What General Internal Medicine Physicians do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of General Internal Medicine Physicians this way: "Diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a wide range of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems. Provide care mainly for adults and adolescents, and are based primarily in an outpatient care setting."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Treat internal disorders, such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, or problems of the lung, brain, kidney, or gastrointestinal tract"; "Analyze records, reports, test results, or examination information to diagnose medical condition of patient"; "Prescribe or administer medication, therapy, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury"; "Provide and manage long-term, comprehensive medical care, including diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases, for adult patients in an office or hospital"; "Manage and treat common health problems, such as infections, influenza or pneumonia, as well as serious, chronic, and complex illnesses, in adolescents, adults, and the elderly".
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 General Internal Medicine Physicians
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 73,100 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 76,000 in 2035, an increase of 2,900 jobs (+4%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 1,900 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 2.6% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $256,560, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where General Internal 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 $110,349 in New Jersey to $118,427 in New York, a gap of $8,078 (1.07 times). 0 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $256,560 and 2 average at or below it.
New York employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 12,260, which is 52.0% of the 23,570 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 11,310.
Highest-paying states
New York ($118,427) and New Jersey ($110,349) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($110,349) and New York ($118,427) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to General Internal Medicine Physicians
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (29-1000) include Pharmacists, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners and Physical Therapists.
Frequently asked questions about General Internal Medicine Physicians
How much do General Internal Medicine Physicians earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $256,560. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $110,349 to $118,427.
Which state pays General Internal Medicine Physicians the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $118,427. New Jersey is next at $110,349.
Is General Internal Medicine Physicians a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 4% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 1,900 openings a year.
What education do General Internal Medicine Physicians need?
The typical entry-level education is doctoral or professional degree and internship/residency, according to BLS.