Hospitalists have become an essential member of America's Healthcare community over the last 20 years. Their work helps fill the gaps in hospital-based care coverage while also providing relief to overextended Primary Care Physicians.

Hospitalists have become an essential member of America's Healthcare community over the last 20 years. Their work helps fill the gaps in hospital-based care coverage while also providing relief to overextended Primary Care Physicians.

Working as a Hospitalist has become an increasingly popular career choice for Physicians interested in a flexible, well-paying medical career. Below are some of the big benefits of being a hospitalist to consider:

Benefits of Being A Hospitalist

Opportunities Abound for Hospitalists

Each year more and more hospitals require the services of this in- demand profession. Hospitalists have some of the highest expected growth rates amongst all the medical specialties and by 2030, the Hospitalist profession is expected to grow by 26%(1). Forecasts project that future demands for this profession will require an additional 7200 Hospitalists to meet the required needs(1). The southern region of the U.S. is expected to be a hot bed for future hiring efforts as their needs will be greatest(1).

Hospitalists Receive Great Pay

Working as a hospitalist is financially lucrative. A Today's Hospitalist< Survey found that the average hospitalist makes a base salary of $259,674 annually. This number jumps to $286,892 a year when you factor in bonuses, with the highest paid Hospitalists making over $310,000 annually(2).

Hospitalists Have Scheduling Flexibility

Working as a Hospitalist isn't all about night shifts and holiday work. Many choose working as a hospitalist due to its scheduling flexibility. Hospitalists have an endless variety of schedules to choose from with the most popular being block and flexible scheduling. Block scheduling is a great option for those looking for schedule consistency with a set number of days on then off. Over half of Hospitalists work this schedule(3).

For those looking for the ability to vary their scheduling when working as a hospitalist, a flexible schedule may be a better fit. Most Hospitalists report working about 15 shifts a month, with shifts averaging a little over 11 hours(3).

Hospitalists Have High Job Satisfaction

One of the biggest benefits of being a hospitalist is that these professionals are happy. Job satisfaction levels amongst Hospitalists are some of the highest in Medicine, with over 85% of hospitalists saying that they are satisfied with their career choice(4). Hospitalists also report high levels of satisfaction with autonomy levels, types of shifts and clinical autonomy(4).

In a time of high Physician burnout rates, increased job satisfaction can be an essential component for Physicians looking for optimal long term employment. Is working as a hospitalist right for you? Explore hospitalist careers near you with PracticeMatch!