What Family Medicine Physicians do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Family Medicine Physicians this way: "Diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Prescribe or administer treatment, therapy, medication, vaccination, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury"; "Order, perform, and interpret tests and analyze records, reports, and examination information to diagnose patients' condition"; "Monitor patients' conditions and progress and reevaluate treatments as necessary"; "Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical history, reports, or examination results"; "Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is doctoral or professional degree. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is internship/residency.
Job outlook for Family Medicine Physicians
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 114,300 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 118,000 in 2035, an increase of 3,700 jobs (+3.3%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 2,900 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 2.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $244,180, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Family Medicine Physicians earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $245,451 in New York to $268,060 in New Jersey, a gap of $22,609 (1.09 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $244,180 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 7,370, which is 55.4% of the 13,300 counted across them. New York follows with 5,930.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($268,060) and New York ($245,451) lead the ranking, while New York ($245,451) and New Jersey ($268,060) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Family Medicine Physicians
Anesthesiologists and General Internal Medicine Physicians belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (29-1000) include Dentists, General, Pharmacists, Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners.
Frequently asked questions about Family Medicine Physicians
How much do Family Medicine Physicians earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $244,180. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $245,451 to $268,060.
Which state pays Family Medicine Physicians the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $268,060. New York is next at $245,451.
Is Family Medicine Physicians a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 3.3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 2,900 openings a year.
What education do Family Medicine Physicians need?
The typical entry-level education is doctoral or professional degree and internship/residency, according to BLS.