Emergency Medicine Physician
Emergency Medicine Physicians work in hospital emergency departments, providing immediate care for patients with acute medical conditions, traumatic injuries, and life-threatening emergencies.
Getting Started
How to Become a Emergency Medicine Physician
At 11 years to get started, this is typical for Doctoral Degree-level careers.
Complete Education
Earn your Doctoral Degree (typically 11 years) at an estimated cost of $250k–$375k.
Get Licensed or Certified
Complete any state-required licensing or certification exams for emergency medicine physician practice.
Begin Working
Emergency Medicine Physician earn a median salary of $321k/yr, with entry-level positions starting somewhat lower.
Education costs from College Scorecard. Training timelines from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Overview
What Does a Emergency Medicine Physician Do?
Emergency Medicine Physicians work in hospital emergency departments, providing immediate care for patients with acute medical conditions, traumatic injuries, and life-threatening emergencies. They must rapidly assess, stabilize, and treat patients across all age groups and medical specialties. EM is one of the most fast-paced and high-pressure medical specialties.
On the Job
Compensation
How Much Does a Emergency Medicine Physician Make?
At $321k/yr, emergency medicine physician earn more than most Doctoral Degree-level careers, where the average is $263k/yr.
$321k/yr
median annual salary
How It Compares
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician | $321k/yr |
| Home Health Aide | $34k/yr |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) | $39k/yr |
| Physician Assistant | $130k/yr |
| General Surgeon | $355k/yr |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
Future-Proofing
Emergency Medicine Physician Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Employment Growth
The BLS projects 3% growth over the next decade, roughly in line with the 4.8% average for Doctoral Degree-level careers.
10-Year Growth
3%
About as fast as average
Current Employment
45k
jobs nationwide
AI & Automation Risk
Moderate Exposure
Emergency Medicine Physician roles have moderate exposure to AI automation — roughly average among Doctoral Degree-level careers. While some administrative tasks may be augmented by AI, core duties still require human expertise. Core responsibilities like state licensing requirements require human presence and judgment that AI cannot replicate.
Why It's Safe
- +Assisting and caring for others
- +Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
- +Developing and building teams
- +Resolving conflicts and negotiating with others
- +Coaching and developing others
What Could Be Automated
- −Making decisions and solving problems
- −Getting information
- −Documenting/recording information
- −Performing for or working directly with the public
- −Analyzing data or information
Based on Pew Research + O*NET methodology and Bureau of Labor Statistics projections
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Sources
Data Freshness
BLS OEWS: 2024-05 · BLS Projections: 2024-09 · O*NET: 2024-12