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Salary sheet: occupational physician

Barthélemy

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In our other fact sheets devoted to the profession of occupational physician, we have highlighted all the facets of the job, except those related to remuneration. Now it's time to fill the gap.

Factors influencing an occupational physician's salary

Practice sector and career opportunities in occupational medicine

Occupational medicine offers a remarkable diversity of practice modes and professional contexts, in both the public and private sectors. Around 90% of occupational physicians work in inter-company services, generally in the form of 1901 law associations managed by employers and supervised by employee representatives. Each doctor is responsible for a geographical and/or professional sector, enabling him or her to develop targeted expertise.

In large companies (generally with more than 1,000 employees), the salary conditions for occupational physicians are even different. They may work in an autonomous department, as employees of the company. In this case, he or she is under the supervision of the social and economic committee (CSE) and works directly with in-house teams.

Other specific structures offer special working environments:

  • In the agricultural sector, doctors work under the auspices of the Mutualité Sociale Agricole (MSA) and collaborate closely with medical advisors and prevention specialists.
  • In the civil service, occupational health physicians are known as prevention physicians, and their missions remain equivalent.
  • In the hospital sector, they may be staff physicians, but they may also progress to a career in hospital medicine.
  • In public researchorganizations and national agencies (INSERM, INRS, ANSES, Santé Publique France...), consulting, coordination and research functions are also possible.
  • Lastly, some doctors work as Regional Medical Inspectors for Labor and Manpower (MIRTMO), with a mission to monitor and support occupational health policies.

Remuneration: factors of variation

An occupational physician's remuneration varies according to several criteria:

  • Sector of practice: in the public sector, salaries are governed by occupational medicine pay scales, but can be increased by bonuses depending on responsibilities. In the private sector, salaries are generally higher, with considerable room for negotiation, particularly in inter-company services.
  • Geographical location: certain rural or unattractive areas offer higher salaries, and may offer relocation assistance or company housing. In urban areas, salaries can be competitive due to strong competition between employers, but the cost of living puts this advantage into perspective for occupational physicians.
  • Additional responsibilities : working as a coordinating physician, in-house trainer or in technical sectors (heavy industry, nuclear, etc.) can lead to higher levels of remuneration. Involvement in prevention projects or research is another way to enhance your career.

Mobility and diversity of career paths

Occupational medicine is a field in which geographical and sectoral mobility is particularly easy (see our article Doctors: what installation assistance is available to you?) The whole of France, including French overseas departments and territories, offers positions in all sectors of activity (industry, transport, services, commerce, agriculture, etc.). This flexibility enables doctors to adapt their careers to their life choices, interests or professional development, and to apply for different occupational physician jobs at each stage of their career.

Average salary for an occupational physician in France

While it's difficult to establish the precise earnings of an occupational physician due to the criteria detailed above, it is nevertheless interesting to give averages according to experience and status. So, how much does an occupational physician earn? Here are some answers:

  • Gross salary for an experienced occupational physician: €90,000 to €120,000 gross per year.

As a reminder, an occupational physician's remuneration fluctuates according to the conditions in which he or she works.

Comparison with other medical specialties

Occupational physician vs. general practitioner

On a full-time basis, the monthly remuneration of an occupational health physician is higher than that of a salaried general practitioner, thanks in particular to a more favorable structuring of working hours, responsibilities and the valorization of certain specific missions. In the case of self-employed GPs, the comparison becomes more complex: while the gross income of a self-employed doctor may be higher in the case of a large patient base, he or she is also subject to substantial charges (contributions, insurance, practice costs, staff), high monthly variability and a considerable administrative burden.

In reality, the occupational physician benefits from salary stability, guaranteed leave, a pension scheme in line with that of salaried employees, and predictability in the organization of his or her work schedule, all of which are often underestimated when considering overall remuneration.

Occupational physician vs. medical specialist

Compared to technical medical specialties (surgery, anaesthesia, cardiology, etc.), the income of occupational physicians is generally lower, especially in private practice, where certain specialties can generate very high incomes. Nevertheless, occupational medicine is attracting more and more practitioners seeking a lasting balance between professional commitment and quality of life. It enables them to combine a varied medical practice, interdisciplinary teamwork and time management compatible with an active personal life.

In addition, when comparing doctors' salaries, it's also worth mentioning that the absence of on-call duty and chronic overload linked to the pressure of consultations or emergencies makes this specialty particularly attractive to those who value regularity, prevention and long-term relationships with companies and employees.

Salary development prospects for occupational physicians

Occupational medicine is not a linear career path: on the contrary, it offersstimulatingcareer prospects forthose who wish to broaden their field of action. With experience, we have seen that it is possible to take on management functions - coordinating doctor, medical director or department manager - involving both a strategic vision, the management of multidisciplinary teams and active participation in the governance of prevention policies. These functions naturally come with increased recognition, both institutionally and in terms of salary.

Last but not least, continuing training is a powerful lever for career advancement (see our occupational health physician studies fact sheet). By specializing in fields such as toxicology, ergonomics, mental health or risk management, through university diplomas (DU) or targeted certifications, occupational physicians can gain access to high value-added consultancy or expertise assignments. These skills are particularly sought-after in complex environments (high-risk industries, large corporations, research organizations), and often lead to better-paid, more strategic positions at the interface between the field, research and decision-making.

In short, while a career as an occupational health physician is more stable than most medical specialties, it remains attractive from a salary point of view, and offers the promise of great career prospects. A dedicated and ambitious occupational health physician will have plenty of scope to change his or her mode of practice, environment and remuneration.

Did you enjoy this article and would you like to read more? Read our job description for general practitioners.

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Occupational physician - Gentilly 94

Employee

4000 - 8000 per month

Gentilly

Job Occupational physician - Gentilly 94 We are recruiting an occupational physician M/F to join an agricultural health structure in Gentilly, in the Val-de-Marne, on a full-time or part-time permanent contract. Structure DNA The organization assigns practitioners to four sites and is looking to stabilize a doctor attached to a main site, with very little travel. The Gentilly site is ideally located, with attractive premises adapted to occupational health. In addition, the local team includes two nurses and an assistant, guaranteeing operational support. Description and duties You will be practicing occupational medicine within a structure dedicated to agricultural trades. Your main tasks will be : - Provide occupational health consultations for a variety of agricultural populations - Carry out periodic medical check-ups and examinations relating to occupational hazards specific to the agricultural sector - Participate in the evaluation of workstations and propose preventive measures - Work closely with nurses and the assistant to optimize employee follow-up Worth knowing: - Activity focused on agricultural trades: cereal growers, livestock farmers, pruners, etc. - Volume of activity: around 10 to 12 consultations per day - 1 teleworking day per week Compensation For this position, you will receive a salary of between €65,000 and €110,000 gross, depending on your experience. Benefits - Operational consultation platform adapted to occupational medicine - Incentive bonus - Possibility of one day of teleworking per week - 18-month training paid for - Professional insurance and registration with the Conseil de l'Ordre covered - Possibility of a company car Profile sought Qualified occupational physician in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the French Medical Council. Contact us on: 07 44 71 65 08 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference: 11772 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Benefit from a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with. Candidates from the European Union: JoberGroup, leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your activity: - Level B2 language training - Contact with our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration with the French Medical Association - Dedicated consultant to support you

Occupational physician - Le Mée-sur-Seine 77

Employee

4000 - 8000 per month

Boissise-la-Bertrand

Job Occupational physician - Le Mée-sur-Seine 77 We are recruiting an occupational physician M/F to join an agricultural healthcare organization in Le Mée-sur-Seine, Seine-et-Marne, on a full-time or part-time permanent contract. Structure DNA The organization assigns practitioners to four sites and is looking to stabilize a doctor attached to a main site, with very little travel. The Le Mée-sur-Seine site is ideally located, with attractive premises adapted to occupational health. In addition, the local team includes two nurses and an assistant, guaranteeing operational support. Description and duties You will work as an occupational physician in a structure dedicated to the agricultural sector. Your main tasks will be : - Provide occupational health consultations for a variety of agricultural populations - Carry out periodic medical check-ups and examinations relating to occupational hazards specific to the agricultural sector - Participate in the evaluation of workstations and propose preventive measures - Work closely with nurses and the assistant to optimize employee follow-up Worth knowing: - Focus on agricultural trades: cereal growers, livestock farmers, pruners, etc. - Volume of activity: around 10 to 12 consultations per day - 1 teleworking day per week Compensation For this position, you will receive a salary of between €65,000 and €110,000 gross, depending on your experience. Benefits - Operational consultation platform adapted to occupational medicine - Incentive bonus - Possibility of one day of teleworking per week - 18-month training paid for - Professional insurance and registration with the Conseil de l'Ordre covered - Possibility of a company car Profile sought Qualified occupational physician in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the French Medical Council. Contact us on: 07 44 71 65 08 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference: 11773 Candidates from the European Union: JoberGroup, leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your activity: - Language training (Level B2) - Contact with our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration with the French Medical Association - Dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Benefit from a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.

Occupational physician - Étampes 91

Employee

4000 - 8000 per month

Boutervilliers

Job Occupational physician - Étampes 91 We are recruiting an occupational physician M/F to join an agricultural healthcare organization in Étampes, Essonne, on a full-time or part-time permanent contract. Structure DNA The organization assigns practitioners to four sites and is looking to stabilize a doctor attached to a main site, with very little travel. The Étampes site is ideally located, with attractive premises adapted to occupational health. In addition, the local team includes two nurses and an assistant, guaranteeing operational support. Description and duties You will be practicing occupational medicine within a structure dedicated to agricultural trades. Your main tasks will be : - Provide occupational health consultations for a variety of agricultural populations - Carry out periodic medical check-ups and examinations relating to occupational hazards specific to the agricultural sector - Participate in the evaluation of workstations and propose preventive measures - Work closely with nurses and the assistant to optimize employee follow-up Worth knowing: - Focus on agricultural trades: cereal growers, livestock farmers, pruners, etc. - Volume of activity: around 10 to 12 consultations per day - 1 teleworking day per week Compensation For this position, you will receive a salary of between €65,000 and €110,000 gross, depending on your experience. Benefits - Operational consultation platform adapted to occupational medicine - Incentive bonus - Possibility of one day of teleworking per week - 18-month training paid for - Professional insurance and registration with the Conseil de l'Ordre covered - Possibility of a company car Profile sought Qualified occupational physician in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the French Medical Council. Contact us on: 07 44 71 65 08 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference: 11775 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Benefit from a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with. Candidates from the European Union: JoberGroup, leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your activity: - Language training (Level B2) - Contact with our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration with the French Medical Association - Dedicated consultant to support you.

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