Jonathan Preminger Headshot for Medical Review
Choosing a medical specialty is a significant decision for aspiring doctors. While passion and interest should be primary drivers, understanding the potential financial rewards is also essential. In 2024, a career as a physician remains financially rewarding, with many specialties offering substantial annual salaries. However, certain medical fields significantly outpace the national median physician salary of $239,200 per year. This article breaks down the Highest Paying Doctor Specialties in the US, providing valuable insights for those considering their medical career path.
For personalized guidance on navigating the medical school admissions process, consider expert advice to enhance your application.
Book Now
Privacy guaranteed. No spam, ever.
Top Doctor Specialties by Salary in the US for 2024
Determining the highest paid doctor specialties requires analyzing comprehensive compensation data. This list is compiled based on information from the Physician Compensation Report, a reputable source for physician salary benchmarks.
| 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 top-paying medical specialties.
1. Neurosurgery: Leading the List of Highest Paid Specialties
Neurosurgery consistently ranks as the highest paying doctor specialty. Neurosurgeons specialize in the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. This demanding field requires an extensive residency of at least seven years. The complexity and critical nature of neurosurgical procedures contribute to the exceptionally high average annual compensation of $763,908.
2. Thoracic Surgery: High Compensation for Chest and Organ Surgeons
Thoracic surgeons are experts in performing surgeries within the chest cavity, focusing on organs such as the heart, lungs, and esophagus. Cardiothoracic surgeons address a wide range of conditions, from lung diseases to heart failure and congenital heart defects. The intricate and life-saving nature of thoracic surgery is reflected in an average annual salary of $720,634.
3. Orthopedic Surgery: Musculoskeletal Specialists with Top Earning Potential
Orthopedic surgery has become one of the highest paying medical specialties, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons treat injuries and conditions affecting bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The high demand for orthopedic procedures, from joint replacements to sports injuries, results in an impressive average annual income of $654,815.
4. Plastic Surgery: Combining Reconstructive and Cosmetic Expertise for High Income
Plastic surgeons are skilled in both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, operating on virtually all areas of the body. Plastic surgery residency is notably long, lasting six years and reflecting the breadth of knowledge and surgical skill required. The combination of reconstructive needs and the growing demand for cosmetic enhancements places plastic surgeons among the highest paid doctors, with an average annual compensation of $619,812.
5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Dental Specialty with Surgical Pay Scale
Oral and maxillofacial surgery, while rooted in dentistry, is recognized as a high-paying medical specialty. These surgeons treat diseases, injuries, and defects of the face, head, neck, jaws, and oral cavity. Their dual medical and dental expertise, combined with the surgical nature of their work, leads to an average annual salary of $603,623.
6. Radiation Oncology: Cancer Treatment Experts with Significant Earning Power
Radiation oncologists play a crucial role in cancer treatment, specializing in using radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells. They are responsible for overseeing patient care throughout the radiation treatment process, ensuring patient understanding and managing treatment plans. The critical role of radiation oncology in cancer care contributes to a high average annual income of $569,170.
7. Cardiology: Cardiovascular Specialists in High Demand
Cardiology, focusing on the heart and blood vessels, is consistently listed among the highest paying doctor specialties. Cardiologists diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases of the cardiovascular system. The prevalence of heart disease and the complexity of cardiac care drive the demand for cardiologists, resulting in an average annual salary of $565,485. Subspecialization within cardiology can further increase earning potential.
8. Vascular Surgery: Blood Vessel Experts with Excellent Compensation
Vascular surgery addresses diseases of the blood vessels, employing both open surgery and minimally invasive techniques. Vascular surgeons treat conditions like aneurysms, blood clots, and deep vein thrombosis. The intricate nature of vascular procedures and the increasing need for treatment due to aging populations contribute to a strong average annual salary of $556,070.
9. Radiology: Diagnostic Imaging Specialists Earning Top Salaries
Radiologists are essential medical professionals who interpret medical images – X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and PET scans – to diagnose and monitor a vast array of conditions. Their diagnostic expertise is crucial across all medical specialties, making radiology a high-demand and high-paying field, with an average annual salary of $531,983.
10. Urology: Urinary and Male Reproductive System Experts with High Income
Urology focuses on the urinary system in both sexes and the male reproductive system. Urologists diagnose and treat conditions ranging from urinary tract infections to cancers of the bladder, kidney, and prostate. The specialized nature of urological care and the patient population they serve result in an average annual salary of $529,140.
11. Gastroenterology: Digestive System Specialists with Strong Earning Potential
Gastroenterologists specialize in the digestive system, diagnosing and treating disorders of the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and related organs. With the rising prevalence of digestive disorders, gastroenterology remains a high-demand and well-compensated field, with an average annual salary of $514,208.
12. Otolaryngology (ENT): Head and Neck Specialists with High Compensation
Otolaryngologists, also known as ENT doctors, focus on disorders of the head and neck, particularly the ears, nose, and throat. They treat conditions ranging from hearing loss and sinus infections to head and neck cancers. The specialized skills and diverse patient population contribute to an average annual salary of $502,543.
13. Anesthesiology: Pain Management and Surgical Support for High Pay
Anesthesiologists are critical members of surgical teams, managing patient pain and vital functions before, during, and after procedures. They are experts in pain management, critical care, and perioperative medicine. The crucial role of anesthesiologists in ensuring patient safety and comfort during surgery leads to an average annual salary of $494,522.
14. Dermatology: Skin, Hair, and Nail Experts with Excellent Income
Dermatologists specialize in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. The field encompasses medical, surgical, cosmetic, and inpatient dermatology. The broad scope of dermatology, from treating skin diseases to cosmetic procedures, results in a strong average annual salary of $493,659.
15. Oncology: Cancer Care Leaders with Significant Earning Potential
Oncologists are at the forefront of cancer care, diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with cancer. They develop treatment plans, oversee cancer therapy, and provide ongoing care. The complexity of cancer treatment and the emotional demands of oncology contribute to an average annual salary of $479,754.
16. Ophthalmology: Vision and Eye Care Specialists with High Income
Ophthalmologists are medical and surgical eye specialists, providing comprehensive vision and eye care. They diagnose and treat eye diseases, perform eye surgery, and prescribe corrective lenses. The importance of vision and the specialized skills of ophthalmologists result in an average annual salary of $468,581.
17. General Surgery: Broad Surgical Expertise with Solid Compensation
General surgery provides a foundational surgical expertise encompassing a wide range of conditions. General surgeons manage diseases involving the abdomen, digestive tract, endocrine system, and more. Their broad skill set and the demand for general surgical procedures lead to an average annual salary of $464,071.
18. Colon & Rectal Surgery: Lower Gastrointestinal Tract Experts with Good Pay
Colon and rectal surgeons, also known as colorectal surgeons, specialize in conditions of the lower digestive tract, specifically the large intestine and rectum. They treat conditions like colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and diverticulitis. The specialized nature of colorectal surgery results in an average annual salary of $455,282.
19. Pulmonology: Respiratory System Specialists Earning Strong Salaries
Pulmonologists focus on the respiratory system, diagnosing and treating lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, and lung cancer. The increasing prevalence of respiratory illnesses and the specialized care required contribute to an average annual salary of $410,905.
20. Emergency Medicine: Frontline Care Physicians with Respectable Compensation
Emergency medicine physicians provide immediate care to patients with acute illnesses and injuries in emergency departments. They are the frontline of medical care, addressing a wide spectrum of medical emergencies. The demanding and unpredictable nature of emergency medicine is reflected in an average annual salary of $398,990.
Jonathan Preminger Headshot for Medical Review
Factors Influencing Doctor Compensation
Several factors influence physician compensation beyond just the medical specialty.
- Specialty Choice: As highlighted, surgical and procedural specialties focused on adult patients typically command the highest salaries. This is consistently shown in reports like the Doximity & Curative Physician Compensation Report.
- Geographic Location: Where a doctor practices significantly impacts income. States and cities with higher demand or lower physician density may offer higher salaries.
- Years of Experience: Seniority and experience naturally lead to increased earning potential in most medical fields.
- Employment Setting: Compensation can vary based on the type of employer, such as private practice, hospitals, academic institutions, or large healthcare organizations. Employer benefits packages also play a role.
For aspiring doctors seeking guidance on medical school admissions, resources like Inspira Advantage offer expert consulting to navigate the competitive application process.
Schedule A Call
Privacy guaranteed. No spam, ever.
Lucrative Doctor Salaries by State
Interestingly, some of the highest paying states for physicians are not necessarily the most populous or expensive. Wisconsin, Indiana, and Georgia often top the lists of highest-paying states for doctors.
While specialty remains a key factor, state-level variations in demand, cost of living, and healthcare market dynamics influence overall physician compensation. Below are some of the highest-paying states for physicians in the US, based on 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 |
Top Paying Cities for Doctors
Doximity data reveals specific cities that offer particularly high physician salaries.
| 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 |
For those exploring medical specialties, resources like the “Which Medical Specialty is Right For You?” quiz can provide initial guidance based on interests and aptitudes.
Get the 105-Page Guide
Privacy guaranteed. No spam, ever.
Frequently Asked Questions About Doctor Compensation
Here are answers to common questions about the highest paid medical specialties in the US.
1. What is the Income Range for the Highest-Paid Doctors?
The top-tier of highest paid physicians, particularly those in surgical and procedural specialties like neurosurgery, thoracic surgery, and orthopedic surgery, typically earn $600,000 per year and above.
2. Which Doctor Specialty Tops the Salary Charts in the US?
Neurosurgery consistently holds the position of the highest-paid doctor specialty, with reported average annual earnings exceeding $780,000.
3. Is There a Salary Difference Between MDs and DOs?
Generally, salary parity exists between MDs and DOs. However, some data suggests MDs may be slightly more likely to pursue specialized, higher-earning fields, potentially leading to a salary difference in aggregate.
4. Why Do Primary Care Physicians Generally Earn Less?
The reasons for lower compensation in primary care are complex. Factors may include shorter residency durations compared to specialized surgical fields and reimbursement models that historically favor procedural specialties.
5. Among Surgeons, Which Specialties Are the Highest Paid?
Neurosurgeons are typically the highest paid surgeons, followed by thoracic and orthopedic surgeons.
Jonathan Preminger Headshot for Medical Review
Final Considerations When Choosing a Medical Specialty
While understanding the highest paying doctor specialties is valuable, it’s crucial to remember that salary should not be the sole determinant in your career choice.
Personal comfort, genuine passion for the field, specific areas of interest within medicine, and desired geographic location are equally, if not more, important factors. Job satisfaction and professional fulfillment are paramount, particularly in the demanding field of medicine. We wish you the best in your exploration of medical specialties!
