Choosing a medical specialty is a pivotal decision for aspiring doctors. While the intrinsic rewards of medicine are undeniable, understanding the financial landscape is also crucial. In 2024, a career as a physician promises a substantial annual salary, significantly above the national median. However, some medical professions command considerably higher earnings than others. This article breaks down the Highest Paid Doctor Professions in the US, providing insights into what drives these lucrative salaries.
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Doctor Jonathan Preminger reviewing medical documents
Expert insights reviewed by Jonathan Preminger, Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine.
Top Doctor Professions by Salary in 2024
Identifying the highest paid doctor professions requires analyzing comprehensive compensation data. Our ranking is based on the latest Physician Compensation Report, a reliable source for physician salary information.
| 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 the top-earning medical specialties to understand what makes them the highest paid doctor professions.
1. Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery tops the list as the highest paid doctor profession. Neurosurgeons specialize in the intricate surgical treatment of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. This demanding field requires a minimum seven-year residency, reflecting the complexity and critical nature of their work. The average annual compensation for neurosurgeons is an impressive $763,908, solidifying their position at the pinnacle of physician earnings.
2. Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic surgeons are the second highest paid doctor profession, performing life-saving surgeries on organs within the chest cavity, including the heart, lungs, and esophagus. These specialists, often known as cardiothoracic surgeons, address critical conditions such as lung disease, heart failure, and congenital heart defects. The average annual salary for thoracic surgeons is $720,634, highlighting the high value placed on their expertise in treating complex chest-related ailments.
3. Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgery ranks as the third highest paid doctor profession. Orthopedic surgeons focus on the musculoskeletal system, treating a wide range of conditions affecting bones, muscles, tendons, and joints. The demand for orthopedic procedures, coupled with the specialized surgical skills required, has propelled orthopedics to the upper echelons of physician compensation. Orthopedic surgeons in the US earn an average annual income of $654,815.
4. Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery secures its place as the fourth highest paid doctor profession. Plastic surgeons are skilled in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, working on virtually every part of the body. The extensive six-year residency required for plastic surgery underscores the breadth of knowledge and surgical precision needed in this field. Plastic surgeons command an average annual compensation of $619,812, reflecting the demand for their specialized services.
5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
While technically a dental specialty, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is recognized as the fifth highest paid doctor profession on this list. These surgeons treat diseases, injuries, and defects of the face, head, neck, jaws, and related structures. Their dual expertise in dentistry and surgery allows them to address complex conditions in the maxillofacial region. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons earn an average annual salary of $603,623.
6. Radiation Oncology
Radiation oncology is the sixth highest paid doctor profession. Radiation oncologists are cancer specialists who utilize radiation therapy to treat malignancies. Their role involves comprehensive patient care, from explaining treatment options to managing the radiation therapy process. Radiation oncologists earn an average annual salary of $569,170, reflecting the critical role they play in cancer treatment.
7. Cardiology
Cardiology is known as the seventh highest paid doctor profession. Cardiologists specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Given the prevalence of heart disease, cardiologists are in high demand, and their expertise is highly valued. The average annual salary for a cardiologist is $565,485, with potential for higher earnings based on specialization within cardiology.
8. Vascular Surgery
Vascular surgery is the eighth highest paid doctor profession. Vascular surgeons treat conditions affecting the blood vessels, employing both open surgery and minimally invasive procedures. They address critical conditions like blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, and aneurysms. Vascular surgeons can expect an average annual salary of $556,070, highlighting the importance of their skills in managing vascular health.
9. Radiology
Radiology is the ninth highest paid doctor profession. Radiologists are essential in modern medicine, interpreting medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans to diagnose and monitor a vast array of illnesses. Their diagnostic expertise is crucial across all medical specialties. Radiologists earn an average annual salary of $531,983.
10. Urology
Urology rounds out the top ten highest paid doctor professions. Urologists specialize in the urinary system and the male reproductive system. They diagnose and treat conditions ranging from urinary tract infections to cancers of the bladder, kidneys, and prostate. The average annual salary for urologists is $529,140.
Factors Influencing Doctor Compensation
Several factors contribute to determining which doctors are among the highest paid doctor professions.
Specialty Choice: The most significant factor is the medical specialty itself. Surgical and procedural specialties focused on adult patients consistently command the highest salaries, as highlighted by reports from Doximity & Curative.
Geographic Location: Location plays a crucial role in physician compensation. Salaries can vary significantly between states and even cities, reflecting factors such as cost of living and demand for specific specialties.
Experience and Seniority: As with most professions, experience and seniority impact earning potential. More experienced doctors, particularly those in leadership roles or with specialized expertise, typically earn more.
Employer Benefits: The benefits package offered by an employer can also influence overall compensation. Comprehensive benefits can add significant value to a physician’s total earnings.
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State and City-Level Doctor Salaries
While specialty is paramount, geographic location significantly affects physician income. Interestingly, states like Wisconsin, Indiana, and Georgia often top the list for 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 |
In terms of cities, Doximity data reveals that Charlotte, NC, St. Louis, MO, and Oklahoma City, OK are among the 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 |
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FAQs About Highest Paid Doctor Professions
1. How Much Do the Highest-Paid Doctors Make?
Physicians in the highest paid doctor professions, such as neurosurgery, thoracic surgery, and orthopedic surgery, can earn upwards of $600,000 annually, with neurosurgeons often exceeding $780,000.
2. Which Doctor Profession is Paid the Most in the US?
Neurosurgery is consistently recognized as the highest paid doctor profession in the United States.
3. MD vs. DO Salaries: Is There a Difference?
Generally, MDs and DOs have comparable earning potential. However, MDs may be slightly more inclined to pursue specialized fields, potentially leading to higher average salaries in some specialties.
4. Why Do Primary Care Physicians Earn Less?
The reasons for lower pay in primary care are complex, but factors may include shorter residency durations and the nature of reimbursement models that often favor procedural specialties.
5. Which Surgical Doctor Profession Has the Highest Salary?
Neurosurgery is the surgical specialty that consistently reports the highest average salaries.
Final Considerations
While salary is a significant factor, choosing a medical specialty should be driven by passion, interests, and personal fulfillment. The highest paid doctor professions offer substantial financial rewards, but job satisfaction and a genuine interest in the chosen field are paramount for a successful and rewarding medical career. Explore your interests, consider your strengths, and strive for a specialty that aligns with your personal and professional aspirations.
