When considering a potential physiatrist salary, it is a very good idea to consider the pay scale average of the job that is under consideration. Of course, there are many other things to consider when matching one’s skill set to an occupation such as personal ability, time requirements, and the sense of accomplishment that the position would impart to the worker. However, since making money is the end result, it goes without saying that much thought and attention should be given to a person’s needs and the job that will meet those needs. Many people, therefore, have found physiatry jobs to be very lucrative, since the physiatrist salary tends to be in the upper range for medical personnel. However, most people who have physiatrist jobs also find them to be uniquely challenging, highly rewarding, and very fulfilling.
Job Requirements of a Physiatrist
- Diagnose and treat bodily discomfort resulting from devastating injuries and illnesses
- Rehabilitate areas of the body that are experiencing decreased performance
- Treat the whole person, including body, mind, and spirit
- Provide leadership to other certified medical professionals
- Give non-surgical treatments to disabled patients
- Provide an overview of the treatment plan to patients
For example, a professional who has a physiatry job usually has to accurately pinpoint the specific cause of a patient’s ailment. Not surprisingly, numerous patient disorders, ranging from athletic injuries like sprained ankles to chronic illnesses such as arthritis, tendonitis, or carpal tunnel syndrome, confront the medical professional daily; therefore, an understanding and patient attitude is absolutely essential for those pursuing physiatrists jobs, along with a desire to work with people on a face-to-face basis. Once an accurate diagnosis has been reached, the assistance of a medical team that includes an orthopedic surgeon, a neurologist, and a physical therapist, among others, is indispensable.
Additionally, a physiatrist develops a treatment plan that assists patients in regaining and maintaining an active lifestyle. This may include prescribing drugs or assistive devices like artificial limbs or a brace. Consequently, a physiatrist has to be exceptionally skilled in three specific areas of care including musculoskeletal medicine, electrodiagnostic medicine, and rehabilitative medicine. As expected, physiatrists use special techniques that isolate the conditions that cause pain, numbness, and weakness when performing electromyography, nerve conduction studies, and somatosensory evoked potentials. Additionally, physiatrists may incorporate the use of various other therapies, including electrotherapies, massage, traction, heat and cold, therapeutic exercise, and biofeedback. Since the position requires broad medical expertise and leadership skills, the physiatrist salary is definitely commensurate with the position.
The Facts about a Physiatrist Salary
Various factors, including level of experience and job location, influence the physiatrist salary. However, the average salary for most physiatrists is between $134,997 and $222,943. Interestingly, this amount includes a bonus that usually ranges from $5,014 to $35,608 annually. Beginning physiatrists with 4 years of experience or less enjoy a salary with a starting range of $184,022. The average salary for a physiatrist with 5 to 9 years of experience is around $219,854. Finally, the best physiatrist salary, resulting from the acquisition of about 10 to 19 years of experience, is between $223,745 and $240,000.
With reference to job location, the physiatrist pay scale average definitely fluctuates. For instance, the physiatrist salary of professionals who are employees of private companies tends to be highest, falling between $141,510 and $294,791 annually. Self-employed physiatrists have the second highest salary, earning about $250,000 each year. Physiatrists who are hospital employees have the third highest salary, earning close to $200,000. Furthermore, 83% of all physiatrists receive medical coverage from their employers, and about 60% are also given dental care. 41% of all physiatrists enjoy receiving vision care from their employers. All in all, the salary of a physiatrist, which exceeds a counselor salary or even a therapist salary, is definitely something to consider when a person is making a decision pertaining to his career path. For example, the average annual salary of a physical therapist falls between $51,250 and $89,727. The average annual salary of a counselor is even lower, ranging from $27,410 to $60,955.
Physiatrist Education Requirements
A person who has decided to become a physiatrist must begin by acquiring a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a pre-medicine program such as chemistry, biology, psychology, or physics. The next thing that an aspiring physiatrist must do is pass the Medical College Admissions Test to gain entrance into medical school. The student must successfully complete 5 years of training in medical school, focusing on physiatry exclusively during the last year, and follow up such training with passing the state medical board exam in order to achieve a doctor’s license. A residency program is required for at least 3 years, followed by a one year-fellowship in physiatry. Upon completion of the one-year fellowship, the student can acquire certification as a professional physiatrist by taking an oral and written medical exam that is administered by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. In addition, newly certified physiatrists must take advantage of further training that is extended in order to increase their knowledge and skill.
Physiatrist Salary – More than Enough to Satisfy
In summary, becoming a physiatrist is highly beneficial in terms of annual income. Therefore, the next step that people who are interested in physiatry should take is to decide if they want to put in the effort. A lot of hard work and dedication is involved, but, in the end, a physiatrist salary will pay off in more ways than one.