💵 Annual Salary Range (USA, 2025)
Based on national data:
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Entry‑Level / 25th percentile: ~$181,000/year
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Median / Average: ~$237,000/year (ZipRecruiter); $285,700/year (Salary.com)
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75th percentile: ~$290,000/year; Top earners can reach $300,000+; in some practice settings or private groups—even $350,000 - $380,000+
Salary varies with location, experience level, and practice type (private vs academic)
🩺 What They Do
Allergist‑Immunologists are physicians specialized in diagnosing and treating immune system and allergy-related conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, eczema, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiency disorders. They conduct skin testing, pulmonary function tests, immunotherapy (allergy shots), prescribe biologic treatments, and coordinate long-term care for chronic immune conditions. Some also collaborate in laboratory-based research on vaccines or transplant immunology
🎓 Education & Training Required
To become an Allergist‑Immunologist, physicians complete:
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Bachelor’s Degree (4 years, pre‑med coursework)
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Medical School (MD or DO, 4 years)
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Residency in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics (3–4 years)
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Allergy & Immunology Fellowship (2 years ACGME‑accredited program)
⏳ Total training time: ~10–11 years post‑undergrad (≈13–14 years post‑high school)
📜 Certification
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After fellowship, physicians can earn specialty certification via the American Board of Allergy & Immunology (ABAI)—a conjoint board from ABIM and ABP
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Certification requires successful completion of written and oral exams.
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Maintenance of Certification (MOC) includes continuing medical education (CME) and periodic assessments
🏛️ Licensing
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All physicians must pass USMLE (MD) or COMLEX-USA (DO) Steps 1–3.
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A state medical license is required to practice in each U.S. state.
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Although not legally mandatory, board certification is critical for hospital privileges and insurance reimbursement.
📈 Career Outlook
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High demand in allergy and immunology due to rising prevalence of asthma, environmental allergies, autoimmune disorders, and demand for biologic treatments.
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Employment settings include private practice, hospital-based clinics, academic centers, and public health institutions.
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Academic allergists may see lower base pay (~$236K), while private practice and group providers often exceed $340,000–$360,000+ annual income
✅ Career Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Role | Diagnose and treat allergies, asthma, immune disorders |
| Salary Range | $181K (entry) – $300K+ median; up to ~$380K in high practice |
| Training | ~13–14 years (college→med school→residency→fellowship) |
| Certification | ABAI board certification, ongoing MOC |
| Licensing | USMLE/COMLEX + state medical license |