A specialist in age-related pathologies, the geriatrician plays a central role in the care of the elderly (as we have seen in our geriatrician job description), but how much does he or she actually earn? Basic salary, differences according to status, career prospects: this article offers a complete overview of a geriatrician's salary in France, taking into account the many factors that influence his or her income.
The basic salary of a geriatrician
Starting salary
At the start of their career, geriatricians employed in the public sector earn a gross monthly salary of between €6,000 and €7,000, depending on their grade and any associated bonuses (exclusive public service allowance, hospital career commitment bonus, etc.). This amount is slightly lower than in some other specialties, but can be supplemented by on-call duty.
In the private sector, income can vary considerably: a young geriatrician in a practice or a nursing home may have a slower start, as he or she builds up a patient base.
Salary progression with experience
With seniority and advancement to higher grades (senior hospital practitioner, department head, etc.), the salary of a hospital geriatrician can reach €8,000 to €10,000 gross per month, excluding additional remuneration.
In the private sector, a well-established practice can generate a net monthly income in excess of the above-mentioned sums, especially if there is strong local demand. Experience also influences the ability to diversify sources of income: expertise, participation in commissions, teaching, etc.
Variable factors influencing income
Geriatricians' salaries are influenced by a number of variables, depending on their career path, mode of practice and local context. Here are the main determinants:
- Experience: as in many medical specialties, seniority has a significant impact on remuneration. An experienced geriatrician, having acquired skills in coordination, ethics, palliative care or the management of complex cognitive disorders, will be able to move up to higher-paid positions of responsibility, or even diversify his or her activities (consultation, coordination, teaching, etc.).
- Location: place of practice plays a significant role. Geriatricians in under-supplied areas can benefit from incentives (installation bonuses, ARS grants), while those practicing in large conurbations have access to a larger patient base, but face increased competition. The cost of living, the density of the elderly population and the local supply of medico-social establishments are all factors to be taken into account when applying for a geriatrician job.
- Practice status: a geriatrician can choose to work as a salaried employee (in a hospital, EHPAD or clinic) or as a self-employed consultant (in a practice, nursing home or EHPAD consultation center). A self-employed geriatrician can set his or her own fees (within the limits of contractual agreements), which can generate a higher income, particularly if he or she develops a sustained level of activity. On the other hand, salaried employment offers income stability, paid vacations, full social security coverage and a lighter administrative burden.
- Areas of expertise: some geriatricians develop special expertise in highly valued fields: acute geriatrics, coordination of complex care pathways, palliative care, neurocognitive disorders, etc. Although geriatrics is a less technical specialty than cardiology or surgery, these cross-disciplinary skills may warrant specific recognition, especially in institutional or academic contexts.
Comparison with other medical specialties
Geriatrics vs. general medicine
The average income of a self-employedgeriatrician is often higher than that of a general practitioner, especially if he/she works in EHPAD or carries out complex assessments. On the other hand, general practice can offer a higher volume of activity and greater geographical flexibility. Generally speaking, geriatrics is more specialized. It involves a more fragile patient base, longer follow-up and closer coordination, which often justifies higher fees.
Geriatrics vs. other hospital specialties
Compared to other hospital specialties such as cardiology, surgery or radiology, geriatrics remains less remunerative in gross terms. Nevertheless, geriatricians benefit from a better quality of working life and constant needs due to an aging population.
Salary development prospects
Positions of responsibility and coordination functions
With experience, a geriatrician can move into positions such as department head, medical coordinator of EHPAD or mobile unit manager. In addition to their strategic role, these positions are accompanied by specific bonuses and salary increases. The organizational dimension of geriatrics also makes it possible to position oneself in cross-functional positions, such as geriatric department manager or regional coordinator.
Possibility of working in the private sector
Working in private clinics or follow-up and rehabilitation care (SSR) establishments offers better remuneration than in the public sector, thanks in particular to profit-sharing bonuses, fee-for-service fees and a better sharing of revenue linked to medical activity. Some geriatricians also choose to join private groups or mutual health insurance companies as referrers.
Complementarity with teaching and research
As a constantly evolving discipline, geriatrics also offers the opportunity to teach in medical schools or to take part in professional training courses (nursing assistants, health managers). Clinical and epidemiological research in the field of ageing and care for the elderly is a lever not only for scientific research, but also for public and private funding.
In short, a geriatrician's remuneration is proportional to his or her ambition. If he chooses to set up in private practice, develop his activity and increase his skills, his income can reach very high sums, rewarding the efforts made during long studies and a sustained work rhythm.
Did you enjoy this article and would you like to read more? Take a look at our job description for general practitioners.