A hematologist is a medical doctor who specializes in hematology, the study and treatment of disorders related to the blood and blood-forming tissues. Hematologists diagnose and treat anemia, bleeding disorders, clotting disorders, and blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. They perform examinations of the bone marrow, administer blood transfusions, evaluate clotting disorders, and work with other specialists in the treatment of bone cancers.

There is an increase in demand for hematologists with a report from the American Society of Clinical Oncology projecting there will be a shortage by 2025.

Top 5 Highest and Lowest Paying States for Hematologist Jobs in the US

Specific salary data can vary by state and over time. Salaries are influenced by the demand for the specialty, cost of living, and regional economic conditions. As of January 2022, the highest and lowest paying states for hematologists are as follows:

Top 5 Highest Paying States for Hematologists:

  1. California
  2. New York
  3. Texas
  4. Florida
  5. Massachusetts

These states tend to have higher average salaries for doctors due to state population density, demand for healthcare services, and economic environment.

Top 5 Lowest Paying States for Hematologist

  1. Mississippi
  2. Arkansas
  3. Montana
  4. South Dakota
  5. West Virginia

These states have lower average salaries for doctors but also a lower cost of living. The state data varies slightly between resources.

Median salary, Entry-level salary, and Average salary

The median salary for a hematologist in the U.S. is influenced by experience, location, and specialization within hematology. Entry-level salaries for those just starting their careers after the completion of residency or fellowship may be lower than the median and based on demand for their specialty. Traveling hematologists may receive compensation that includes higher hourly rates or additional benefits due to the temporary nature of their assignment. Non-traveling hematologists working in a permanent position may have variations in their salary based on geographic location, type of healthcare institution, and expertise level.

Average Hematologist Job Salary by State (for non-traveling doctors)

StateAnnual SalaryWeekly SalaryHourly Wage
Alabama$177,716$3,417$85.44
Alaska$202,388$3,892$97.30
Arizona$182,715$3,513$87.84
Arkansas$184,575$3,549$88.74
California$202,433$3,892$97.32
Colorado$233,238$4,485$4,485
Connecticut$180,334$3,467$86.70
Delaware$218,508$4,202$105.05
Florida$146,517$2,817$70.44
Georgia$165,556$3,183$79.59
Hawaii$195,694$3,763$94.08
Idaho$193,843$3,727$93.19
Illinois$216,308$4,159$103.99
Indiana$186,573$3,587$89.70
Iowa$179,095$3,444$86.10
Kansas$168,462$3,239$80.99
Kentucky$195,706$3,763$94.09
Louisiana$163,727$3,148$78.72
Maine$197,447$3,797$94.93
Maryland$211,543$4,068$101.70
Massachusetts$248,208$4,773$119.33
Michigan$193,020$3,711$92.80
Minnesota$187,526$3,606$90.16
Mississippi$178,920$3,440$86.02
Missouri$206,102$3,963$99.09
Montana$179,963$3,460$86.52
Nebraska$206,809$3,977$99.43
Nevada$191,367$3,680$92.00
New Hampshire$192,562$3,703$92.58
New Jersey$196,569$3,780$94.50
New Mexico$186,760$3,591$89.79
New York$216,009$4,154$103.85
North Carolina$200,222$3,850$96.26
North Dakota$199,395$3,834$95.86
Ohio$182,358$3,506$87.67
Oklahoma$200,280$3,851$96.29
Oregon$199,431$3,835$95.88
Pennsylvania$197,871$3,805$95.13
Rhode Island$184,723$3,552$88.81
South Carolina$204,442$3,931$98.29
South Dakota$188,450$3,624$90.60
Tennessee$174,100$3,348$83.70
Texas$192,714$3,706$92.65
Utah$174,101$3,348$83.70
Vermont$211,242$4,062$101.56
Virginia$215,044$4,135$103.39
Washington$235,711$4,532$113.32
West Virginia$152,818$2,938$73.47
Wisconsin$194,434$3,739$93.48
Wyoming$189,257$3,639$90.99
**Data from ZipRecruiter

Average Hematologist Job Salary by State (for traveling doctors)

StateAnnual SalaryWeekly SalaryHourly Wage
All US States$306,187$5,888$147
Data from ZipRecruiter- “Contract Hematologist” “Traveling Hematologist”

What is the average incentive bonus for Hematologist Job?

Incentive bonuses can vary based on geographic location, experience, the type of healthcare institution, and market factors. The bonus may also be based on performance metrics, patient outcomes, research productivity, etc. According to Comparably, the average bonus for a Hematologist is $20,532 which represents 8% of their salary.

Employed vs. self-employed Hematologist Job

Salaries differ significantly between employed and self-employed hematologists. Employed hematologists receive a stable income, health insurance, retirement plans and time off. They have less financial risk and administrative responsibilities compared to their self-employed colleagues.

Self-employed hematologists, whether in private practice or independent contractors, have the potential for higher earnings, but face the difficulties of managing overhead costs, staff salaries, office rent, and equipment.

Self-employed hematologists receive income from patient consultations, procedures, and services, and have greater control over their practices, but must navigate billing, insurance, and business management. Traveling doctors are often independent contractors and can be considered self-employed.

How to do an effective Hematologist job search

It is easy to find a hematologist job with PRNHealthcare. Find the Physician link at the top of our website. Use the physician job search bar by searching “I am a MD” and select the specialty, “Hematologist.” Finally, use the location bar to select your state and city of choice.

Most common benefits for Hematologist 

Being a hematologist comes with both professional and personal benefits including:

  1. Clinical Impact – Hematologists make a significant impact on the lives of their patients by diagnosing and treating a range of blood disorders like anemia and leukemia.
  2. Diverse Specialization – The field is diverse which allows a hematologist to work in many areas keeping their jobs stimulating and fulfilling.
  3. Research – Many hematologists are involved in research which allows them to actively contribute to the advancement of medicine which can be intellectually rewarding.
  4. Collaboration with Colleagues – Hematologists often work with many other specialists, enhancing networking and fostering a multidisciplinary approach to complex patient cases.
  5. Continuous Learning – As medicine evolves, hematologists have an opportunity to continually learn by keeping up with the latest diagnostics, treatments, and technologies.
  6. Patient Relationships – Hematologists build long-term relationships with their patients by managing chronic conditions which is rewarding as the patient’s health improves.
  7. Job Stability – Hematologists benefit from job security due to the prevalence of blood disorders and their role in medicine.
  8. Professional Recognition – Hematologists often receive recognition because of their specialized knowledge and contributions to patient care and medicine.  

While the path to becoming a hematologist involves rigorous education and training, the combination of professional stimulation, fulfillment, lifelong learning, and the potential to impact the lives of your patients makes it a rewarding career choice for many medical professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a hematologist?

The average salary can vary based on experience, location, and the type of healthcare institution. According to salary.com, the average salary for a hematologist is $211,509, but the salary can range from $168,990 to $227,513 as of 2023.

Do hematologists earn more in different regions?

Yes, salaries vary by region due to differences in the cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and regional economic differences.

Is there a difference in salary between academic and private practice hematologist?

Yes, there can be differences in salary between academic institutions, private practice, and hospital settings.

Do hematologists receive bonuses or additional benefits?

Yes, many are eligible for a bonus based on performance metrics, patient outcomes, and research productivity. In addition, they receive health insurance, retirement benefits, and continuing education support.

How does having a sub specialization impact a hematologist’s salary?

Those with subspecialties such as pediatrics or oncology have a higher earning potential due to their expertise.