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30 Highest-Paid Doctors in the US (2025)
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Updated November 11, 2025
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Highest-Paid Doctors in the U.S. in 2025
1. Neurosurgery
2. Thoracic Surgery
3. Orthopedic Surgery
4. Pediatric (General) Surgery
5. Plastic Surgery
6. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
7. Radiation Oncology
8. Cardiology
9. Vascular Surgery
10. Interventional Radiology
11. Radiology
12. Urology
13. Gastroenterology
14. Otolaryngology (ENT)
15. Anesthesiology
16. Dermatology
17. Oncology
18. Colon & Rectal Surgery
19. General Surgery
20. Ophthalmology
21. Pulmonology
22. Hematology
23. Emergency Medicine
24. Obstetrics & Gynecology
25. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
26. Pathology
27. Nephrology
28. Neurology
29. Neonatology/Perinatology
30. Pediatric Cardiology - Key Takeaways from Compensation Reports
○ Doximity vs. Medscape Compensation Data
○ Geographic Disparities in Physician Salaries
○ State and Local Taxes Impact on Physician Salaries
○ Base Salary vs. Bonuses
○ Gender Disparities in Compensation - Physician Burnout and Lifestyle Insights
- Malpractice and Legal Risks
- FAQs
- Other Specialties
- Final Thoughts
Introduction
Choosing a medical specialty is one of the most significant decisions for aspiring physicians. While factors such as passion, work-life balance, and job satisfaction are crucial, a doctor’s salary remains a key consideration.
In 2025, physician salaries continue to be shaped by factors such as specialization, location, experience, and gender disparities. This blog provides the most comprehensive analysis of the highest-paid doctors and medical specialties, salary variations by state, and an in-depth comparison between Doximity and Medscape’s physician compensation reports.
Highest-Paid Doctors in the U.S. in 2025
| Rank | Specialty | Average Annual Salary (Doximity) | Average Annual Salary (Medscape) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neurosurgery | $749,140 | N/A |
| 2 | Thoracic Surgery | $689,969 | N/A |
| 3 | Orthopedic Surgery | $679,517 | $564,000 |
| 4 | Pediatric (General) Surgery | $647,721 | N/A |
| 5 | Plastic Surgery | $621,445 | $544,000 |
| 6 | Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | $616,748 | N/A |
| 7 | Radiation Oncology | $588,678 | N/A |
| 8 | Cardiology | $587,360 | $520,000 |
| 9 | Vascular Surgery | $576,452 | N/A |
| 10 | Interventional Radiology | $572,617 | N/A |
| 11 | Radiology | $571,749 | $526,000 |
| 12 | Urology | $559,474 | $505,000 |
| 13 | Gastroenterology | $537,870 | $513,000 |
| 14 | Otolaryngology (ENT) | $523,369 | $484,000 |
| 15 | Anesthesiology | $523,277 | $501,000 |
| 16 | Dermatology | $508,401 | $454,000 |
| 17 | Oncology | $502,465 | $472,000 |
| 18 | Colon & Rectal Surgery | $487,085 | N/A |
| 19 | General Surgery | $482,574 | $434,000 |
| 20 | Ophthalmology | $477,232 | $409,000 |
| 21 | Pulmonology | $425,700 | $402,000 |
| 22 | Hematology | $421,482 | $472,000 |
| 23 | Emergency Medicine | $411,133 | $388,000 |
| 24 | Obstetrics & Gynecology | $389,566 | $372,000 |
| 25 | Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation | $374,886 | $362,000 |
| 26 | Pathology | $373,384 | $388,000 |
| 27 | Nephrology | $367,425 | $363,000 |
| 28 | Neurology | $360,519 | $332,000 |
| 29 | Neonatology/Perinatology | $354,841 | N/A |
| 30 | Pediatric Cardiology | $352,197 | N/A |
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Below we’ll cover the best-paying medical specialties in-depth.
1.Neurosurgery
- Average Annual Income: $749,140 (Doximity)
Neurosurgeons specialize in the surgical treatment of disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. This highly demanding field requires extensive training, typically including a residency lasting 7+ years, these programs are often targeted by students at good med schools. The field includes high-revenue procedures such as complex brain tumor resections, spinal fusions, and aneurysm clippings. Earnings are often highest for those specializing in spine surgery due to the volume and complexity of cases. Conversely, neurosurgeons focusing on functional neurosurgery (e.g., deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s) may have slightly lower earnings due to reimbursement structures.
2. Thoracic Surgery
- Average Annual Income: $689,969 (Doximity),
Thoracic surgeons operate on organs within the chest, including the heart, lungs, and esophagus. They play a critical role in treating conditions such as lung cancer, congenital heart defects, and coronary artery disease. Training includes general surgery residency followed by a thoracic surgery fellowship, a competitive track often pursued by strong applicants, such as Ivy League school graduates. Those specializing in cardiac surgery (e.g., coronary artery bypass grafting, valve replacements) typically earn more than those focused on non-cardiac thoracic procedures such as lung resections. The demand for heart transplants and ventricular assist device implantation has further driven earnings in this specialty.
3. Orthopedic Surgery
- Average Annual Income: $679,517 (Doximity), $564,000 (Medscape)
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal system disorders, attracting top talent from top med schools in the US. They perform procedures like joint replacements, fracture repairs, and spinal surgeries. The field includes multiple subspecialties, such as sports medicine, hand surgery, spine surgery and pediatric orthopedics.
4. Pediatric (General) Surgery
- Average Annual Income: $647,721 (Doximity)
Pediatric surgeons specialize in surgical care for infants, children, and adolescents. They treat a wide range of congenital and acquired conditions, performing procedures from hernia repairs to complex neonatal surgeries with techniques adapted to children’s unique needs.
5. Plastic Surgery
- Average Annual Income: $621,445 (Doximity), $544,000 (Medscape)
Plastic surgeons focus on reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, drawing candidates from the best medical universities in America. They treat burns, perform breast reconstructions, and conduct aesthetic procedures such as rhinoplasty and facelifts. Training includes a specialized plastic surgery residency +/- a fellowship. Aesthetic surgery (e.g., facelifts, breast augmentations, body contouring) is often more lucrative due to self-pay patients, while reconstructive surgery (e.g., burns, post-mastectomy reconstructions) relies on insurance reimbursements, which can be lower.
6. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- Average Annual Income: $616,748 (Doximity)
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons handle surgical interventions related to the face, jaw, and oral cavity. They commonly perform wisdom teeth extractions, facial trauma repairs, and reconstructive surgeries. This specialty requires both a dental and medical degree in many cases. Interestingly, oral surgeons are also trained in anesthesia and often times can administer (and bill) for their own anesthesia.
7. Radiation Oncology
- Average Annual Income: $588,678 (Doximity)
Radiation oncologists use targeted radiation therapy to treat cancer patients. Radiation oncologists design and oversee radiation treatments for cancer patients. Earnings are driven by the volume of treatments and technological advancements like proton therapy, which is more lucrative but limited to specialized centers.
8. Cardiology
- Average Annual Income: $587,360 (Doximity), $520,000 (Medscape)
Cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating heart conditions. They perform procedures such as angioplasty and stenting, as well as manage long-term conditions like hypertension and heart failure. Cardiology requires a full internal medicine residency followed by at least one fellowship in cardiology. Additional fellowships in interventional cardiology and imaging are also available. Interventional cardiologists earn significantly more than general cardiologists due to procedural volume and reimbursement rates.
9. Vascular Surgery
- Average Annual Income: $576,452 (Doximity)
Vascular surgeons manage diseases affecting blood vessels outside of the heart and brain. They treat conditions such as aneurysms, varicose veins, and peripheral artery disease. Surgeons performing endovascular procedures, such as stent placements, often earn more than those focused on open vascular surgeries.
10. Interventional Radiology
- Average Annual Income: $572,617 (Doximity)
Interventional radiologists use imaging techniques to guide minimally invasive procedures for diagnosing and treating various conditions. They perform treatments such as angioplasty, embolization, and tumor ablation, often offering faster recovery than traditional surgery.
11. Radiology
- Average Annual Income: $571,749 (Doximity), $526,000 (Medscape)
Radiologists use imaging techniques such as MRI, CT scans, and X-rays to diagnose and monitor diseases. Some radiologists also perform interventional procedures.
12. Urology
- Average Annual Income: $559,474 (Doximity), $505,000 (Medscape)
Urologists diagnose and treat disorders of the urinary tract and male reproductive system, including kidney stones, urinary infections, and prostate issues. Those specializing in robotic surgeries (e.g., prostatectomies) often have higher earnings due to the complexity of procedures.
13. Gastroenterology
- Average Annual Income: $537,870 (Doximity), $513,000 (Medscape)
Gastroenterologists specialize in diseases of the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas. Common procedures include endoscopy and colonoscopy. High-income areas include procedures such as ERCP and endoscopic ultrasounds, while general GI consults are less lucrative.
14. Otolaryngology (ENT)
- Average Annual Income: $523,369 (Doximity), $484,000 (Medscape)
Otolaryngologists diagnose and treat conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. They perform surgeries such as tonsillectomies, sinus surgeries, and hearing implants. Subspecialties such as facial plastic surgery and neurotology often have higher earnings due to procedural complexity.
15. Anesthesiology
- Average Annual Income: $523,277 (Doximity), $501,000 (Medscape)
Anesthesiologists manage pain and sedation during medical procedures. They are essential in surgery, critical care, and pain management settings. Those specializing in pain management interventions often earn more due to procedural reimbursements.
16. Dermatology
- Average Annual Income: $508,401 (Doximity), $454,000 (Medscape)
Dermatologists diagnose and treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and skin cancer. They also perform cosmetic procedures such as Botox and laser treatments. Dermatologists offering cosmetic services like laser treatments, Botox, and filler injections often see significantly higher earnings compared to those focusing on medical dermatology alone.
17. Oncology
- Average Annual Income: $502,465 (Doximity), $472,000 (Medscape)
Oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer. They work with a team of specialists to provide chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies.
18. Colon & Rectal Surgery
- Average Annual Income: $487,085 (Doximity)
Colon and rectal surgeons treat diseases affecting the lower digestive tract, such as colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
19. General Surgery
- Average Annual Income: $482,574 (Doximity), $434,000 (Medscape)
General surgeons perform a wide range of surgeries, including appendectomies, gallbladder removals, and hernia repairs. Trauma and acute care surgeons tend to earn more due to high-volume emergency cases.
20. Ophthalmology
- Average Annual Income: $477,232 (Doximity), $409,000 (Medscape)
Ophthalmologists treat eye diseases and perform surgeries such as cataract removal and LASIK procedures.
21. Pulmonology
- Average Annual Income: $425,700 (Doximity), $402,000 (Medscape)
Pulmonologists specialize in lung and respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis.
22. Hematology
- Average Annual Income: $421,482 (Doximity), $472,000 (Medscape)
Hematologists diagnose and manage blood disorders, including anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, and clotting disorders. They work with both benign and malignant hematologic conditions, often collaborating with oncologists for treatment.
23. Emergency Medicine
- Average Annual Income: $411,133 (Doximity), $388,000 (Medscape)
Emergency medicine physicians work in high-paced hospital environments, treating acute conditions such as trauma, heart attacks, and strokes.
24. Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Average Annual Income: $389,566 (Doximity), $372,000 (Medscape)
OB/GYNs specialize in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. They provide prenatal care, deliver babies, perform gynecologic surgeries, and manage conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and menopause.
25. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Average Annual Income: $374,886 (Doximity), $362,000 (Medscape)
These specialists help patients recover from injuries, surgeries, and chronic conditions through non-surgical rehabilitation methods.
26. Pathology
- Average Annual Income: $373,384 (Doximity), $388,000 (Medscape)
Pathologists study the causes and effects of diseases by examining body tissues, blood, and other specimens. They play a crucial role in diagnosing conditions like cancer, infections, and autoimmune disorders, often working behind the scenes in laboratories and collaborating with clinical teams.
27. Nephrology
- Average Annual Income: $367,425 (Doximity), $363,000 (Medscape)
Nephrologists treat kidney-related conditions, including chronic kidney disease, dialysis management, and kidney transplants.
28. Neurology
- Average Annual Income: $360,519 (Doximity), $332,000 (Medscape)
Neurologists diagnose and treat disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system, including stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. They manage both acute and chronic neurological conditions, often working closely with other specialists.
29. Neonatology/Perinatology
- Average Annual Income: $354,841 (Doximity)
Neonatologists and perinatologists specialize in the care of high-risk pregnancies and critically ill newborns. Perinatologists (also known as maternal-fetal medicine specialists) focus on managing complications during pregnancy, while neonatologists provide intensive care for premature and medically fragile newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
30. Pediatric Cardiology
- Average Annual Income: $352,197 (Doximity)
Pediatric cardiologists diagnose and treat heart conditions in infants, children, and adolescents, including congenital heart defects, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathies. They use advanced imaging and interventional techniques to manage both congenital and acquired heart diseases.
Key Takeaways from Compensation Reports
Doximity vs. Medscape Compensation Data
While both Doximity and Medscape provide valuable insights into physician salaries, there are key differences in their methodologies:
- Doximity sources doctor salary data from over 37,000 physician compensation surveys, focusing on self-reported compensation.
- Medscape gathers data from approximately 7,322 respondents, with a stronger emphasis on additional factors such as gender pay gaps and regional trends.
- Disparities: Doximity generally reports higher salaries than Medscape, possibly due to a higher percentage of responses from private practice physicians, who tend to earn more.
Geographic Disparities in Physician Salaries
Certain states and metropolitan areas offer significantly higher compensation. According to Doximity:
- Highest-paying cities: Rochester, St. Louis, Los Angeles.
- Highest-paying states: Wyoming, Alaska, and North Dakota.
- Lowest-paying states: Vermont, Rhode Island, and Delaware.
Medscape reports a similar trend but highlights additional regional variations based on cost of living adjustments.
State and Local Taxes Impact on Physician Salaries
Physician salaries are significantly impacted by state and local taxes. High-income states like California and New York impose higher state income tax rates, which can reduce take-home pay despite higher base salaries. On the other hand, states with no income tax, such as Texas, Florida, and Nevada, allow physicians to retain more of their earnings. Physicians in high-tax states should consider cost-of-living adjustments and potential deductions when evaluating compensation packages.
Base Salary vs. Bonuses
Physician compensation packages typically consist of a base salary and various forms of bonuses:
- Base Salary: This is the guaranteed income paid to physicians annually. It varies by specialty, employer, and geographic location.
- Performance Bonuses: Many physicians receive bonuses based on metrics such as patient volume, patient satisfaction scores, and procedure complexity.
- Sign-on Bonuses: Hospitals and healthcare systems offer sign-on bonuses to attract physicians, especially in high-demand specialties and underserved areas.
- Productivity-Based Incentives: Some employers offer RVU (Relative Value Unit) compensation models, where earnings increase based on the number and complexity of procedures performed.
You should carefully evaluate the compensation structure, considering both base salary and potential bonuses, as well as regional tax implications, before selecting a job offer.
Gender Disparities in Compensation
- Male physicians earn approximately 26% more than female physicians.
- The gap is particularly pronounced in surgical specialties such as orthopedics and neurosurgery.
- Women in primary care report greater satisfaction despite lower earnings.
Physician Burnout and Lifestyle Insights
While high salaries are appealing, compensation is not the sole factor in career satisfaction. Data from Medscape’s 2024 Burnout & Happiness Report highlight the following:
- Highest burnout rates: Emergency Medicine (63%), Ob/Gyn (53%), and Oncology (53%).
- Lowest burnout rates: Plastic Surgery (37%), Ophthalmology(39%), and Psychiatry (39%).
- Work-life balance satisfaction: Specialties with higher control over their schedules, such as dermatology and ophthalmology, report the highest happiness levels.
Malpractice and Legal Risks
Based on Medscape’s Malpractice Report, the risk of lawsuits varies by specialty:
- Most sued specialties: Surgery, OB-GYN, and Orthopedics.
- Least sued specialties: Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Pathology
FAQS
1. Which medical specialties offer the highest salaries?
Neurosurgery ranks as the highest-paid specialty, with an average annual salary exceeding $749,140. Specialties such as neurosurgery, thoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery, and plastic surgery are among the highest-paid, with average annual salaries ranging from approximately $600,000 to over $750,000.
2. How do physician salaries vary by state?
Physician compensation can vary significantly by state due to factors like cost of living, demand for specific specialties, and regional healthcare budgets. For instance, states like Wyoming, Alaska, and North Dakota often offer higher average salaries to attract physicians to less populated areas.
3. What factors influence a doctor's salary?
Several factors impact physician earnings, including:
- Specialty: Procedural and surgical specialties typically command higher salaries.
- Geographic Location: Areas with physician shortages or higher living costs may offer increased compensation.
- Experience and Tenure: More experienced physicians often earn higher incomes.
- Practice Setting: Private practice physicians may have different earning potentials compared to those employed by hospitals or academic institutions.
4. Are there gender disparities in physician compensation?
Yes, studies have shown that male physicians often earn more than their female counterparts. This disparity can be influenced by factors such as specialty choice, hours worked, and negotiation practices.
5. How does physician burnout affect compensation?
Burnout can impact productivity, job satisfaction, and overall career longevity, potentially influencing earning potential. Specialties with higher burnout rates might see higher turnover, which can affect compensation structures within those fields.
6. What are the most sued medical specialties?
Specialties like surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and orthopedics often face higher malpractice claim rates due to the high-risk nature of their procedures.
7. How do work-life balance and lifestyle differ among specialties?
Specialties such as dermatology and ophthalmology are often noted for offering more controllable schedules and fewer emergency calls, contributing to a better work-life balance. In contrast, specialties like emergency medicine and neurosurgery may involve more irregular hours and on-call responsibilities.
8. What is the average debt load for medical school graduates, and how does it impact career choices?
Many medical school graduates incur significant debt, often exceeding $200,000. This financial burden can influence specialty choice, with some opting for higher-paying specialties to repay loans more quickly.
9. What are the emerging medical specialties with increasing compensation?
Fields such as telemedicine, geriatric medicine, and certain subspecialties within radiology and oncology are experiencing growth, potentially leading to increased compensation as demand for these services rises.
10. Are physicians happy with their salaries?
While compensation is high, burnout rates remain a concern, particularly in high-stress specialties like emergency medicine and critical care.
Other Specialties
While not among the top-paying specialties, many fields still offer competitive salaries according to Doximity’s latest physician compensation report. Here’s a look at how various other specialties compare:
| Specialty | Average Annual Compensation |
|---|---|
| Critical Care | $418,000 |
| Psychiatry | $341,977 |
| Internal Medicine | $326,116 |
| Rheumatology | $324,954 |
| Allergy & Immunology | $322,955 |
| Infectious Disease | $320,730 |
| Family Medicine | $318,959 |
| Pediatric Emergency Medicine | $312,271 |
| Preventive Medicine | $310,177 |
| Pediatric Gastroenterology | $298,457 |
| Medicine/Pediatrics | $296,665 |
| Geriatrics | $291,968 |
| Endocrinology | $290,606 |
| Child Neurology | $289,738 |
| Pediatric Pulmonology | $282,000 |
| Pediatrics | $265,230 |
| Pediatric Nephrology | $263,013 |
| Medical Genetics | $259,564 |
| Pediatric Hematology & Oncology | $255,733 |
| Pediatric Infectious Disease | $248,322 |
| Pediatric Rheumatology | $231,574 |
| Pediatric Endocrinology | $230,426 |
Although these specialties may not lead the salary charts, they are crucial to the healthcare system and offer rewarding career paths for physicians passionate about patient care and specialized medicine.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a specialty, physicians should consider financial incentives alongside personal interests, work-life balance, and overall career satisfaction. While neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and cardiologists rank among the highest earners, specialties such as dermatology and ophthalmology provide an appealing mix of compensation and lifestyle benefits.
By understanding the latest compensation trends, aspiring and practicing physicians can make informed decisions about their careers in medicine.
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