Physicians that specialize in sports medicine are tasked with diagnosing and treating athletic injuries so that athletes can get back into the game. Becoming a sports medicine doctor is not easy, it takes years of formal education and plenty of practice to become a specialist in the field. Sports medicine salaries can range from $200k on the low end, to $500k on the high end annually. Various factors can impact the average salary for physicians in this field, which we will cover in more detail below.
Factors That Can Play A Role in Sports Medicine Salaries
For physicians considering entering the field of sports medicine, it is standard to want to get an idea about the expected range of pay. That being said, salaries can start as low as $160k per year and can reach as high as $525k per year or even more. Below are some of the most common factors that affect how much a physician will earn in the field of sports medicine.
Physician Demand
The demand for services will always dictate how much or how little a physician can demand as compensation. For fields that are currently in peak demand but have fewer specialists, the rates tend to be higher. When there is a declining demand in the field, the rate of pay will decline as well. In the field of sports medicine, there is currently an increased demand which is expected to continue for at least until 2029.
Physician Gender
Gender plays a critical role in physician salaries, often more so in the world of sports medicine. In this subspecialty, close to 75% of the physicians are male while only 25% are female. Though salary ranges are handsome in the field regardless of gender, women tend to make 25%-30% less than men with the same qualifications.
Sports Medicine Subspecialty
Sports medicine in itself is a specialty, however, the field can be narrowed even more significantly. The type of niche targeted has a drastic effect on potential salaries. For example, a sports medicine doctor that specializes in rehab and remote physical medicine can expect to earn less than an in-person sports doctor with the same subspecialty.
Practice Location
Location is everything when it comes to generating the most generous salaries regardless of a physician’s field of practice. Similar to mining for precious metals, the further away from the city a practice is, the higher a physician will be able to charge for their services. This tenant holds especially true for sports medicine.
With fewer specialists to choose from in urban and rural areas, physicians are able to command higher rates. The type of office the work is performed also plays a role in physician pay. Sports medicine specialists working in a hospital can generate a substantial salary, however, those who work in a physician-owned practice will earn significantly more.
Physician Experience
As with any field, the amount of experience, a physician has will determine how much they are able to charge for their services. In general, those just starting out in the field of sports medicine will make about 5% less than the average. Those with at least a couple of years of experience will only fall 1%-2% below the national average. As expected, the longer a sports medicine doctor practices, the more remuneration they will be able to earn. As a side note, physicians with specific skills can charge higher rates, even as new sports medicine doctors. For example, those who also function as physical therapists or surgeons will be able to start with a higher rate of pay.
Understanding Sports Medicine Salaries To Maximize Your Success
There are many branches of medicine to choose from and for many; sports medicine will be their ideal choice. A sports medicine physician is considered a family practice doctor, which is a role that allows for further specialization. For those interested in switching their specialties, or narrowing down their focus, sports medicine is a noble option. Understanding what factors affect physician salaries in the field is the best way to plan for a successful financial and professional future.