What Type Of Doctor Earns The Most Money? Neurosurgery tops the list as the highest-paid medical specialty, with an average annual income of $763,908. At thebootdoctor.net, we understand the importance of making informed decisions about your health and career, and we’re here to provide valuable insights into the world of medical professions and healthcare. From foot care to financial considerations, we’ve got you covered. Explore diverse medical career paths, understand income variations, and gain insights for informed decisions.
1. Highest-Paid Doctors In The US In 2025
It can be tricky to pinpoint exactly which doctors are the highest earners. We’ve compiled our list using data from the Physician Compensation Report:
| Specialty | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Neurosurgery | $763,908 |
| Thoracic Surgery | $720,634 |
| Orthopedic Surgery | $654,815 |
| Plastic Surgery | $619,812 |
| Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | $603,623 |
| Radiation Oncology | $569,170 |
| Cardiology | $565,485 |
| Vascular Surgery | $556,070 |
| Radiology | $531,983 |
| Urology | $529,140 |
| Gastroenterology | $514,208 |
| Otolaryngology (ENT) | $502,543 |
| Anesthesiology | $494,522 |
| Dermatology | $493,659 |
| Oncology | $479,754 |
| Ophthalmology | $468,581 |
| General Surgery | $464,071 |
| Colon & Rectal Surgery | $455,282 |
| Pulmonology | $410,905 |
| Emergency Medicine | $398,990 |
Brain Surgeon Jonathan Preminger
2. Highest-Paid Doctor Specialties In The US
2.1. Neurosurgery
Is neurosurgery the highest paid medical specialty? Absolutely, neurosurgery claims the top spot as the highest-paid medical specialty. Neurosurgery involves surgical procedures on the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, demanding a minimum seven-year residency. With an average annual compensation of $763,908, neurosurgeons lead the list. This field requires meticulous skill and extensive knowledge, reflecting its high compensation. Neurosurgeons address complex conditions such as brain tumors, spinal cord injuries, and nerve disorders. Their work often involves advanced technology and intricate procedures, contributing to the significant income they earn. The demanding nature of the specialty, combined with the critical role they play in patient care, justifies their position as the highest-paid doctors.
2.2. Thoracic Surgery
What does a thoracic surgeon do? Thoracic surgeons specialize in operating on organs within the chest, including the heart, lungs, and esophagus. With an average annual salary of $720,634, thoracic surgeons hold the second-highest position. Thoracic surgeons deal with critical conditions such as lung disease, heart failure, and congenital heart defects, requiring precision and expertise. These specialists often work with advanced surgical techniques, contributing to their high earning potential. The complexity and high-stakes nature of their work place them among the top-compensated medical professionals. The role demands not only surgical skill but also a deep understanding of cardiopulmonary physiology.
2.3. Orthopedic Surgery
Why is orthopedic surgery so highly compensated? Orthopedic surgeons focus on treating conditions related to the skeletal system, muscles, tendons, and joints. Orthopedics has become one of the highest-paid physician specialties in recent years, with an average annual income of $654,815. Orthopedic surgeons handle a wide range of issues, from sports injuries to joint replacements, making their expertise highly valuable. The demand for orthopedic procedures, particularly among aging populations and athletes, supports their high earning potential. This field combines surgical skills with a thorough understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy and biomechanics.
2.4. Plastic Surgery
What makes plastic surgery a lucrative field? Plastic surgeons specialize in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, covering nearly every part of the body. With plastic surgery residencies lasting six years, the average annual compensation for a plastic surgeon is $619,812. The combination of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures contributes to the high earning potential in this field. Plastic surgeons require artistic skill along with medical knowledge, making their work highly sought after. The demand for cosmetic enhancements and reconstructive solutions drives the financial success of plastic surgery.
2.5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
How does oral and maxillofacial surgery compare to other specialties? Although technically a dental specialty, oral and maxillofacial surgeons address diseases, defects, and injuries in the face, neck, head, jaws, and surrounding areas. These surgeons can expect to make an average annual salary of $603,623. Their unique skill set bridges the gap between medicine and dentistry, leading to high demand and compensation. These specialists perform complex procedures, including facial reconstruction and dental implants, contributing to their earning potential. The dual expertise required in both medical and dental fields makes them highly valued.
2.6. Radiation Oncology
What is the role of a radiation oncologist? Radiation oncologists specialize in treating cancers using radiation therapy, overseeing patient care, and ensuring understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of radiation therapy. Radiation oncologists earn $569,170 annually, on average. The critical nature of cancer treatment and the specialized knowledge required contribute to the high compensation in this field. Radiation oncologists work with cutting-edge technology to deliver precise and effective treatments. The combination of medical expertise and technological proficiency places them among the higher-paid medical professionals.
2.7. Cardiology
Why is cardiology a high-earning specialty? Cardiology focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in the cardiovascular system. Cardiology is generally a high-earning specialty, with the potential for even greater income based on specialization. A cardiologist’s average annual salary is $565,485. The complexity of heart-related issues and the demand for cardiac care contribute to the high compensation in this field. Cardiologists perform a range of procedures, from diagnostic tests to interventional treatments, making their skills highly valuable. The increasing prevalence of heart disease ensures a steady demand for cardiology services.
2.8. Vascular Surgery
What conditions do vascular surgeons treat? Vascular surgery is an umbrella term for a range of open surgeries and minimally invasive procedures involving blood vessels, treating conditions such as blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, and aneurysms. Vascular surgeons can expect an average salary of $556,070 yearly. The intricate nature of vascular procedures and the importance of maintaining circulatory health contribute to the high compensation in this field. Vascular surgeons require expertise in both surgical and endovascular techniques, enhancing their earning potential. The critical role they play in preventing strokes and other vascular complications makes them highly valued.
2.9. Radiology
How do radiologists contribute to medical care? Radiologists interpret medical images, such as X-rays, CT, MRI, and PET scans, to diagnose and treat illnesses. Radiologists can expect to earn an annual average salary of $531,983. Their diagnostic expertise is crucial for identifying a wide range of medical conditions, making them indispensable in healthcare. Radiologists work with advanced imaging technologies, requiring specialized knowledge and training. The demand for accurate and timely image interpretation ensures their high earning potential.
2.10. Urology
What is the focus of urology? Urology focuses on the study, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in both the urinary system and the male reproductive system. As of 2024, the average salary for urologists is $529,140 annually. The specialized knowledge required to treat urological conditions and the demand for related procedures contribute to the high compensation in this field. Urologists perform a variety of surgeries and medical treatments, making their skills highly valuable. The aging population and the prevalence of urological disorders ensure a steady demand for urology services.
2.11. Gastroenterology
What part of the body do gastroenterologists treat? Gastroenterologists treat and diagnose illnesses affecting the digestive system, including ailments impacting the stomach, esophagus, rectum, colon, small intestine, pancreas, bile ducts, gallbladder, and liver. On average, gastroenterologists make $514,208 annually. The breadth of conditions they treat and the demand for digestive health services contribute to the high compensation in this field. Gastroenterologists perform procedures such as colonoscopies and endoscopies, making their skills highly valuable. The increasing prevalence of digestive disorders ensures a steady demand for gastroenterology services.
2.12. Otolaryngology (ENT)
What does an otolaryngologist specialize in? Otolaryngologists specialize in head and neck disorders, commonly those affecting the ears, nose, and throat. Otolaryngologists make an average annual salary of $502,543. The combination of medical and surgical expertise required to treat ENT conditions contributes to the high compensation in this field. Otolaryngologists perform a variety of procedures, from ear tube insertions to sinus surgeries, making their skills highly valuable. The prevalence of ENT disorders ensures a steady demand for otolaryngology services.
2.13. Anesthesiology
How do anesthesiologists contribute to surgeries? Anesthesiologists care for patients before, during, and after surgeries, serving as experts in pain management and critical care medicine. The average annual salary of an anesthesiologist is $494,522. The critical role they play in ensuring patient safety and comfort during medical procedures contributes to the high compensation in this field. Anesthesiologists require extensive knowledge of pharmacology and physiology, making their skills highly valuable. The demand for anesthesia services in surgical and other medical settings ensures their steady employment.
2.14. Dermatology
What types of conditions do dermatologists treat? Dermatologists specialize in conditions impacting the skin, hair, and nails, with the four main types being general/medical, aesthetic, surgical, and inpatient dermatologists. The average annual salary of a dermatologist is $493,659. The combination of medical and cosmetic services offered by dermatologists contributes to the high compensation in this field. Dermatologists perform a variety of procedures, from skin cancer screenings to cosmetic treatments, making their skills highly valuable. The increasing demand for skincare and aesthetic enhancements ensures a steady demand for dermatology services.
2.15. Oncology
What is the primary focus of oncologists? Oncologists focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer, discussing options and treatment plans with patients, overseeing their treatment, and providing post-op care. Oncologists can expect to make an average annual salary of $479,754. The critical nature of cancer treatment and the specialized knowledge required contribute to the high compensation in this field. Oncologists work with cutting-edge therapies and technologies, making their skills highly valuable. The increasing prevalence of cancer ensures a steady demand for oncology services.
2.16. Ophthalmology
What is the focus of ophthalmology? Ophthalmologists specialize in vision and eye care, serving as eye doctors with extensive surgical/medical training. Ophthalmologists can expect to earn $468,581 on average annually. The combination of medical and surgical expertise required to treat eye conditions contributes to the high compensation in this field. Ophthalmologists perform a variety of procedures, from cataract surgery to LASIK, making their skills highly valuable. The increasing prevalence of vision problems ensures a steady demand for ophthalmology services.
2.17. General Surgery
What areas does general surgery cover? General surgery is a discipline of surgery having a central core of knowledge embracing anatomy, physiology, metabolism, immunology, nutrition, pathology, wound healing, shock and resuscitation, intensive care, and neoplasia. General surgeons can expect to earn an average annual salary of $464,071. The breadth of knowledge and skills required for general surgery contributes to the high compensation in this field. General surgeons perform a wide range of procedures, making their expertise highly valuable. The demand for general surgical services in hospitals and clinics ensures their steady employment.
2.18. Colon & Rectal Surgery
What part of the body do colon and rectal surgeons treat? Colorectal surgeons (formerly known as proctologists) treat conditions impacting the lower gastrointestinal tract, or the large intestine. These surgeons can expect to make an average annual salary of $455,282. The specialized knowledge required to treat colorectal conditions and the demand for related procedures contribute to the high compensation in this field. Colorectal surgeons perform a variety of surgeries and medical treatments, making their skills highly valuable. The increasing prevalence of colorectal disorders ensures a steady demand for colorectal surgery services.
2.19. Pulmonology
What is the focus of pulmonology? A pulmonologist diagnoses and treats respiratory system diseases, including emphysema, COPD, and lung cancer. Pulmonologists can expect to earn an average annual salary of $410,905. The increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases and the specialized knowledge required to treat them contribute to the compensation in this field. Pulmonologists perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, making their skills highly valuable. The aging population and environmental factors ensure a steady demand for pulmonology services.
2.20. Emergency Medicine
What type of cases do emergency medicine doctors handle? Emergency medicine doctors treat patients experiencing acute health problems, working in emergency departments. Emergency medicine physicians expect to earn an average annual salary of $398,990. The critical and immediate nature of emergency medical care and the ability to handle diverse medical emergencies contribute to the compensation in this field. Emergency medicine physicians require a broad range of medical knowledge and skills, making them highly valuable. The constant demand for emergency medical services in hospitals ensures their steady employment.
3. MD Compensation Factors To Consider
What factors influence a doctor’s salary? When determining which doctors are the highest-paid, several factors come into play.
Firstly, the largest pay gap exists between medical specialties. According to Doximity & Curative’s recent report, the top-paying positions in medicine are typically in surgical and procedural specialties treating adult patients.
However, the increase in pay doesn’t stop at the medical specialty. Job location can also impact how much a doctor takes home in a year, as well as seniority.
4. Most Lucrative Doctors’ Salaries By State
Which states pay doctors the most? When it comes to the best-paying states and cities for doctors in the US, you may be surprised to find out that Wisconsin, Indiana, and Georgia are at the top of the list.
Of course, a physician’s specialty can also have a major impact on which state may be the highest paying for their specific role. That said, below is a table of the highest-paying states for physicians in the US, according to Medscape’s Physician Compensation Report.
| State | Average Annual Physician Salary |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $397,000 |
| Indiana | $372,000 |
| Georgia | $363,000 |
| Connecticut | $362,000 |
| Missouri | $361,000 |
| New Jersey | $360,000 |
| South Carolina | $360,000 |
| Florida | $359,000 |
| California | $358,000 |
| Michigan | $356,000 |
5. Highest Paying Cities For Physicians
Which cities offer the highest salaries for physicians? Here are the highest-paying cities and states for physicians, according to Doximity:
| City | Average Annual Physician Salary |
|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | $430,890 |
| St. Louis, MO | $426,370 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $425,096 |
| San Jose, CA | $418,600 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $411,677 |
| Sacramento, CA | $411,257 |
| Phoenix, CA | $409,185 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $408,199 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $408,044 |
| Atlanta, GA | $407,863 |
6. FAQs
Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the highest-paid medical specialties in the USA.
6.1. How Much Do The Highest-Paid Doctors Make?
What is the earning potential for top-paid doctors? The highest-paid physicians in the US are in surgical and procedural specialties such as neurosurgery, thoracic, and orthopedic surgery. These physicians earn an average annual salary of $600,000 or higher.
6.2. What Are The Highest-Paid Doctors In The US?
Which medical specialties top the salary charts? The highest-paid doctors are neurosurgeons who report earning above $780,000 per year on average.
6.3. How Do MD Vs DO Salaries Compare?
Are there significant salary differences between MDs and DOs? Generally, MDs and DOs are paid the same; however, multiple sources state MDs are more likely to specialize, thus earning higher salaries.
6.4. Why Do Physicians In Primary Care Get Paid Less?
What factors contribute to lower salaries in primary care? This is a challenging question to answer, but it may be in part due to primary care residencies being one of the shorter, less specialized residencies.
6.5. What Are The Highest-Paid Surgeons?
Which surgical specialties command the highest compensation? Neurosurgeons are the highest-paid surgeons.
7. Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the decision of which medical specialty to pursue should extend beyond monetary considerations. It’s important to consider your passion, interests, and comfort level. At thebootdoctor.net, we encourage you to explore all facets of healthcare, from career paths to foot care, to make informed decisions that align with your personal and professional goals.
Understanding the different types of doctors and their respective salaries is crucial for those considering a career in medicine. While neurosurgery tops the list in terms of earnings, it’s essential to weigh personal interests, job satisfaction, and lifestyle preferences when choosing a medical specialty. Whether you’re drawn to the precision of surgery or the comprehensive care of internal medicine, find a path that aligns with your passions and values. And remember, for reliable health information and expert advice on foot care, visit thebootdoctor.net.
Are you experiencing foot pain or discomfort? Do you have questions about foot health? Visit thebootdoctor.net for expert advice, informative articles, and resources to help you maintain healthy feet. If you’re in the Houston area, schedule an appointment with our experienced podiatrists at 6565 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States, or call us at +1 (713) 791-1414. We’re here to help you put your best foot forward.
