How much do pulmonologists make?

Pulmonologists earn a median of approximately $410,000 per year. Most pulmonologists are dual-trained in pulmonology and critical care medicine (PCCM), with the critical care component adding additional RVU volume and income.

Is pulmonology a good-paying specialty?

Pulmonology is above average but not among the very highest-earning specialties. Combined pulmonology/critical care (PCCM) physicians earn more than pure pulmonologists due to higher procedure volume and ICU RVUs.

How long does it take to become a pulmonologist?

After medical school (4 years) and an internal medicine residency (3 years), pulmonologists complete a 2–3 year fellowship in pulmonary disease, critical care, or combined PCCM — totaling 13–14 years of post-secondary education and training.

What is a pulmonologist/critical care salary?

Dual-board-certified pulmonology/critical care (PCCM) physicians typically earn $390,000–$470,000, averaging slightly higher than pure outpatient-focused pulmonologists due to intensive care unit income and procedures.

What procedures do pulmonologists perform?

Pulmonologists perform bronchoscopies, thoracentesis, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), pulmonary function testing interpretation, and sleep studies. Procedural volume significantly impacts income.

Pulmonologist Salary 2026: What Pulmonologists Earn by Setting, State & Experience

Pulmonologists specialize in lung disease, respiratory failure, and critical care medicine. Most practicing pulmonologists carry dual board certification in pulmonary disease and critical care (PCCM), a combination that significantly boosts income through ICU-based procedures and hospital rounds.

Pulmonologist Salary by Practice Type

Practice Type	Median Annual Salary	Range
Private Practice (Group)	$440,000	$360,000–$580,000
Health System / Hospital Employed	$400,000	$320,000–$490,000
Academic Medical Center	$340,000	$270,000–$430,000
VA / Federal Government	$310,000	$260,000–$380,000
PCCM (Critical Care emphasis)	$430,000	$350,000–$540,000
Pure Outpatient Pulmonology	$350,000	$280,000–$430,000

Pulmonologist Salary by State

State	Estimated Median	Notes
California	$390,000	High demand; high COL; Medi-Cal reimbursement lower
Texas	$430,000	Large market; no state tax; strong private practice
Florida	$420,000	Large retiree population; growing demand
New York	$380,000	Academic center heavy; NYC COL premium
Illinois	$400,000	Chicago academic + suburban private mix
Midwest / Rural	$420,000–$460,000	Physician shortage premium in underserved markets

Pulmonologist Salary by Experience

Career Stage	Typical Range
Fellowship (Year 1–3)	$70,000–$85,000
Early Career (0–5 years)	$300,000–$390,000
Mid-Career (5–15 years)	$390,000–$480,000
Established (15+ years)	$450,000–$600,000+

Pulmonology vs. Other Internal Medicine Subspecialties

Subspecialty	Median Compensation	Notes
Cardiology	$510,000	Procedural premium (cath, EP)
Gastroenterology	$480,000	High-volume procedure-based
Pulmonology / PCCM	$410,000	ICU + outpatient mix
Rheumatology	$330,000	Lower procedure volume
Infectious Disease	$250,000	Lowest-paid IM subspecialty
General Internal Medicine	$245,000	No procedure premium

Income Drivers in Pulmonology

Critical care ICU billing: Each ICU day billed under critical care codes (99291/99292) generates high RVUs
Procedures: Bronchoscopy, EBUS, thoracentesis — each adds $200–$500 in physician professional fees
Sleep medicine add-on: Many pulmonologists read sleep studies as an additional income stream
Outpatient chronic disease management: Asthma, COPD, ILD (interstitial lung disease) patient panels generate steady office visit volume

Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.

The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy