Understanding Physician Pay Declines—and What You Can Do About It
In today’s evolving healthcare landscape, physician compensation trends are shifting alongside clinical demands and systemic change. Recent data from Becker’s ASC Review indicates that average pay has decreased across several key specialties. While this may prompt concern, it also presents an opportunity for reflection—and a chance to take strategic action.
Specialties Experiencing Declines in Compensation
Fifteen specialties have seen a reduction in average annual pay, including:
Allergy and Immunology, Anesthesiology, Cardiology, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics, Plastic Surgery, Pulmonary Medicine, and Radiology.
The reported decreases range from just over 1% to nearly 9%, driven by multiple factors such as reimbursement changes, increasing administrative demands, staffing challenges, and ongoing post-pandemic financial adjustments.
Looking Beyond the Numbers
While compensation is a critical part of any career decision, it’s not the only one. Many physicians find long-term fulfillment through career growth, a supportive environment, better work-life balance, and meaningful patient interactions. A temporary dip in salary could serve as a helpful reminder to realign your career path with your personal and professional goals.
Steps You Can Take to Stay Ahead
If you're working in one of the impacted specialties—or simply want to stay proactive—there are several ways to respond constructively:
Explore New Opportunities. Changing your practice setting, health system, or geographic location can often lead to improved compensation or better working conditions. Search opportunities on the PracticeMatch Job Board to see what’s currently available across the country.
Build Connections With Recruiters. Many roles are never advertised publicly. By engaging with physician recruiters and keeping your profile active on PracticeMatch, you increase your visibility to healthcare employers actively seeking talent in your specialty.
Join a Career Fair. Whether you’re actively searching or just exploring, career fairs provide direct access to hiring organizations. See PracticeMatch’s upcoming virtual and in-person career fairs and make valuable connections.
Know Your Worth—and Negotiate. National trends don’t dictate your individual value. PracticeMatch offers tools like salary data and contract guidance to help you negotiate compensation and benefits that reflect your unique skills and experience.
Stay Current. Understanding industry and compensation trends within your specialty helps you make informed, confident career decisions. Check in regularly with trusted resources, and speak with peers and recruiters to stay in the loop.
Moving Forward With Confidence
While shifts in compensation may feel unsettling, they don’t have to derail your professional path. With the right insight, tools, and connections, you can take control of your next step. PracticeMatch is here to support you—whether you’re seeking a new role, gathering information, or exploring how to better align your career with your goals.
Start exploring today at PracticeMatch.com, or register for an upcoming career fair to meet employers ready to connect.
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.