Rising Compensation for Primary Care Physicians Highlights Ongoing Demand
In July 2025, Forbes reported that primary care physician compensation has reached an all-time high of $330,000. This jump in earnings reflects a strong demand for primary care services, driven by aging populations, rising rates of chronic diseases, and a growing focus on prevention and coordinated care.
At the same time, it underscores a deeper issue: an increasingly strained primary care system facing significant workforce shortages and a mounting workload. For physicians currently practicing in or considering a move into primary care, this moment presents both opportunity and challenge. The growing emphasis on prevention, chronic disease management, and value-based care models has placed primary care at the heart of healthcare delivery - but also at the front lines of systemic strain.
Demand for Primary Care is Surging
According to the Forbes article, healthcare employers are offering higher salaries as a direct response to rising demand, increased patient volumes, and a national shortage of primary care providers. These compensation trends are a clear signal of how valuable primary care physicians have become across healthcare systems.
Recent reports from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) echo this, estimating that nearly 100 million people in the U.S. live in primary care shortage areas. As more patients seek care - especially amid an aging population and a spike in chronic conditions - healthcare systems are increasingly relying on primary care physicians to be the first line of care and coordination.
Workload Challenges for Primary Care Physicians
At the same time, this surge in demand brings a heavier workload. Physicians are managing higher patient caseloads, dealing with administrative burdens, and working in systems still recovering from pandemic-era disruptions. Many are taking on additional responsibilities without sufficient support, contributing to burnout and reduced time per patient.
According to AMGA, work relative value units (wRVUs) - a key measure of physician productivity - increased 1.5% overall, which often correlates to increased patient visits. Indeed, patient volume grew by 2.3%. As Mike Coppola, COO of AMGA Consulting, noted, “We are at this tipping point. You cannot keep driving compensation increases through productivity. Volume is being driven on the backs of physicians and that is hard to sustain.”
If you’re in primary care, you’re likely feeling the weight of these changes. And if you’re training for or transitioning into the field, it’s more important than ever to be strategic about your next steps.
How PracticeMatch Supports Primary Care Physicians
At PracticeMatch, we understand the evolving landscape of primary care. Whether you're a resident preparing to enter the field or a seasoned physician evaluating new opportunities, our resources are designed to support your success at every stage of your career.
Here’s how we support you:
- Virtual Career Fairs: Attend Career Fairs where healthcare employers are actively recruiting for primary care roles.
- Job Search Platform: Use our job board to explore thousands of current openings tailored to your specialty and location preferences.
- Career Resources: Visit our Career Resources page for expert tools, including:
- CV Builder and Free CV Review
- Personalized Physician Profiles
- Physician scholarships
Explore primary care opportunities and build the career you want. Visit PracticeMatch.com to start today.
Clint Rosser is the CEO of PracticeMatch. He has been with PracticeMatch since 2016. He has overseen several departments within PracticeMatch including Inside Sales, Career Fairs, and the Client Services team. Clint, along with his team, has helped elevate PracticeMatch client services to move past a transactional vendor relationship to a full partnership with clients. This has allowed PracticeMatch to build stronger relationships and work with clients closer to ensure they can achieve the most ROI possible.
Prior to Joining PracticeMatch, Clint has been in Client service leadership roles for over 20 years. Clint serves as an AAPPR Board Member for Strategic Corporate Sponsors.