💵 Pulmonologist Salary Range (USA, 2025)
Pulmonologist earnings vary by experience, location, and practice setting:
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Minimum (Entry-Level): ~$270,000 - $285,000/year
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Median/Average: ~$311,000 - $328,000/year (with many sources around $312k)
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Maximum (Top Earners): Up to ~$375,000 - $435,000+, depending on bonus/incentives
🔍 What Does a Pulmonologist Do?
A Pulmonologist is a physician specialized in diagnosing and treating lung and respiratory system diseases, including:
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Asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, sleep apnea, tuberculosis, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, and long-COVID
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Conducting diagnostic tests: pulmonary function tests, bronchoscopy, CT scans, sleep studies, pulse oximetry, and thoracentesis
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Working in settings like pulmonology clinics, hospitals (especially ICUs), and sleep labs; some also perform interventional pulmonology procedures like tumor removal or fluid drainage
🎓 Education & Training Path
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Bachelor's degree (4 years) with pre-med focus
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Four-year medical school (MD or DO)
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Three-year Internal Medicine Residency
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Two‑ to three‑year Pulmonology (and often Critical Care) Fellowship
➡️ Total training time: ~13–14 years after high school
📜 Certification
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Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in Pulmonary Medicine (optionally also Critical Care Medicine)
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American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) oversees certification standards
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Maintenance of Certification (MOC) requires continuing medical education and periodic assessment
🏛️ Licensing
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Must pass the USMLE (MD) or COMLEX-USA (DO) exams (Steps 1–3)
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Obtain state medical license, which must be renewed periodically
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Board certification isn't legally required but is essential for hospital privileges and patient insurance networks
📈 Career Outlook & Considerations
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Demand is steady and growing—driven by respiratory disease prevalence, aging patients, and ICU needs
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Work settings include hospitals, ICU units, outpatient clinics, sleep centers, and academic medicine
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Interventional pulmonology is rising as a procedural subspecialty offering higher earnings potential and career variety
✅ Key Summary
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Role | Diagnoses & treats lung/airway diseases |
| Salary Range | $270k (entry) – $435k+ (top earners) |
| Training | MD/DO + Internal Medicine (3 yr) + Fellowship (2–3 yr) |
| Certification | ABIM Specialty Certification in Pulmonology |
| Licensing | USMLE/COMLEX + State Medical License |