Best and Worst States for Physicians in 2020
Evan Winter
For physicians conducting a job search, location can be an important detail in determining cost of living, compensation, insurance rates, available entertainment, how to raise a family, and many more factors that contribute to overall quality of life. The choice of practice location will often lock a physician into that area for a long time, and if they are graduating from residency or fellowship, doctors may feel overwhelmed with decisions.
WalletHub conducted a study on the best and worst states for physicians to practice in 2020 using a variety of metrics including annual wages, current competition, and medical malpractice insurance costs. We’ve included their overall rankings, as well as some notable subcategories below.
10 Best States
Many of the best states are in the Midwest due to high average compensation driven by greater demand. These areas also tend to be safer for living and raising a family due to their remoteness and low crime rates.
- Montana
- Wisconsin
- Idaho
- North Dakota
- Minnesota
- Kansas
- Iowa
- Tennessee
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
10 Worst States (& D.C.)
The worst states tend toward the Northeast where metros are heavily populated and job competition is high. Public health and safety are rated lower than other areas of the U.S., and malpractice insurance is often more expensive.
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Alaska
- New Jersey
- District of Columbia
- Maryland
- Delaware
- Hawaii
Least Punitive State Medical Boards
- Massachusetts
- New York
- Connecticut
Most Punitive State Medical Boards
- Maryland
- Nevada
- Kentucky
Least Expensive Annual Malpractice Liability
- Wisconsin
- Minnesota
- Kansas
Most Expensive Annual Malpractice Liability
- West Virginia
- District of Columbia
- Michigan
Lowest Projected Competition by 2026
- Nevada
- Oklahoma
- Mississippi
Highest Projected Competition by 2026
- New York
- Massachusetts
- Vermont
No matter where physicians are looking to settle down, Resolve makes searching for a job easier than ever. Resolve’s database of available positions includes those unposted by the employers themselves and the third-party recruiters employers may utilize. Resolve is not a recruiter, and instead works solely for physicians to uncover all available jobs in any area. Visit the job search page to learn more about how Resolve can help find the best position for you in the place you want to live.