FAQ
Emergency Medicine Physician FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an emergency medicine physician.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an emergency medicine physician: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about emergency medicine physicians
How long does it take to become an ER doctor?
About 11–12 years after high school.
Do ER doctors take call?
Usually not; they work scheduled shifts.
Is emergency medicine stressful?
Yes, but many find it rewarding and like the shift schedule.
How much does an emergency medicine physician make?
The median annual wage for emergency medicine physicians was $335,550 ($161.32 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $103,610 and the highest 10% earned more than $495,910.
How long does it take to become an emergency medicine physician?
Most people need about 11–12 years after high school of training. Medical school plus a 3–4 year emergency medicine residency are required, along with a state license and board certification.
Do you need a degree to be an emergency medicine physician?
Yes. BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.
Is emergency medicine physician a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +3.2% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 900 openings each year. Upsides include very high pay; a common challenge is that night shifts and holidays.
What skills does an emergency medicine physician need?
Key technical skills include resuscitation, airway management, trauma care, and rapid diagnosis. Employers also value decisiveness, multitasking, and calm under pressure.
What certifications are available for emergency medicine physicians?
Common credentials include ABEM board certification, State medical license, ACLS, PALS and ATLS, and EMS or toxicology subspecialty. Physicians need a state medical license after licensing exams and residency.
Still deciding?
Try the Emergency Medicine Physician fit quiz, compare with Emergency Medical Technician, or explore Emergency Medicine Physician training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1214 (Emergency medicine physicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Emergency medicine physicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.