How to Become a Physician (Family Medicine)
Serve as the front line of medicine: diagnosing, treating, and coordinating lifelong preventive care for patients of every age. It typically requires a doctoral degree (md/do) + residency, with a median salary of $244,180 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$244,180/yr
Job growth
3%
Openings / yr
3,300
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Clinical Diagnosis
- Patient Care
- Critical Thinking
- Communication
- Care Coordination
Helpful certifications
- USMLE/COMLEX + ABFM board certification
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a Physician (Family Medicine) make?
The median pay for a Physician (Family Medicine) is $244,180 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Physician (Family Medicine)?
The usual entry point is a doctoral degree (md/do) + residency. Common majors are Biology, Chemistry, Pre-Med / Pre-Health, and Biochemistry.
Is Physician (Family Medicine) a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about 3% over the decade, with roughly 3,300 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Physician (Family Medicine) use most?
Common skills for this role are Clinical Diagnosis, Patient Care, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Care Coordination.
Planning to become a Physician (Family Medicine)?
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.