Pulmonologists are involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and the prevention of diseases and disorders of the respiratory system. Pulmonologist play a significant role in helping the patients suffering from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory infections, lung cancers etc. Pulmonologist salary in India ranges between RS. 12 lakh and Rs. 35 lakh depending on the areas of expertise and years of experience.

Average Pulmonologist Salary in India

In India, pulmonologists receive competitive pay that varies greatly based on their region, expertise, and the kind of organization they work for. Particularly in private or corporate hospitals, pulmonologists who work in major cities and in specialty fields like critical care or sleep medicine can earn higher salaries.

The average salary of pulmonologist soon after their qualification, when they work as a junior consultant and in smaller healthcare facilities ranges between Rs.8 and Rs. 12 lakh. As they gain more experience in handling complex cases, they command higher salaries. And senior pulmonologists having extensive experience and running their own successful clinics and hospitals can earn significantly higher salaries.

Salary Breakdown of Pulmonologists by Experience:

In India, pulmonologists’ pay is mostly based on their experience level. A thorough analysis of pulmonologist pay by experience level may be found below.

• Entry Level Pulmonologists (0-3 years of experience): Pulmonologists usually serve as junior consultants at this point, helping senior physicians with respiratory diseases, diagnostic procedures, and acquiring specific knowledge in fields such as sleep medicine or critical care. The average salary of pulmonologists at this stage of their life is between Rs. 8 and Rs. 12 lakhs per annum.

• Mid-Career Pulmonologists (4-7 years of experience): Pulmonologists in their mid-career typically oversee respiratory care teams and handle their own cases. In academic institutions, they could have additional teaching or administrative duties, execute more complex procedures, and participate in patient education. In government institutions, pulmonologists with three to ten years of expertise can get between ₹10 and ₹15 lakhs a year. Mid-career pulmonologists get much more money in private hospitals, usually between ₹15 and ₹25 lakhs a year.

• Experienced Pulmonologist (8 to 10 years of experience of more): The average salary of pulmonologist with 8-10 years experience is between Rs. 20- Rs. 40 lakhs per annum. In addition to performing intricate and dangerous treatments, senior pulmonologists frequently serve as mentors to junior physicians and head pulmonology departments or specialized clinics. They might also work in administration, teaching, and research.

Factors affecting Pulmonologist salaries:

Reputation in the Field: Pulmonologists who have a solid track record of successfully treating respiratory conditions typically make more money. Higher consultation fees and wages are demanded by those who are recognized for managing complicated problems or well-known patients.

Specialization: Compared to those who provide general consultations, pulmonologists who perform specialty procedures such as bronchoscopies, sleep tests, or interventional pulmonology typically make more money. Procedures are more profitable and frequently cost more.

Geographic location: Pulmonologists in big cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai typically make much more money. Entry-level positions typically pay between ₹12 and ₹18 lakhs, while senior pulmonologists can make up to ₹30 to ₹40 lakhs.

Experience: The pay for pulmonologists rises with experience. Senior pulmonologists (10+ years) can make up to ₹30 lakhs a year, whereas entry-level pulmonologists (0-3 years) usually make between ₹8 and ₹12 lakhs. Their capacity to manage complex problems is influenced by experience, which raises compensation.

International training and certifications: In India, pulmonologists with training or certificates from prestigious overseas institutions, especially those in the US, UK, or Australia—generally commands higher pay. This is due to the fact that foreign exposure frequently adds credibility and knowledge, which increases their appeal to private clinics and hospitals.