In 2023, the average Doctor Yearly Salary in the United States reached $363,000, encompassing both Primary Care Physicians and Specialists. This figure represents an approximate 3% increase from 2022, highlighting the continued growth in physician compensation. Orthopedics currently stands as the most lucrative medical specialty, boasting an impressive average annual salary of $558,000.
Choosing a medical field and specialty is a significant decision, and understanding the average doctor salary is a crucial element in this process. Considering potential earnings helps with financial planning, especially when anticipating the repayment of medical school loans. This guide provides a detailed overview of doctor salaries by specialty, identifies the highest and lowest paying states and cities for physicians, and explores factors influencing physician income.
How Much Do Doctors Get Paid?
According to the 2024 MedScape Physician Compensation Report, physician salaries in the U.S. are on an upward trajectory. In 2023, Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) earned an average doctor yearly salary of $277,000, while Specialists averaged $394,000. However, it’s important to note that a doctor’s yearly salary can vary significantly based on their chosen specialty and geographic location within the United States. The following sections break down average annual compensation by medical specialty, revealing the highest and lowest paying fields in medicine.
[ RELATED: How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor? ]
Average Annual Doctor Salary by Specialty
Below is a ranking of medical specialties based on their average annual doctor yearly salary, providing insights into earning potential across different fields:
- Orthopedics: $558,000
- Plastic Surgery: $536,000
- Cardiology: $525,000
- Urology: $515,000
- Gastroenterology: $512,000
- Radiology: $498,000
- Dermatology: $479,000
- Anesthesiology: $472,000
- Oncology: $464,000
- Otolaryngology: $459,000
- Surgery, General: $423,000
- Ophthalmology: $409,000
- Critical Care: $401,000
- Pulmonary Medicine: $397,000
- Emergency Medicine: $379,000
- Pathology: $366,000
- Ob/Gyn: $352,000
- Neurology: $343,000
- Nephrology: $341,000
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: $341,000
- Psychiatry: $323,000
- Allergy and Immunology: $307,000
- Rheumatology: $286,000
- Internal Medicine: $282,000
- Family Medicine: $272,000
- Public Health & Preventive Medicine: $263,000
- Infectious Diseases: $261,000
- Pediatrics: $260,000
- Diabetes and Endocrinology: $256,000
Source: MedScape Physician Compensation Report, 2024
Top 10 Earning States for Doctors
U.S. map showing the top earning states for physicians.
While specialty significantly impacts a doctor’s yearly salary, geographic location also plays a crucial role. Here are the top 10 states in the U.S. where doctors earn the highest average incomes:
- 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
Source: MedScape Physician Compensation Report, 2023
Top Earning Metro Areas/Cities for Doctors
The state-level data provides a broad overview, but doctor yearly salaries can be even higher in major metropolitan areas. These urban centers often offer increased demand for specialized medical care, contributing to higher compensation. Below are the top 10 metro areas in the U.S. with the highest average annual doctor salary:
- San Jose, CA: $474,977
- Los Angeles, CA: $448,121
- St. Louis, MO: $442,576
- Sacramento, CA: $440,004
- Minneapolis, MN: $438,756
- San Francisco, CA: $437,628
- Phoenix, AZ: $436,837
- San Diego, CA: $430,187
- Charlotte, NC: $429,566
- Las Vegas, NV: $426,727
Source: Doximity 2024 Physician Compensation Report
Lowest Earning States for Doctors
U.S. map showing the lowest earning states for physicians.
Conversely, some states offer lower average doctor yearly salaries compared to the national average. Factors such as cost of living, demand for medical services, and regional healthcare economics can influence these figures. Here are the states with the lowest average physician incomes:
- Maryland: $306,000
- Colorado: $327,000
- Virginia: $330,000
- Massachusetts: $331,000
- Arizona: $334,000
- Washington: $338,000
- Tennessee: $340,000
- Pennsylvania: $344,000
- Alabama: $348,000
- New York: $348,000
- Illinois: $350,000
- North Carolina: $350,000
- Texas: $353,000
Source: MedScape Physician Compensation Report, 2023
Lowest Earning Metro Areas/Cities for Doctors
Similar to the highest earning regions, examining metropolitan areas reveals more nuanced insights into the lowest doctor yearly salary figures. These metro areas represent locations where physician compensation is comparatively lower than other parts of the country:
- San Antonio, TX: $371,073
- Denver, CO: $371,215
- Washington, DC: $371,495
- Boston, MA: $378,273
- Nashville, TN: $380,533
- Baltimore, MD: $382,837
- Philadelphia, PA: $387,254
- Providence, RI: $390,096
- Virginia Beach, VA: $390,604
- Birmingham, AL: $391,290
Source: Doximity 2024 Physician Compensation Report
Medical Specialties With the Largest Increase in Compensation in 2023
While overall doctor yearly salaries have seen an increase, certain medical specialties experienced more significant growth in compensation during 2023. According to MedScape data, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Neurology, Nephrology, and Allergy & Immunology demonstrated at least a 9% increase in compensation over the past year. Conversely, Plastic Surgery, a traditionally high-paying specialty, witnessed the most substantial decrease, with a 13% dip in average salary.
Physician Gender Pay Gap
The gender pay gap persists within the medical field, mirroring broader trends across various professions. In 2023, the overall gender pay gap for physicians narrowed slightly to 23%, a modest improvement from the 26% reported in 2022. However, the Doximity 2024 Physician Compensation Report indicates that female physicians still earn an average of $102,000 less annually than their male counterparts.
Consistent with previous years, men’s compensation exceeds women’s across all medical specialties. Orthopedic Surgery exhibits the widest gender pay gap, with male physicians earning an average doctor yearly salary of $661,801 compared to $559,222 for female physicians.
Encouragingly, some specialties are making strides in reducing the gender pay gap, with disparities falling below 10%. Medical Genetics, Hematology, Pediatric Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, and Oncology are among the specialties with the smallest gender-based pay differences.
Preparing for Medical School
Pursuing a career as a doctor, regardless of specialization, is a lengthy and demanding process. It typically begins in high school with a commitment to undergraduate studies as a premed student at an accredited university. Aspiring doctors must complete premed coursework, excel on the MCAT exam, and successfully navigate the medical school application process to ultimately earn their medical license and desired doctor yearly salary.
Achieving a good score on the MCAT is a critical milestone on the path to medical school. Enrolling in structured MCAT prep courses can significantly enhance your score and build confidence for test day. Utilizing realistic MCAT practice tests is also crucial for effective preparation. Strong MCAT performance strengthens your medical school application and increases your prospects of acceptance into your preferred medical programs.
Quick Pop Quiz Featuring MCAT Practice Questions
The initial step towards becoming a doctor involves preparing for and passing the MCAT. Test your knowledge with our quick pop quiz to gauge your readiness for the MCAT.
Choosing a Medical Specialty
While specialty selection typically occurs later in medical school, exploring shadowing opportunities early on can provide valuable clinical experience for your medical school application and offer insights into various specialties. Shadowing allows you to observe the daily routines and demands of different physicians, aiding in your specialty exploration. It’s important to remember that the specialties listed in this guide are not exhaustive. The AAMC provides a comprehensive full list of medical specialties on their website. The breadth of medical specialties and career paths can seem overwhelming initially. However, as you progress on your journey to med school and residency, you will gain deeper insights into the diverse opportunities within medicine and refine your vision of the doctor you aspire to become, and the doctor yearly salary you can expect.
Medical Schools by Specialty
Explore our guides to learn about notable medical schools renowned for specific medical specialties, assisting you in making informed decisions about your medical education.
Written by Kaplan experts, reviewed by Rich Maraggio, Executive Director, Pre-Health Programs at Kaplan North America. Rich has worked on the MCAT for over a decade and has assisted thousands of pre-med students. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Union College.
