Choosing a medical specialty is one of the most crucial decisions in a doctor’s career. While passion and interest should be primary drivers, understanding potential earning is also a significant factor. In 2024, a career in medicine remains financially rewarding, with many physicians earning well above the national median salary. However, substantial income disparities exist across different medical specialties. This article, reviewed by former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine, Jonathan Preminger, delves into the Highest Paid Doctor Specialties in the US in 2025, providing a detailed breakdown of physician compensation based on the latest data.
Jonathan Preminger, Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine, reviewing information about highest paid doctor specialties.
Top-Earning Medical Specialties: An Overview
Identifying the highest paid doctor specialties requires analyzing comprehensive compensation data. Our ranking is based on the latest Physician Compensation Report, a reliable source for physician salary information. This report offers insights into the average annual income across various medical specialties, allowing aspiring and practicing doctors to make informed career decisions.
The following table presents a detailed list of medical specialties ranked by their average annual income in the US:
| Rank | Specialty | Average Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neurosurgery | $763,908 |
| 2 | Thoracic Surgery | $720,634 |
| 3 | Orthopedic Surgery | $654,815 |
| 4 | Plastic Surgery | $619,812 |
| 5 | Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | $603,623 |
| 6 | Radiation Oncology | $569,170 |
| 7 | Cardiology | $565,485 |
| 8 | Vascular Surgery | $556,070 |
| 9 | Radiology | $531,983 |
| 10 | Urology | $529,140 |
| 11 | Gastroenterology | $514,208 |
| 12 | Otolaryngology (ENT) | $502,543 |
| 13 | Anesthesiology | $494,522 |
| 14 | Dermatology | $493,659 |
| 15 | Oncology | $479,754 |
| 16 | Ophthalmology | $468,581 |
| 17 | General Surgery | $464,071 |
| 18 | Colon & Rectal Surgery | $455,282 |
| 19 | Pulmonology | $410,905 |
| 20 | Emergency Medicine | $398,990 |
Let’s delve deeper into each of these highest paid doctor specialties, exploring what they entail and why they command such high compensation.
In-Depth Look at the Top Paid Doctor Specialties
1. Neurosurgery: The Pinnacle of Physician Compensation
Neurosurgery consistently ranks as the highest paid doctor 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 neurosurgical procedures contribute to the exceptional average annual compensation of $763,908. Neurosurgery deals with life-altering conditions, demanding precision, extensive knowledge, and long hours, justifying its top position in physician salaries.
2. Thoracic Surgery: Expertise in Chest Cavity Procedures
Thoracic surgeons are experts in surgical procedures within the chest cavity. Their work encompasses organs such as the heart, lungs, esophagus, and major blood vessels in the chest. Often referred to as cardiothoracic surgeons, they are crucial in treating conditions ranging from lung cancer and heart disease to congenital heart defects. The intricate nature of cardiothoracic surgery and the high stakes involved result in an average annual salary of $720,634 for thoracic surgeons.
3. Orthopedic Surgery: Masters of the Musculoskeletal System
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the musculoskeletal system, treating injuries and conditions affecting bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. From sports injuries to joint replacements and trauma surgery, orthopedic surgeons address a wide range of patient needs. The high demand for orthopedic procedures, coupled with the surgical expertise required, places orthopedic surgery among the highest paid doctor specialties, with an average annual income of $654,815.
4. Plastic Surgery: Combining Art and Medicine
Plastic surgeons are skilled in both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. They perform surgeries to repair defects, improve function, and enhance appearance across the entire body. Plastic surgery residencies are lengthy and competitive, lasting around six years. The combination of surgical skill, aesthetic sensibility, and patient demand in both reconstructive and cosmetic areas contributes to the impressive average annual compensation of $619,812 for plastic surgeons.
5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Dentistry Meets Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a unique specialty bridging dentistry and surgery. These surgeons treat conditions, injuries, and defects of the mouth, face, jaws, head, and neck. Their expertise ranges from complex tooth extractions and dental implants to reconstructive surgery following trauma or cancer. The dual nature of their training and the specialized procedures they perform lead to a high average annual salary of $603,623 for oral and maxillofacial surgeons.
6. Radiation Oncology: Precision Cancer Treatment
Radiation oncologists are cancer specialists who utilize radiation therapy to treat malignancies. They are not surgeons but are experts in planning and delivering precise radiation treatments to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Radiation oncology requires a deep understanding of cancer biology and radiation physics. The critical role they play in cancer care and the specialized knowledge required result in an average annual compensation of $569,170.
7. Cardiology: Heart Health Experts
Cardiologists focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the heart and blood vessels. From diagnosing heart attacks and arrhythmias to performing procedures like angioplasty and stenting, cardiologists play a vital role in cardiovascular health. Given the prevalence of heart disease and the complexity of cardiac care, cardiology remains a high-earning specialty, with an average annual salary of $565,485.
8. Vascular Surgery: Maintaining Blood Vessel Health
Vascular surgeons specialize in the surgical and minimally invasive treatment of diseases affecting the blood vessels outside of the heart. They manage conditions like aneurysms, peripheral artery disease, and carotid artery disease. Vascular surgery is crucial for maintaining circulation and preventing serious complications like stroke and limb loss. The specialized skills in both open and endovascular techniques contribute to the average annual salary of $556,070 for vascular surgeons.
9. Radiology: Interpreting Medical Images for Diagnosis
Radiologists are physician experts in interpreting medical images, including X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasounds. They are essential for diagnosing a vast array of medical conditions across all specialties. Radiologists guide treatment decisions and perform minimally invasive procedures based on imaging. Their diagnostic expertise and crucial role in modern medicine result in an average annual compensation of $531,983.
10. Urology: Specialists of the Urinary and Male Reproductive Systems
Urologists specialize in the urinary tract in both sexes and the male reproductive system. They treat conditions ranging from kidney stones and urinary infections to prostate cancer and male infertility. Urology combines medical and surgical management, requiring expertise in a broad spectrum of conditions. The demand for urological care and the surgical component of the specialty contribute to an average annual salary of $529,140.
11. Gastroenterology: Digestive System Experts
Gastroenterologists specialize in the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. They diagnose and treat conditions like acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and cancers of the digestive tract. Gastroenterology involves both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, such as endoscopy and colonoscopy. The prevalence of digestive disorders and the procedural skills required result in an average annual compensation of $514,208.
12. Otolaryngology (ENT): Head and Neck Specialists
Otolaryngologists, often called ENT doctors, specialize in disorders of the ears, nose, and throat, as well as related structures of the head and neck. They treat conditions like hearing loss, sinusitis, tonsillitis, and head and neck cancers. ENT encompasses both medical and surgical treatments, requiring a diverse skillset, leading to an average annual salary of $502,543.
13. Anesthesiology: Ensuring Patient Comfort and Safety During Procedures
Anesthesiologists are critical care physicians who manage pain and patient safety before, during, and after surgery and other medical procedures. They administer anesthesia, monitor vital signs, and manage critical situations in the operating room and beyond. Anesthesiology demands expertise in pharmacology, physiology, and critical care, resulting in an average annual compensation of $494,522.
14. Dermatology: Skin, Hair, and Nail Specialists
Dermatologists specialize in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. They diagnose and treat a wide range of disorders, from acne and eczema to skin cancer and cosmetic concerns. Dermatology combines medical and surgical approaches, including procedures like biopsies, excisions, and laser treatments. The high demand for dermatological services, both medical and cosmetic, contributes to an average annual salary of $493,659.
15. Oncology: Comprehensive Cancer Care
Oncologists are specialists in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. They oversee all aspects of cancer care, from initial diagnosis and treatment planning to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and follow-up care. Oncology is a complex and emotionally demanding field requiring extensive knowledge of cancer biology and treatment modalities, leading to an average annual compensation of $479,754.
16. Ophthalmology: Vision and Eye Care Experts
Ophthalmologists are medical and surgical eye specialists. They provide comprehensive eye care, including vision testing, medical treatment of eye diseases, and eye surgery. Ophthalmology addresses conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and refractive errors. The combination of medical and surgical expertise in vision care results in an average annual salary of $468,581.
17. General Surgery: Broad Surgical Expertise
General surgeons possess a wide range of surgical skills and manage a variety of surgical conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive tract, endocrine system, and more. They perform common procedures like appendectomies, gallbladder removals, and hernia repairs. General surgery serves as a foundation for many surgical specialties and remains a well-compensated field, with an average annual salary of $464,071.
18. Colon & Rectal Surgery: Lower Gastrointestinal Tract Specialists
Colon and rectal surgeons, also known as colorectal surgeons, specialize in the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. They manage diseases like colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and hemorrhoids. Colorectal surgery requires specialized surgical skills in the lower digestive tract, leading to an average annual salary of $455,282.
19. Pulmonology: Lung and Respiratory System Experts
Pulmonologists specialize in diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, bronchi, and pleura. They diagnose and treat conditions like asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and lung cancer. Pulmonology requires expertise in respiratory physiology and critical care, resulting in an average annual salary of $410,905.
20. Emergency Medicine: Frontline Acute Care
Emergency medicine physicians are specialists in acute care, treating patients with urgent medical conditions in hospital emergency departments. They must be prepared to handle a wide spectrum of medical emergencies, from trauma and heart attacks to infections and poisonings. Emergency medicine demands rapid decision-making and broad medical knowledge, leading to an average annual salary of $398,990.
Factors Influencing Doctor Compensation
While specialty choice is a primary determinant of physician salary, several other factors can influence income:
- Specialty Demand and Reimbursement: Surgical and procedural specialties often command higher reimbursement rates from insurance companies and healthcare systems, reflecting the complexity and invasiveness of the procedures.
- Geographic Location: Physician salaries can vary significantly based on location. Demand for certain specialties may be higher in specific areas, and cost of living adjustments also play a role.
- Practice Setting: Employed physicians in large hospital systems may have different compensation structures compared to those in private practice or academic settings.
- Experience and Seniority: Like most professions, physician income typically increases with experience and years in practice.
- State and City: As highlighted below, certain states and cities offer higher average physician salaries due to various market forces.
State and City-Level Salary Variations for Doctors
Geographic location plays a significant role in physician compensation. Interestingly, some of the highest-paying states are not necessarily the most populous or expensive. According to Medscape’s Physician Compensation Report, the top-paying states for physicians are:
| Rank | State | Average Annual Physician Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wisconsin | $397,000 |
| 2 | Indiana | $372,000 |
| 3 | Georgia | $363,000 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $362,000 |
| 5 | Missouri | $361,000 |
| 6 | New Jersey | $360,000 |
| 7 | South Carolina | $360,000 |
| 8 | Florida | $359,000 |
| 9 | California | $358,000 |
| 10 | Michigan | $356,000 |
Doximity’s data further pinpoints specific cities with the highest average physician salaries:
| Rank | City | Average Annual Physician Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charlotte, NC | $430,890 |
| 2 | St. Louis, MO | $426,370 |
| 3 | Oklahoma City, OK | $425,096 |
| 4 | San Jose, CA | $418,600 |
| 5 | Minneapolis, MN | $411,677 |
| 6 | Sacramento, CA | $411,257 |
| 7 | Phoenix, AZ | $409,185 |
| 8 | Indianapolis, IN | $408,199 |
| 9 | Salt Lake City, UT | $408,044 |
| 10 | Atlanta, GA | $407,863 |
These variations highlight the importance of considering geographic factors when evaluating potential earning in different medical specialties.
Frequently Asked Questions about Doctor Compensation
1. How Much Do the Highest-Paid Doctors Make Annually?
The top earners among the highest paid doctor specialties, such as neurosurgeons and thoracic surgeons, can make upwards of $700,000 to $800,000 or more annually. Average income for the top specialties generally exceeds $600,000 per year.
2. Which Medical Specialties Are Considered the Highest Paid?
Based on current data, neurosurgery, thoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, and oral and maxillofacial surgery consistently rank as the highest paid doctor specialties in the US.
3. Is There a Salary Difference Between MDs and DOs?
While MDs and DOs generally have comparable earning potential, some data suggests MDs may have a slight tendency to specialize more often, potentially leading to slightly higher average salaries in certain high-paying specialties. However, compensation is primarily determined by specialty, experience, and location, not degree type.
4. Why Do Primary Care Physicians Generally Earn Less Than Specialists?
Several factors contribute to the pay gap between primary care and specialist physicians. Specialist training is typically longer and more intensive. Additionally, reimbursement models often favor procedural and surgical specialties over cognitive and preventative care, which are central to primary care.
5. Among Surgeons, Which Specialties Are the Highest Earning?
Within surgical fields, neurosurgery, thoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, and oral and maxillofacial surgery tend to be the highest paid. These specialties involve complex procedures, long training pathways, and often address critical and high-stakes medical conditions.
Conclusion: Balancing Compensation with Career Satisfaction
While financial compensation is undoubtedly a factor to consider when choosing a medical specialty, it should not be the sole determinant. The highest paid doctor specialties are often demanding and require extensive training and commitment. Ultimately, career satisfaction, passion for the chosen field, work-life balance, and personal interests should weigh heavily in your decision. Exploring your interests, understanding the realities of different specialties, and seeking guidance from mentors are crucial steps in making the right career choice in medicine. Remember, a fulfilling career in medicine is about more than just the paycheck; it’s about making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives while achieving personal and professional fulfillment.
