Last Updated: June 10, 2026
Doctors’ salary levels in the US vary significantly by specialty, location, and employment model.
The Marit Physician Salary Report estimates that the average U.S. physician earns $463,387 annually (about $223 per hour), with compensation varying widely by specialty.
So naturally, one of the most common questions is: what is the highest paid doctor in the United States? In 2026, neurosurgeons remain at the top, earning an average salary of about $749,140 per year.
Building on that, which doctors make the most money overall? The highest-paying physician specialties typically include neurosurgeons, thoracic surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, and cardiologists.
For many physicians, compensation is no longer just about prestige. Income potential, work-life balance, flexibility, and long-term career satisfaction all play an important role when choosing a specialty or evaluating new opportunities.
Whether you are completing residency, considering a job change, or exploring locum tenens work, understanding physician salaries by specialty can help you make more informed career decisions.
In this guide, we break down the highest-paying physician specialties in the US for 2026.
The following table ranks the 28 highest-paying physician specialties in the United States by average annual compensation.
| Specialty | Doximity Avg Salary | Medscape Avg Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Neurosurgery | $749,140 | - |
| Thoracic Surgery | $689,969 | - |
| Orthopedic Surgery | $679,517 | $611,000 |
| Plastic Surgery | $621,445 | $554,000 |
| Cardiology | $587,360 | $575,000 |
| Vascular Surgery | $576,452 | - |
| Radiology | $571,749 | $571,000 |
| Urology | $559,474 | $535,000 |
| Gastroenterology | $537,870 | $530,000 |
| Otolaryngology (ENT) | $523,369 | $508,000 |
| Anesthesiology | $523,277 | $543,000 |
| Dermatology | $508,401 | $448,000 |
| Oncology | $502,465 | $464,000 |
| General Surgery | $482,574 | $442,000 |
| Ophthalmology | $477,232 | $448,000 |
| Hematology | $421,482 | $464,000 |
| Emergency Medicine | $411,133 | - |
| Obstetrics & Gynecology | $389,566 | $390,000 |
| Nephrology | $367,425 | $359,000 |
| Neurology | $360,519 | $341,000 |
| Psychiatry | $341,977 | $331,000 |
| Internal Medicine | $326,116 | $307,000 |
| Rheumatology | $324,954 | $284,000 |
| Infectious Disease | $320,730 | $282,000 |
| Family Medicine | $318,959 | $288,000 |
| Geriatrics | $291,968 | - |
| Endocrinology | $290,606 | $284,000 |
| Pediatrics | $265,230 | $266,000 |
Sources: Doximity Physician Compensation Report 2025, and Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2026
Medical doctor salaries in the US vary a lot by specialty. Some fields pay more because they need advanced training, have complex procedures, and have a steady demand. These fields are where you will find the highest-paid doctors.
These professionals balance long hours and high responsibility with significant financial rewards, especially in competitive or underserved markets.
Average neurosurgeon salary: $749,140 per year in the US (Doximity)
Neurosurgery remains the highest‑paid physician specialty in the U.S. Neurosurgeons treat complex disorders of the brain, spine, and nervous system, requiring years of specialized training. Compensation is highest in trauma centers and regional referral hospitals, with contract and locum tenens roles often offering premium rates.
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Explore Job OpeningsAverage general thoracic surgeon salary: $689,969 annually in the US (Doximity)
Thoracic surgeons operate on organs within the chest, including the heart and lungs. Their high compensation reflects both the complexity of procedures and strong clinical demand.
Average orthopedic surgeon salary: $679,517 annually in the US (Doximity)
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the musculoskeletal system and perform a high volume of surgical procedures, from joint replacements to sports injuries. Subspecialties like spine surgery and sports medicine often earn even more, especially in private practice.
Average plastic surgeon salary: $624,445 per year in the US (Doximity)
Plastic surgeons remain one of the highest-paid doctors due to a mix of reconstructive and elective procedures. While reconstructive surgeons often work in hospital settings, cosmetic plastic surgeons may operate private practices with significant income upside. Earnings can vary widely based on location, patient demographics, and procedure mix.
Average cardiologist salary: $587,360 annually in the US (Doximity), depending on procedural volume and setting.
Cardiologists remain a top-paying field, particularly for interventional cardiologists who perform catheter-based procedures. Procedural volume and practice setting play a major role in overall compensation.
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Explore Job OpeningsAverage vascular surgeon salary: $576,452 annually in the US (Doximity)
Vascular surgeons manage complex conditions of the circulatory system and are in short supply nationwide. Hospitals in underserved or high-acuity areas often offer higher pay and sign-on incentives.
Average radiologist salary: $571,749 per year in the US (Doximity)
Radiology offers strong compensation with a different lifestyle profile. Many radiologists work behind the scenes interpreting imaging studies, and some roles offer remote or hybrid work options. Interventional radiology roles typically earn more due to procedural responsibilities. Staffing shortages in certain regions have further pushed salaries upward.
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Explore Job OpeningsAverage urologist salary: $559,474 annually in the Us (Doximity)
Urologists treat conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive system, combining surgical and outpatient care.
Average gastroenterologist salary: $537,870 per year in the US (Doximity)
Gastroenterologists benefit from a combination of diagnostic and procedural work, including endoscopies and colonoscopies. Preventive care guidelines and colorectal cancer screening recommendations continue to fuel demand. Many gastroenterologists enjoy strong work-life balance compared to other high-paying specialties, making this field especially attractive.
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Explore Job OpeningsAverage otolaryngologist salary: $523,277 annually in the US (Doximity)
Otolaryngology, also known as Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) medicine, consistently ranks among the highest-paying physician specialties in the United States. ENT physicians diagnose and treat conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck, often combining clinical care with surgical procedures, which contributes to their strong earning potential.
Average anesthesiologist salary: $523,369 annually in the US (Doximity)
Anesthesiology consistently ranks among the highest-paying physician specialties in the US. Anesthesiologists are essential to surgical care and often benefit from predictable schedules and strong demand. High-volume surgical hospitals and short-term contract assignments, where coverage gaps must be filled quickly, can significantly boost compensation.
This ranking is based on physician compensation data and workforce reports from leading healthcare industry sources, including physician compensation surveys, healthcare workforce analyses, and national labor market data.
Factors considered include:
Compensation figures represent national averages and may not reflect individual employment agreements, bonuses, productivity incentives, or ownership distributions.
Specialty is a major reason for how much doctors earn. However, it is not the only factor that affects their income in the US. Many physicians within the same specialty can see large pay differences based on experience, workload, and how they choose to practice.
More years in practice (especially 10+ years) significantly increase earning potential. Years of clinical experience.
Physicians with in-demand skills or niche training are often able to negotiate higher compensation, especially in markets facing staffing shortages.
When choosing where to build your career, consider both the cost of living and the local demand for your skills
Physician earnings vary by practice setting—hospital, clinic, private practice, or academic. Hospital and private practice roles usually offer higher pay, academic positions prioritize teaching, research, and long-term stability, and outpatient clinics provide predictable schedules with moderate compensation.
Ready to advance your career? Explore our job openings or connect with our healthcare recruiters today.
Explore Job OpeningsPhysician salaries in the US vary widely by specialty, location, and employment model—but one thing is clear: demand for skilled physicians remains strong heading into 2026.
From high-paying specialties like plastic surgery, vascular surgery, and dermatology to lucrative opportunities in underserved regions and contract roles, there are multiple paths to maximizing your earning potential without sacrificing long-term career satisfaction.
The key is to know where opportunities exist and how to access them. With deep insight into the physician job market and salary trends, TAG Med Staffing helps doctors move from research to action, connecting them with roles that align with both financial and personal priorities.
The average U.S. physician earns $463,387 annually (about $223 per hour). Keep in mind that doctors salaries vary significantly by specialty.
Primary care physicians often earn between $250,000 and $350,000 annually, while specialists commonly earn between $400,000 and $750,000 or more.
Neurosurgery is widely recognized as the highest-paying physician specialty, with average annual earnings around $749,140. Plastic surgery, vascular surgery, and dermatology also rank among the top-earning fields, though actual compensation varies based on location, experience, and employment type.
In many cases, yes. Locum tenens physicians frequently receive premium hourly rates, travel reimbursements, housing stipends, and licensing assistance. Earnings depend on specialty, location, and assignment length.
Doctors can boost earnings by targeting high-demand locations, subspecializing, taking contract or locum roles, or working with healthcare staffing agencies like TAG MedStaffing to access exclusive opportunities.
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