Family Medicine Physician
Family Medicine Physicians are primary care doctors who provide comprehensive health care to patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly.
Getting Started
How to Become a Family 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 family medicine physician practice.
Begin Working
Family Medicine Physician earn a median salary of $257k/yr, with entry-level positions starting somewhat lower.
Education costs from College Scorecard. Training timelines from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Overview
What Does a Family Medicine Physician Do?
Family Medicine Physicians are primary care doctors who provide comprehensive health care to patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. They diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, perform preventive screenings, manage chronic diseases, and coordinate referrals to specialists when needed. Family medicine is the broadest medical specialty, requiring physicians to maintain expertise across internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatry, and geriatrics.
On the Job
Compensation
How Much Does a Family Medicine Physician Make?
At $257k/yr, family medicine physician earn less than the $268k/yr average for Doctoral Degree-level careers.
$257k/yr
median annual salary
How It Compares
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Family Medicine Physician | $257k/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
Family 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
120k
jobs nationwide
AI & Automation Risk
Significant Risk
Family Medicine Physician roles face significant AI automation risk — below average among Doctoral Degree-level careers. Several core tasks could potentially be automated or substantially changed by AI. 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
- +Performing general physical activities
What Could Be Automated
- −Documenting/recording information
- −Getting information
- −Working with computers
- −Making decisions and solving problems
- −Evaluating information to determine compliance with standards
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