What does a physician do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses and address health maintenance. The path is a bachelor's degree, an M.D. or D.O., a residency and a state license. BLS reports a median pay of $275,930 per year (May 2025).
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 29-1210 |
| O*NET code | 29-1215.00, 29-1211.00 |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Median annual wage | $275,930 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 4 percent (as fast as average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 862,800 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a physician do?
BLS says physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance. They take medical histories and perform physical exams, document and update patient charts, order tests and consultations, review results to identify abnormal findings, recommend and implement treatment plans, answer patient questions and advise on nutrition, hygiene and other health topics.
Work environment
Physicians and surgeons work in both clinical and nonclinical settings. BLS counts 862,800 jobs in 2025, including 367,400 physicians in the all-other group, 114,300 family medicine physicians and 73,100 general internal medicine physicians.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says physicians typically earn a bachelor's degree plus an M.D. or D.O., with medical school taking about 4 more years. A residency of 3 to 9 years follows, and a fellowship of 1 to 3 years is optional. All states require physicians and surgeons to be licensed, which involves an accredited medical school, residency and national exams.
Skills that matter
BLS lists communication, compassion, attention to detail, dexterity, leadership, organization, patience, physical stamina and problem-solving as important qualities for this work.
How much does a physician make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $275,930 for physicians and surgeons (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of physicians and surgeons to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels as fast as average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 22,100 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Residency applications and state licensing run through formal processes, so plan with your medical school and state medical board.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Physician assistants, Nurse practitioners, Dentists, Registered nurses, Pharmacists.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a physician? BLS says medical school takes about 4 years after a bachelor's degree, followed by a residency of 3 to 9 years. A fellowship of 1 to 3 years is optional.
Do physicians need a license? Yes. BLS says all states require physicians and surgeons to be licensed, which requires an accredited medical school, residency and national exams.
How much do physicians and surgeons make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $275,930 for physicians and surgeons (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is physician a good career? BLS projects 4 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (as fast as average). About 22,100 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does a Physician Assistant Do? Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do? Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Dentist Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Registered Nurse Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physicians and surgeons: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 29-1215.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1215.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 29-1211.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1211.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.