You chose medicine because you have a passion for helping others. That said, you still should consider what kind of salary the type of medicine you pursue can offer. An anesthesiologist is likely going to make more than a family practitioner, so what this all boils down to is how much you care about a specific field and whether you feel the income pays you adequately for your time and energy. Read on to learn more about the pay of each of these specialties as well as what it takes to become one.
We’ve listed these doctor salaries in order from highest-paid to lowest-paid averages according to PayScale as well as the Forbes Doctor Study.
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1. Orthopedic Surgeon Salary: $370,000
2. Vascular Surgeon Salary: $354,000
4. Pediatric Cardiologist Salary: $326,300
5. Trauma Surgeon Salary: $306,800
6. Gastroenterologist Salary: $306,600
7. Radiologist Salary: $298,900
8. Otolaryngologist Salary: $294,300
9. Anesthesiologist Salary: $288,000
10. Pulmonologist Salary: $282,000
11. General Surgeon Salary: $269,000
12. Plastic Surgeon Salary: $263,000
13. Oncologist Salary: $253,000
14. Dermatologist Salary: $251,000
15. Pediatric Oncologist Salary: $224,000
16. Cardiologist Salary: $243,000
17. ER Doctor Salary: $220,000
19. Hospitalist Salary: $213,000
20. Neurologist Salary: $210,000
21. Rheumatologist Salary: $205,000
22. Psychiatrist Salary: $201,400
23. Endocrinologist Salary: $197,000
24. Doctor of Internal Medicine Salary: $193,000
25. Infectious Disease Doctor Salary: $193,000
26. Geriatric Doctor Salary: $186,000
27. Allergist / Immunologist Salary: $181,000
28. Family Doctor Salary: $181,000
29. Pediatrician Salary: $148,500
30. Clinical Geneticist Salary: $147,000
1. Orthopedic Surgeon Salary
Average: $370,000
Top 10%: $564,000
Lowest 10%: $136,000
Orthopedic Surgeon Salary by Experience:
<1 year: $309,000
1-4 years: $343,000
5-9 years: $386,000
10-19 years: $389,000
20+ years: $411,000
About a Career as an Orthopedic Surgeon:
An orthopedic surgeon works specifically with the musculoskeletal system, which is made up of bones of the skeleton, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other connective tissue. An orthopedic surgeon devotes his or her career to preventing, diagnosing, and treating disorders in this system. Orthopedic surgeons must complete a 5-year residency program after medical school graduation, and some may complete a fellowship to specialize in a specific area.
While most orthopedic surgeons are generalists, some do specialize in specific areas of the body such as the hips and knees.
Example of an Orthopedic Surgeon Job Description:
2. Vascular Surgeon Salary
Average: $354,000
Top 10%: $505,000
Bottom 10%: $223,000
Vascular Surgeon Salary by Experience:
<1 year: $310,000
1-4 years: $342,000
5-9 years: $359,000
10-19 years: $400,000
20+ years: $400,000
About a Career as a Vascular Surgeon:
A vascular surgeon treats diseases of the vascular system including the arteries, veins, and lymphatic circulation. Some conditions treated may be as simple as spider veins and varicose veins, while others can be much more severe like aneurisms and trauma.
A vascular surgeon must complete 5-7 years of training after graduating medical school. The traditional path for this career is referred to as the “5 + 2” traditional fellowship. This includes a five-year general surgery residency followed by a two-year vascular surgery fellowship. There is also a newer, integrated path towards becoming a vascular surgeon that takes only 5 years: 2 years of general surgery training followed by 3 years of vascular surgery training.
Example of a Vascular Surgeon Online Job Posting:
3. Urologist Salary
Average: $329,100
Top 10%: $475,000
Lowest 10%: $154,000
Urologist Salary by Experience
<1 year: $305,000
1-4 years: $307,000
5-9 years: $311,000
10-19 years: $348,000
20+ years: $350,000
About a Career in Urology:
A urologist specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. Oftentimes, physicians will be referred to a urologist if they need treatment to a condition associated with the urethra, ureters, kidneys, bladder, and adrenal glands. To become a urologist, you must complete a five-year residency after graduating medical school.
Example of a Urologist Job Description:
4. Pediatric Cardiologist Salary
Average: $326,300
Top 10%: $465,000
Lowest 10%: $188,000
Pediatric Cardiologist Salary by Experience:
<1 year: $287,000
1-4 years: $307,000
5-9 years: $335,000
10-19 years: $359,000
20+ years: $383,000
About a Career as a Pediatric Cardiologist:
A pediatric cardiologist specializes in and treats heart and circulatory system diseases in children and infants. Contrary to an adult cardiologist, they are more likely to treat congenital diseases and defects. When working in pediatrics, certain qualities are regarded as more important to a successful career, including people skills, empathy, and playfulness.
To become a pediatric cardiologist, one must complete a two- to three-year residency upon graduation of medical school as well as a two- to three-year fellowship in pediatric cardiology.
Example of a Pediatric Cardiologist Job Description Online:
5. Trauma Surgeon Salary
Average: $306,800
Top 10%: $434,000
Bottom 10%: $133,000
Trauma Surgeon Salary by Experience:
<1 year: $301,000
1-4 years: $302,000
5-9 years: $310,000
10-19 years: $348,000
20+ years: $377,000
About a Career as a Trauma Surgeon:
Trauma surgeons spend the majority of their time in emergency rooms in hospitals. They specialize in the operating and non-operating management of traumatic injuries and prevent these injuries from getting worse. Those who may be treated by a traumatic surgeon may include victims of automobile accidents, household injuries, or assaults. These injuries may include cuts, burns, shock, broken bones, or fractures. When a victim of traumatic injury enters the room, a trauma surgeon must be quick and effective in assessing the patient and recognizing the most serious injuries first for treatment. If and when surgery is deemed necessary, a trauma surgeon will perform operation.
Because traumatic events don’t fall neatly in a 9-to-5 schedule, traumatic surgeons will generally work in shifts to cover night, weekends, and holidays. For those who are looking for a setting that is fast-paced, trauma surgery may be a very rewarding fit. However, if you do not like working in high-stress or fast-paced environments, you may look into other specialties.
Becoming a trauma surgeon is a seven-year training following the graduation of medical school. The first five years is dedicated to a surgical residency followed by a two-year fellowship in trauma surgery. The fellowship will take place in a Level I or Level II trauma center, where you will gain experience in trauma, surgical, and other ICUs.
Example of a Trauma Surgeon Job Description:
6. Gastroenterologist Salary
Average: $306,600
Top 10%: $511,000
Lowest 10%: $186,000
Gastroenterologist Salary by Experience:
<1 year: $293,000
1-4 years: $293,000
5-9 years: $311,000
10-19 years: $340,000
20+ years: $381,000
About a Career as a Gastroenterologist:
Gastroenterologists, also known as GI physicians, specialize and treat problems associated with the digestive system. Some conditions that a gastroenterologist may need to diagnose and treat include hemorrhoids, fissures, colon polyps, rectal and colon cancer, IBS, and more. To become a gastroenterologist, you must complete two to three years of a residency in internal medicine after graduating from medical school, followed by three more years in a GI medicine fellowship.
Example of a Gastroenterologist Job Description:
7. Radiologist Salary
Average: $298,900
Top 10%: $451,000
Lowest 10%: $102,000
Radiologist Salary by Experience:
<1 year: $280,000
1-4 years: $284,000
5-9 years: $303,000
10-19 years: $340,000
20+ years: $340,000
About a Career in Radiology:
A radiologist is trained in interpreting medical images such as x-rays, nuclear medicine, or ultrasound. They must make treatment decisions regarding the confirmed diagnosis and present these to the patient’s physician.
To enter this field, one must first complete medical school and one year of interning as a resident. Next, the doctor may then enter a 4-year training program into the field of radiology. After this training program, the doctor must pass multiple sets of examinations. Upon passing these tests, most doctors will pursue a one to two-year fellowship program in the radiology field. Oftentimes, radiologists in their late career may choose better hours over pay increase, which explains the plateau of late-career salary.
Example of a Radiologist Job Description:
8. Otolaryngologist Salary
Average: $294,300
Top 10%: $438,000
Lowest 10%: $181,000
Otolaryngologist Salary by Experience:
<1 year: $242,000
1-4 years: $279,000
5-9 years: $303,000
10-19 years: $339,000
20+ years: $316,000
About a Career as an Otolaryngologist:
An Otolaryngologist, also known as an ENT, diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the ears, nose, or throat. Unlike other doctors, an Otolaryngologist can perform surgical procedures on tissues and muscles in the head and neck region. According to Medscape’s Physician Lifestyle and Happiness Report of 2019, Otolaryngologists are among the happiest doctors outside of their work as well as have the happiest marriages.
To become an Otolaryngologist, you must complete at least 5 years of specialty training after graduating medical school. You will also need to study for and pass the American Board of Otolaryngology exam. Some may choose to pursue a specialty in otolaryngology, which requires a one- to two-year fellowship.
Example of an Otolaryngologist Job Description Online:
9. Anesthesiologist Salary
Average: $288,000
Top 10%: $410,000
Lowest 10%: $117,000
Anesthesiologist Salary by Experience
<1 year: $241,000
1-4 years: $257,000
5-9 years: $295,000
10-19 years: $304,000
20+ years: $312,000
About a Career in Anesthesiology:
An anesthesiologist administers local or general anesthetic to a patient. An anesthesiologist stays present during a surgery and monitor the patient’s BP, heart rhythm, temperature, level of consciousness, and more. Anesthesiology is sometimes referred to as a “lifestyle” career among the likes of dermatology or radiology, as there are fewer nights, weekends, or holidays on duty. That said, Dr. Karen Sibert, MD, an associate professor of anesthesiology at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles has a take on who should not become an anesthesiologist.
“If you’re the sort of person who likes making rounds, consulting references and deliberating in the company of a group before you make any decision, then anesthesiology isn’t the job for you. Much of what we do is routine and predictable”
Becoming an anesthesiologist requires 4 years specialized training after completing medical school. The first year of training is focused on general medicine or rotations, while the last three are dedicated solely to anesthesiology.
Example of an Anesthesiologist Job Description:
10. Pulmonologist Salary
Average: $282,000
Top 10%: $391,000
Bottom 10%: $182,000
Pulmonologist Salary by Experience:
<1 year: $286,000
1-4 years: $293,000
5-9 years: $289,000
10-19 years; $260,000
20+ years: $265,000
About a Career as a Pulmonologist:
A pulmonologist specializes preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases that affect the lungs and respiratory tract. A pulmonologist will treat such diseases and disorders including asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and lung diseases. After graduating medical school, one must complete a three-year residency in an internal medicine program. After completing this residency, one must also complete a two-year pulmonology fellowship.
Example of a Pulmonologist Job Description:
Related: 7 Doctors’ Stories on Their Reasons to Become a Doctor
11. General Surgeon Salary
Average: $269,000
Top 10%: $392,000
Lowest 10%: $121,000
General Surgeon Salary by Experience:
<1 year: $243,000
1-4 years: $255,000
5-9 years: $260,000
10-19 years: $294,000
20+ years: $287,000
About a Career as a General Surgeon:
A general surgeon must diagnose a patient who needs surgery as well as perform the operation. Although considered a general surgeon, they usually operate on just the torso area of the body. Most general surgeons perform scheduled surgery, however, sometimes surgery must be performed on an emergency basis.
After graduating medical school, a minimum of 5 years general surgery residency will need to be completed. You must have performed at least 750 operations, 25 of which must qualify as surgical critical care.
Example of a General Surgeon Job Description:
12. Plastic Surgeon Salary
Average: $263,000
Top 10%: $511,000
Lowest 10%: $98,000
Plastic Surgeon Salary by Experience:
<1 year: $262,000
1-4 years: $255,000
5-9 years: $252,000
10-19 years: $264,000
20+ years: $294,000
About a Career in Plastic Surgery:
Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on repairing and reconstructing skin and tissue. Generally plastic surgery falls into two categories: reconstructive or aesthetic. According to this study, plastic surgeons have polled as the specialty with the highest self-esteem among other doctors.
Upon graduating medical school, a plastic surgeon must complete a three-year general surgery residency. After the three-year general surgery residency, a plastic surgeon will complete a three-year residency specializing in plastic surgery.
Example of a Plastic Surgeon Job Description Online Posting:
13. Oncologist Salary
Average: $253,000
Top 10%: $413,000
Lowest 10%: $120,000
Oncologist Salary by Experience
1-4 years: $240,000
5-9 years: $245,000
10-19 years: $287,000
20+ years: $307,000
About a Career in Oncology:
An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treatment for cancer patients. An oncologist fits into three main categories: medical, surgical, or radiation. The role of an oncologist is to explain to the patient the cancer diagnosis and stage, explain treatment choices, and to provide empathetic care. Upon completing medical school, a student would then complete a residency in internal medicine. After the internal medicine residency, an oncologist must then undergo at least 2 years of additional training through a fellowship in oncology.
Example of an Oncologist Online Job Post:
14. Dermatologist Salary
Average: $251,000
Top 10%: $396,000
Lowest 10%: $96,000