Emergency Medicine Physician Salary in California
The median emergency medicine physician salary in California is $452,600 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $310,000.
Emergency Medicine Physician Salary Overview in California (2026)
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for emergency medicine physician compensation. This places California in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for emergency medicine physicians seeking high pay. At $452,600 per year, emergency medicine physicians in California earn $142,600 more than the national median of $310,000.
It's worth noting that California's cost of living is 138% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $452,600 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $327,971.
The salary spread in California is significant: emergency medicine physicians at the 10th percentile earn $262,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $693,500 — a $430,700 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in California for this role is San Francisco, where the median reaches $589,000.
Nationally, emergency medicine physician employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for emergency medicine physicians across the country.
Emergency Medicine Physician Salary in California by Experience
In California, an entry-level emergency medicine physician earns around $270,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $671,600 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.
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View Offers You Qualify For →Salary Percentiles in California
| Percentile | CA Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $262,800 |
| 25th Percentile | $350,400 |
| Median (50th) | $452,600 |
| 75th Percentile | $584,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $693,500 |
Emergency Medicine Physician Salary by City in California
The largest employment areas for emergency medicine physicians in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.
How to Become a Emergency Medicine Physician in California
Education
Most emergency medicine physician positions require a doctoral degree. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook in California
Nationally, emergency medicine physician employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.
Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay
Data shows Emergency Medicine Physicians who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $219,000 over your career trajectory.
Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →Open to Emergency Medicine Physician Roles in California?
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