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Hematologists are needed across the country to diagnose and treat blood disorders ranging from anemia and clotting conditions to leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers.
However, identifying the best place to practice is not as simple as choosing the state with the highest average salary. Demand can vary by community, employer, patient population and area of specialization. Physicians should also consider the practice setting, available support and type of work they want to pursue.
Why Is Demand for Hematologists Growing?
Demand is being shaped by an aging population, advances in treatment and the growing number of patients who require specialized care for blood disorders and cancer.
The American Society of Hematology has also raised concerns about shortages within the field. In an ASH survey of practicing hematologists, 46% reported a shortage of physicians specializing in classical hematology, while 31% reported a shortage of specialists focused on blood cancers.
More recent oncology workforce research also found that the number of medical and hematology oncologists relative to the population age 55 and older declined between 2014 and 2024. This may place additional pressure on healthcare organizations as the population ages and cancer cases increase.
Where Are Hematologists Needed Most?
There is no single state ranking that captures every area of need. Hematology opportunities are often concentrated around cancer centers, academic medical centers, children’s hospitals and larger health systems.
At the same time, many smaller cities and rural communities have difficulty recruiting specialists. Physicians in these locations may serve large geographic areas or care for patients who would otherwise need to travel long distances for treatment.
Demand may be especially strong for physicians with experience in:
- Classical or nonmalignant hematology
- Hematologic malignancies
- Bone marrow and stem cell transplantation
- Sickle cell disease
- Bleeding and clotting disorders
- Pediatric hematology
- Combined hematology-oncology care
Physicians who are open to a broader geographic search may find opportunities with greater leadership responsibilities, recruitment incentives or flexibility.
Should Compensation Determine Where You Practice?
Compensation is an important part of any job decision, but average state salaries do not provide a complete picture.
Hematologist compensation can vary based on subspecialty, clinical volume, call responsibilities, academic duties and whether the physician practices hematology alone or in a combined hematology-oncology role.
Employers may also offer signing bonuses, relocation assistance, student loan support and other recruitment incentives. Physicians should compare the full compensation package along with housing costs and other local expenses.
Consider the Type of Hematology Practice
A hematology career can look very different from one organization to another.
A physician at an academic medical center may divide time among patient care, research and teaching. A community-based hematologist-oncologist may treat a broader mix of blood disorders and cancers. Other physicians may focus on a specific condition, patient population or treatment program.
Before choosing a location, ask how much of the role will involve classical hematology, oncology, inpatient coverage, research or administrative responsibilities. This can help prevent a position from looking different in practice than it did on paper.
Look Beyond the Location
The best hematology opportunity should support both your clinical interests and the way you want to work.
When comparing positions, consider patient volume, call expectations, infusion services, laboratory resources and access to advanced treatments. It is also helpful to understand the size of the care team and whether the organization has enough nurses, advanced practice providers, pharmacists and other specialists to support the program.
Physicians interested in research or academic medicine should also ask about protected time, available funding and teaching expectations.
Finding the Right Hematology Opportunity
The best place to practice hematology will depend on your professional and personal priorities. Some physicians may prefer the research resources of a major academic center, while others may value greater autonomy or the chance to expand specialty care in an underserved community.
Instead of relying on a general list of states, compare current openings and evaluate how each opportunity fits your clinical interests, lifestyle and long-term goals.
Find Hematology Physician Jobs
Healthcare organizations across the country are recruiting physicians to provide care for patients with blood disorders and blood cancers.
Search hematology physician jobs on PracticeMatch to explore opportunities by location, employer and practice setting.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated in August 2026 to reflect current hematology workforce trends and career considerations.