Choosing the right state to practice internal medicine can influence career satisfaction, earning potential, and work–life balance. Whether you’re an early-career internal medicine specialist building a patient base or an experienced provider looking to relocate, location matters.

The list below features the top 10 states that offer the most favorable conditions for internal medicine physicians—blending salary potential, growth opportunities (clinical, stewardship, and public-health roles), and supportive health care and public-health infrastructure.

1. Wisconsin – Among the highest-paying states for general internal medicine physicians, with an annual mean salary of $304,150, and the state has an estimated need for about 205 primary care physicians, a category that includes general internal medicine.
2. Minnesota – Ranks among the top states for internal medicine compensation, with an annual mean salary of $294,060, and an estimated need for about 131 additional primary care physicians.
3. South Dakota – A top state for internal medicine compensation, with an annual mean salary of $316,690, and an estimated need for about 45 additional primary care physicians.
4. Kentucky – Among the top states for internal medicine compensation, with an annual mean salary of $283,180, and an estimated need for about 385 additional primary care physicians.
5. Indiana – Has an estimated need for about 207 additional primary care physicians, an annual mean salary for internal medicine physicians is $282,410, and 5 medical specialty programs.
6. Texas – Ranks third nationally in employed internal medicine physicians, with an annual mean salary of $224,640, an estimated need for about 362 additional primary care physicians, and 40 medical specialty programs.
7. Ohio – Has an estimated need for about 411 additional primary care physicians and the annual mean salary of $205,760.
8. Tennessee – Needs about 383 additional primary care physicians, has an annual mean salary of $155,070, and offers 10 medical specialty programs.
9. Florida – Has an estimated need for about 1,431 additional primary care physicians—the largest statewide gap in the nation—and offers 49 medical specialty programs.
10. Georgia – Has an estimated need for about 563 additional primary care physicians and offers 19 medical specialty programs.

Sources: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, Healthgrades, Health Resources and Services Administration, US Bureau of Labor Statistics