Physicians who have had enough with clinical practice frequently consider what life as an employee at a health plan would be.

Matthew F. McManus, MD speaking at the SEAK Non-Clinical Careers for Physicians Conference addressed the issue of salary expectations:

What Might I Expect to Earn as a Health Plan Employee

  • Very wide variation but base salaries tend to run $160-$230K depending on degree of experience and type of role
  • Top CMO can make $300k+ as base
  • Think of total compensation
    • Bonus common – but tied to performance
    • Equity awards (varies)
    • Retirement contributions
    • CME, licensure, society dues, etc.