A career as an immunology or allergy physician requires significant education and training. Job growth and salary for this field, though, is far above average. Following medical school and residency, specialization in immunology and licensure is required for this career.
Essential Information
Allergy and immunology physicians evaluate and treat patients who have asthma, eczema and other immune system disorders. They test patients for allergen sensitivity and provide therapy. Some allergy and immunology physicians do research. After completing medical school, they initially train in internal medicine or pediatrics before completing an allergy fellowship. Licensure is required in all states, and certification is available.
| Required Education | Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine |
| Other Requirements | Internal medicine or pediatrics residency Allergy-immunology fellowship Licensure Certification from the American Board of Allergy and Immunology |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 4% for all Physicians and surgeons |
| Median Annual Salary (2021)** | $179,511 for allergist-immunologist |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; **PayScale.com
Salary and Career Outlook for an Allergy and Immunology Physician
According to PayScale.com data from February 2021, the middle half of allergy and immunology physicians earned between about $106,000 and $234,000. The median salary was about $180,000. Outlook for physicians and surgeons in general should be good throughout the 2019-2029 decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The projected growth is due in part to an increase in patients seeking the latest diagnostic tests and therapies.
Career Information for an Allergy and Immunology Physician
Allergy and immunology physicians, also called immunologists or allergists, evaluate and treat conditions that affect the immune system. Immunological diseases and disorders can be both congenital and acquired. Examples of conditions treated by immunologists include respiratory tract diseases, such as asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis; adverse reactions to foods, drugs and insects; contact dermatitis, eczema and other skin rashes; autoimmune disorders like lupus; and immunodeficiency disorders. Some physicians also manage disorders arising from stem cell, bone marrow and organ transplants.
Duties
Allergy and immunology physicians test patients' responses to different allergens using skin sensitivity tests or oral, nasal, conjunctival or bronchial provocation tests. They also evaluate immune system competency.
After diagnosing a patient, an immunologist weights clinical data and patient preferences to develop a treatment or management plan. Treatments include inhalant immunotherapy, immunomodular therapy, immunoglobin therapy and venom immunotherapy. Along with treating patients and educating them about their conditions, these physicians also manage and coordinate with administrative staff and related health professionals.
Career Options
Following the completion of medical school, allergy and immunology physicians have the option of training in either an internal medicine or pediatrics residency. They typically then complete an allergy-immunology fellowship before earning certification from the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
Immunologists can work in medical centers, clinics, their own private offices or a group practice with other immunology physicians. Some allergy and immunology physicians also are scientists who spend part of their professional time performing medical research.
Allergy and immunology physicians must earn a bachelor's degree and complete medical school and a residency before beginning a fellowship in allergy-immunology. Some treat patients with allergies and immune disorders, while others focus on research in the field. Jobs for all types of physicians are expected to grow at an average rate through 2029, and salaries are high for this specialty.
