Emergency physicians saw a 6.7% gain in hourly compensation last year, reaching a national average of $119 per hour, according to a recent salary survey.

The National Emergency Physician Salary & Compensation Survey, conducted by Daniel Stern and Associates, found significant variations in compensation among the five regions of the country. The survey also showed a shift in geographic preference, with emergency physicians looking to move to southern and western regions.

According to the survey, average yearly compensation nationwide is $235,151. The breakdown by geographic region follows:

Southeast: $254, 686
North Central: $252, 054
West: $234,366
Northeast: $216, 271
South Central: $209,898

More than 800 emergency physicians in 48 states and the District of Columbia participated in the study, which is based on data that reflects compensation in 2006. The study contains data related to medical training and compensation; emergency medicine practice experience and compensation; hospital information; and detailed compensation and benefits information

The survey found that compensation varies widely according to a physician’s practice arrangement (employee, partner, or independent contractor), with partners earning the highest compensation. Nationally, an emergency physician who is an employee earns an average of $235,151, while a partner earns an average of $274,444. Only physicians in the independent contractor category showed salary declines or very small increases.

The data also showed that emergency department directors certified by ABEM or AOBEM earn about 12% more per year, about $34,000, than those without certification. Of those physicians who responded to the survey, 78% were emergency medicine board certified.

In addition to an increase in compensation, the survey found an increase in the demand for emergency physicians. More than 70% of respondents reported that their emergency department added physicians in the past 12 months and 58% said they plan to add physicians in the next 12 months.

About a third of the respondents, 35%, experienced a rise in the cost of their medical liability insurance. Forty percent of respondents said they considered quitting medicine due to those increases.