliber? Let's Advance Your Gastroenterology Career

Choosing Caliber as your career partner opens diverse career paths and redefines healthcare staffing. As a provider-centric agency, we focus on building long-term partnerships that help Gastroenterologists reach their full potential.

At Caliber, your success is our success. We focus on precision, quality, and care, with the goal of helping you achieve a fulfilling gastroenterology career. Ready to connect with a recruiter and elevate your career?