Washington State’s Physician Workforce in 2021


  • Abstract

    In 2021 the estimated number of physicians providing direct patient care in Washington was 17,736, approximately 15% higher than the estimated number practicing in 2014.

    There were an estimated 228 physicians per 100,000 population providing direct patient care in Washington State in 2021, including 81 primary care physicians per 100,000 population.

    The mean age of Washington’s practicing physicians was 52 years. Women comprised 41% of the state’s physician workforce and 52% of the primary care, including 68% of general pediatricians.

    Compared with urban areas, most rural areas of Washington had fewer physicians per 100,000 population and many rural counties had high percentages of physicians age 55 or older.


  • Authors:

    Dahal A, Skillman SM

  • Journal/Publisher:

    Center for Health Workforce Studies, University of Washington

  • Edition:

    Jul 2022.

  • Documents:

    Full Report

  • Citation:

    Dahal A, Skillman SM. Washington State’s Physician Workforce in 2021. Center for Health Workforce Studies, University of Washington, Jul 2022.

  • Related Studies:

    Washington State’s Physician Workforce