What is an Internist?
Position Description Physicians who diagnose and provide non-surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems. Provide care mainly for adults who have a wide range of problems associated with the internal organs.
Life As an Internist
- Advise surgeon of a patient’s risk status and recommend appropriate intervention to minimize risk.
- Plan, implement, or administer health programs in hospitals, businesses, or communities for prevention and treatment of injuries or illnesses.
- Analyze records, reports, test results, or examination information to diagnose medical condition of patient.
- Prepare government or organizational reports on birth, death, and disease statistics, workforce evaluations, or the medical status of individuals.
- Immunize patients to protect them from preventable diseases.
- Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, students, assistants, specialists, therapists, and other medical staff.
Featured schools near , edit
Internist Skills
When polled, Internists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Gastroenterologist
- Physician
- General Doc
- Staff Internist, Office-Based Only
- Associate Medical Director for Adolescent Services
Internist Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 49,800 jobs for Internist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 7,200 new jobs for Internist by 2026. The BLS estimates 2,100 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Internist are Arizona, Oregon, and Maryland. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Rhode Island, or North Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for an Internist
The average yearly salary of an Internist ranges between $57,420 and $208,000.

Internists who work in Alabama, Alaska, or Arizona, make the highest salaries.
How much do Internists make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $236,850 |
Alaska | $226,770 |
Arizona | $217,820 |
Arkansas | $220,010 |
California | $207,050 |
Colorado | $220,070 |
Connecticut | $236,460 |
Delaware | $182,950 |
District of Columbia | $150,430 |
Florida | $204,230 |
Georgia | $111,250 |
Hawaii | $212,360 |
Idaho | $195,330 |
Illinois | $195,610 |
Indiana | $197,370 |
Iowa | $211,250 |
Kansas | $197,440 |
Kentucky | $194,150 |
Louisiana | $194,910 |
Maine | $236,220 |
Maryland | $177,670 |
Massachusetts | $246,240 |
Minnesota | $251,310 |
Mississippi | $240,050 |
Missouri | $230,620 |
Montana | $205,220 |
Nebraska | $259,500 |
Nevada | $260,100 |
New Hampshire | $265,930 |
New Jersey | $249,200 |
New Mexico | $267,630 |
New York | $195,250 |
North Carolina | $260,860 |
North Dakota | $191,700 |
Ohio | $219,910 |
Oklahoma | $216,910 |
Oregon | $251,050 |
Pennsylvania | $208,400 |
Rhode Island | $195,430 |
South Carolina | $223,900 |
South Dakota | $287,890 |
Tennessee | $208,860 |
Texas | $145,230 |
Utah | $229,850 |
Vermont | $221,310 |
Virginia | $224,700 |
Washington | $220,150 |
Wisconsin | $251,480 |
Wyoming | $275,350 |
What Tools & Technology do Internists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Internists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Email software
- MEDITECH software
- Scheduling software
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Epic Systems
- Billing software
- GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
- Practice management software PMS
- eClinicalWorks
- Allscripts Professional EHR
- e-MDs software
- SOAPware EMR
- ChartWare EMR
- Novell GroupWise
- Practice Partner Total Practice Partner
- Medical reference software
- MedcomSoft Record
How do I Become an Internist?
What education or degrees do I need to become an Internist?

What work experience do I need to become an Internist?

Where do Internists Work?

The table below shows the approximate number of Internists employed by various industries.

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming an Internist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |