Jonathan Preminger medical expert
In 2024, pursuing a career as a doctor is undoubtedly a path to a comfortable annual income. The medical profession is respected and financially rewarding, with many physicians earning well above the national median salary of $239,200 per year. However, the landscape of physician compensation is diverse, and some medical specialties command significantly higher salaries than others. If you’re considering a career in medicine and are interested in understanding which fields offer the most lucrative opportunities, this guide breaks down the highest-paid doctors in the US, helping you explore the specialties where you can potentially achieve a High Salary Doctor status.
Discover the Top Medical Specialties with High Salary Potential
Identifying the highest-paid doctors requires analyzing comprehensive compensation data. Our ranking is based on insights from the reputable Physician Compensation Report, which provides a detailed overview of physician earnings across various specialties.
| 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 |
Let’s delve deeper into each of these high salary doctor specialties to understand what makes them the top earners in the medical field.
1. Neurosurgery: The Pinnacle of High Doctor Salary
Neurosurgery consistently ranks as the highest-paying medical specialty. Neurosurgeons are specialists who operate on the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. This demanding field requires an extensive seven-year residency after medical school. The complexity and critical nature of neurosurgery contribute to its top position, with an average annual compensation of $763,908, making neurosurgeons the highest-paid doctors in the US.
2. Thoracic Surgery: High Income for Heart and Lung Experts
Thoracic surgeons, also known as cardiothoracic surgeons, specialize in surgical procedures of the chest organs, primarily the heart, lungs, and esophagus. They are crucial in treating life-threatening conditions such as lung disease, heart failure, and congenital heart defects. The intricate and vital surgeries performed by thoracic surgeons justify their high doctor salary, averaging $720,634 annually.
3. Orthopedic Surgery: Top Compensation in Skeletal System Care
Orthopedic surgeons focus on the musculoskeletal system, treating conditions affecting bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The demand for orthopedic procedures, from joint replacements to sports injury treatments, has propelled orthopedics to the upper echelons of physician compensation. Orthopedic surgeons in the US earn an average annual income of $654,815, reflecting the value placed on their expertise in restoring mobility and function.
4. Plastic Surgery: Lucrative Blend of Aesthetics and Reconstruction
Plastic surgery is a diverse field encompassing both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures on virtually all areas of the body. The extensive six-year residency required to become a plastic surgeon reflects the breadth of knowledge and skill needed. Plastic surgeons’ ability to enhance appearance and restore form and function results in a high average annual compensation of $619,812.
5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Dentistry’s High-Earning Surgical Specialty
Oral and maxillofacial surgery, while rooted in dentistry, is a surgical specialty focused on treating diseases, injuries, and defects of the face, head, neck, jaws, and oral and maxillofacial regions. These surgeons address complex issues ranging from facial trauma to corrective jaw surgery, earning an average annual salary of $603,623.
6. Radiation Oncology: High Salary in Cancer Care Technology
Radiation oncologists are cancer specialists who utilize radiation therapy to treat malignancies. They manage patient care throughout radiation treatment, ensuring patients understand the process and potential side effects. The specialized knowledge and critical role of radiation oncologists in cancer treatment contribute to their average annual earnings of $569,170.
7. Cardiology: Cardiovascular Expertise and High Income
Cardiology focuses on the heart and blood vessels, encompassing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Given the prevalence of heart disease, cardiologists are in high demand. Specialization within cardiology, such as interventional cardiology, can further increase earning potential. The average annual salary for a cardiologist is $565,485, reflecting the importance of their role in maintaining heart health.
8. Vascular Surgery: Specialized Procedures, High Physician Salary
Vascular surgery is a specialty dedicated to the blood vessels outside of the heart and brain. Vascular surgeons treat a range of conditions, including aneurysms, blood clots, and peripheral artery disease, using both open surgical and minimally invasive techniques. Their expertise in maintaining circulatory health leads to an average yearly salary of $556,070.
9. Radiology: Diagnostic Imaging Expertise, Strong Compensation
Radiologists are physician experts in interpreting medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans. Their diagnostic skills are essential for identifying and monitoring a vast array of medical conditions. Radiologists play a crucial role behind the scenes in patient care, earning an average annual salary of $531,983.
10. Urology: High Compensation in Urinary and Male Reproductive Health
Urology is the medical specialty focusing on the urinary tract system and the male reproductive system. Urologists treat conditions ranging from kidney stones to prostate cancer. As specialists in these sensitive and vital areas of health, urologists earn an average annual salary of $529,140.
11. Gastroenterology: Digestive System Experts with High Earnings
Gastroenterologists specialize in the digestive system, diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and related organs. With the increasing prevalence of digestive disorders, gastroenterologists are in demand, earning an average annual salary of $514,208.
12. Otolaryngology (ENT): Specialized Care for Head and Neck, High Pay
Otolaryngologists, also known as ENT doctors, specialize in disorders of the ears, nose, and throat, as well as other areas of the head and neck. Their specialized skills in treating these common yet complex conditions result in an average annual salary of $502,543.
13. Anesthesiology: Pain Management Expertise, High Doctor Income
Anesthesiologists are critical care physicians who manage pain and patient status before, during, and after surgical procedures. Their expertise in pain management and critical care medicine is vital for patient safety and comfort, leading to an average annual salary of $494,522.
14. Dermatology: Skin Health Expertise with Strong Financial Rewards
Dermatologists specialize in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. From medical dermatology treating conditions like eczema and skin cancer, to cosmetic dermatology, the field offers diverse practice options. Dermatologists earn an average annual salary of $493,659, reflecting the demand for skin health expertise.
15. Oncology: Cancer Care Specialists with High Earning Potential
Oncologists are at the forefront of cancer care, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer. They develop treatment plans, oversee cancer therapies, and provide ongoing care to patients. The critical role of oncologists in fighting cancer is reflected in their average annual salary of $479,754.
16. Ophthalmology: Eye Care Experts with Strong Compensation
Ophthalmologists are medical and surgical eye specialists. They provide comprehensive eye care, from vision correction to complex eye surgeries. The importance of vision care and the surgical skills of ophthalmologists lead to an average annual earning of $468,581.
17. General Surgery: Broad Surgical Skills, Solid Physician Salary
General surgeons possess a wide range of surgical skills and knowledge, dealing with diseases affecting various organ systems. While considered “general,” their expertise is essential across numerous medical scenarios. General surgeons earn an average annual salary of $464,071.
18. Colon & Rectal Surgery: Specialized GI Surgery, Good Income
Colon and rectal surgeons, also known as colorectal surgeons, focus on the lower digestive tract, treating conditions of the colon, rectum, and anus. Their specialized surgical skills in this area result in an average annual salary of $455,282.
19. Pulmonology: Respiratory System Specialists, Comfortable Salary
Pulmonologists specialize in the respiratory system, diagnosing and treating lung diseases like asthma, COPD, and lung cancer. With respiratory illnesses being common, pulmonologists provide essential care, earning an average annual salary of $410,905.
20. Emergency Medicine: Front-Line Care, Respectable Doctor Salary
Emergency medicine physicians work in hospital emergency departments, treating patients with acute and urgent medical conditions. Their ability to handle diverse and critical situations makes them indispensable in the healthcare system. Emergency medicine physicians earn an average annual salary of $398,990.
Factors Influencing MD Compensation: More Than Just Specialty
While medical specialty is a primary determinant of physician salary, several other factors come into play. As highlighted in reports like Doximity & Curative’s recent analysis, surgical and procedural specialties focused on adult patients often command the highest pay. However, location, years of experience, and employer benefits also significantly impact a doctor’s take-home pay. For those aspiring to maximize their earning potential, strategic choices in these areas can further enhance their high salary doctor aspirations.
Location Matters: Highest Paying States and Cities for Doctors
Geographic location plays a significant role in physician compensation. Interestingly, states like Wisconsin, Indiana, and Georgia have emerged as top-paying states for doctors, challenging assumptions about traditionally high-income states.
Below are tables outlining the highest-paying states and cities for physicians in the US:
Highest-Paying States for Physicians
| 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 |
Highest-Paying Cities for Physicians
| 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, AZ | $409,185 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $408,199 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $408,044 |
| Atlanta, GA | $407,863 |
FAQs: Understanding Doctor Compensation
1. How Much Do the Highest-Paid Doctors Make?
The top earners, particularly in surgical and procedural specialties like neurosurgery and thoracic surgery, can make upwards of $700,000 or more annually.
2. What Are the Highest-Paid Doctors in the US?
Currently, neurosurgeons are reported as the highest-paid, often exceeding $760,000 in average annual earnings.
3. How Do MD Vs. DO Salaries Compare?
Generally, MDs (Medical Doctors) and DOs (Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine) have comparable earning potential. However, MDs may be slightly more inclined towards specialization, which can lead to higher salaries in certain fields.
4. Why Do Physicians in Primary Care Get Paid Less?
The reasons are complex, but factors may include shorter residency durations in primary care and reimbursement models that historically favor procedural specialties.
5. What Are the Highest-Paid Surgeons?
Neurosurgery, thoracic surgery, and orthopedic surgery consistently rank as the highest-paying surgical specialties.
Final Thoughts: Salary is a Factor, But Not the Only One
While aiming for a high salary doctor career is a valid consideration, choosing a medical specialty should involve more than just financial prospects. Your personal interests, passions, comfort levels, and desired lifestyle are equally crucial. Job satisfaction and fulfillment are paramount in the demanding field of medicine. As you explore your medical career path, consider salary as one factor among many in creating a rewarding and successful future.
