How to hire a primary care provider

How to hire a primary care provider, step by step

Here's a step-by-step primary care provider hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a primary care provider job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new primary care provider
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a primary care provider do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your primary care provider job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a primary care provider for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A primary care provider's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, primary care providers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents primary care provider salaries for various positions.

   Type of Primary Care Provider	Description	Hourly rate
   Primary Care Provider	Personal care aides help clients with self-care and everyday tasks. They also provide social supports and assistance that enable clients to participate in their communities.	$10-27
   Companion	A companion is responsible for assisting sick and recovered patients, as well as the elderly. Companions perform housekeeping duties, ensuring that a facility is well-maintained and safe for the use of the patients... Show more	$10-18
   Sitter	A sitter is responsible for assisting medical needs under the supervision of an attending physician, registered nurses, and other health professionals. Sitters monitor the patients' daily activities and perform medical duties such as taking the patient's temperature, administering medications, monitoring food intake, helping with bathing needs, and responding to the patients' inquiries, concerns, and requests... Show more	$9-18

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Patients
   • Internal Medicine
   • Family Practice
   • Patient Care
   • Urgent Care
   • NP
   • Medical Care
   • Primary Care
   • Behavioral Health
   • Mental Health
   • Compassion
   • Acute Care
   • Diagnostic Tests
   • Chronic Disease

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage provider network to include verifying claims and benefits for healthcare providers/members and insurance companies.
   • Work alongside ABA therapists to continue to apply appropriate behavioral techniques.
   • Examine patients and carefully analyze test results and information gather during examinations to properly diagnose illnesses and diseases.
   • Used strong oral and written communications skills to develop and maintain effective relationships with patients, co-workers and international medical professionals.
   • Provide caring companionship to developmentally disabled/elderly residents.
   • Assist with toileting, including bedpans, urinals and commode chairs.

   More primary care provider duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your primary care provider job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A primary care provider salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a primary care provider in Mississippi may be lower than in Connecticut, and an entry-level primary care provider usually earns less than a senior-level primary care provider. Additionally, a primary care provider with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average primary care provider salary

   $35,422yearly

   $17.03 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level primary care provider salary

   $21,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 22, 2026

   Average primary care provider salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$58,390	$28
   2	New Jersey	$55,943	$27
   3	Massachusetts	$55,077	$26
   4	New York	$53,401	$26
   5	Alaska	$50,948	$24
   6	Maryland	$49,347	$24
   7	Virginia	$43,374	$21
   8	Nevada	$40,646	$20
   9	Oregon	$40,641	$20
   10	Pennsylvania	$40,463	$19
   11	Illinois	$35,722	$17
   12	South Carolina	$32,924	$16
   13	Texas	$32,824	$16
   14	South Dakota	$32,515	$16
   15	Georgia	$32,396	$16
   16	North Carolina	$30,842	$15
   17	North Dakota	$30,448	$15
   18	Arizona	$29,818	$14
   19	Ohio	$29,780	$14
   20	Kansas	$28,910	$14

   Average primary care provider salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	AstraZeneca	$143,102	$68.80
   2	KPG	$95,404	$45.87
   3	Parkland Hospital	$76,916	$36.98
   4	Washington Regional Medical Center	$74,949	$36.03	3
   5	Highmark	$73,918	$35.54	87
   6	Children's Minnesota	$67,462	$32.43	4
   7	La Paloma Urgent Care & Physician Offices	$64,713	$31.11
   8	OSF HealthCare	$63,194	$30.38	115
   9	CareOregon	$48,579	$23.36	2
   10	Rogue Community Health	$46,256	$22.24	5
   11	The Arora Group	$45,456	$21.85	22
   12	Medical University of South Carolina	$44,897	$21.59	51
   13	University of Nebraska System	$44,829	$21.55
   14	Spectrum Healthcare Resources	$43,890	$21.10	3
   15	University of Nebraska Medical Center	$42,239	$20.31	18
   16	Scripps Health	$41,114	$19.77	22
   17	Americares	$40,648	$19.54
   18	Job’s Peak Primary Care	$39,422	$18.95	8
   19	HealthTrust	$39,191	$18.84	13
   20	Jackson Physician Search	$38,607	$18.56	2

4. Writing a primary care provider job description

   A good primary care provider job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a primary care provider job description:

   Primary care provider job description example

   Job DescriptionThe primary role of the Physician is to provide compassionate care; to integrate a patient centered approach with the reputation and integrity of Premier Family Health. This physician will focus on a team approach to provide excellent patient experiences and deliver innovative, value-based care. Provide the full scope of primary care services which fall under his/her field of training, including but not limited to diagnosis, treatment, coordination of care, preventive care and health maintenance to patients two (2) years of age and above. In addition, a Primary Care Physician is a member of the Premier Family Health Medical team. In that capacity they are expected to be familiar with the philosophy, goals and objectives of the Practice and work collaboratively to achieve them. They must be cognizant of, and comply with, all Premier Family Health policies and procedures, as well as pertinent state and federal regulations.
   Responsibilities Building a patient-focused medical practice. Demonstrate the philosophy, mission and core values associated with Patient First in performance of job responsibilities, including courteous and cooperative behavior toward patients, visitors, volunteers, and peers. Obtain health history and perform physical examinations. Diagnose and direct counseling for each patient on a plan for treatment. Promoting health by advising patients concerning diet, hygiene, and methods of prevention of disease. Provide educational opportunities to patients on wellness, prevention, and early detection by providing materials and resources to patients and families. Prescribe medication in accordance with Florida statute and professional practice guidelines. Perform minor surgical procedures. Provide appropriate and accurate documentation within office encounter to support assessment and plan of care. Complete all charts, lab/diagnostics review and Telephone request (if applicable) on the day of visit assuring completeness and accuracy. Take responsibility for comprehensive and accurate coding of each patient encounter submitted the day of encounter. Providing feedback to Medical Director and Practice Administrator on effective mechanisms to improve patient flow, patient care, EMR documentation, diagnostic testing options, and nutraceutical therapeutics. Actively participates or supports the quality/performance initiatives of the practice, including: Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Meaningful Use (MU) Hospital Based Cost Savings Program Facilitates access for same day add on appointments, Transitional Care Management visits, and Chronic Care Management patients. Building an internal and external referral network that results in chronically ill patients judiciously using current in-house services as well as those which support our mission. Initiate and/or arrange referral for patients requiring services not offered at Premier. Review incoming reports (e.g. lab, x-ray, EKG) sign, date and follow-up in a timely manner (including appropriate documentation encounter). Participate in outreach and off-site health care programs in the Premier service area as assigned by the Medical Director. Comply with the Premier Infection Control plan which includes personally utilizing universal precautions. Ensure compliance by support staff. Participate in peer review, quality assurance, provider meetings, and other clinical meetings. Working closely with team members to optimize the patient care experience. Follow organizational policies, procedures, and protocols. Maintain confidentiality of all patient information according to federal guidelines and regulations. Assist in updating protocols and principles of practice as requested. Assist in outside medical public relations functions (as appropriate). Adhere to productivity standards and meet at least the minimum requirement. Fulfill all requirements as detailed in the Employment Contract and meet all regular responsibilities of a Premier Family Health physician. Demonstrates support, teamwork, and collegiality with peers in all practice locations SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
   Instructs and advises subordinate staff members in the satisfactory completion clinical tasks.
   Supervises students in training as appropriate and requested by the Medical Director.
   Supervises mid-level practitioners (physician assistants and nurse practitioners). Required Skills 1. Current Florida State Medical License
   2. Current D.E.A. Certificate
   3. Board Eligible or Board Certified in Family Practice or Internal Medicine. If Board Eligible at the time of hire, must be Board Certified within 3 years of hire date.
   4. Insurability (malpractice)
   5. Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (CPR)
   6. ACLS or Advanced Life Support within 12 months of employment, if appropriate
   7. Proficiency in EMR documentation.
   8. Knowledge in MRA Coding and/or Capitated Contracts is a benefit.
   PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to manipulate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right primary care provider for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your primary care provider job on Zippia to find and recruit primary care provider candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit primary care providers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new primary care provider

   Once you have selected a candidate for the primary care provider position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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