20 Highest-Paid Doctors in the US (2025)

Becoming a doctor will allow you to earn a great salary. However, some doctors earn salaries that far exceed the national median of $239,200 per year. 

Here is our complete breakdown of the highest-paid doctors in the US.

Highest-Paid Doctors in the U.S. in 2025

The highest-paid doctors in the U.S. in 2025 are neurosurgeons ($763,908), thoracic surgeons ($720,634), and orthopedic surgeons ($654,815).

Other highly compensated specialties include plastic surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, radiation oncology, cardiology, and vascular surgery, all earning above $550,000 per year according to the 2025 Physician Compensation Report.

If you’re unsure of the type of doctor you should be, this tool helps you find the best fit by matching your interests and career goals with different medical specialties.

Below, we’ll cover the best-paying medical specialties in-depth.

Compensation Growth by Specialty

Here are the doctor specialties with the fastest salary growth, according to the report.

Highest-Paid Doctor Specialties in the US

These are the highest-paid doctor specialities in the U.S., according to Doximity.

1. Neurosurgery

Neurosurgeons earn an average of $763,908 per year, which is 219% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They perform complex surgeries on the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Training includes at least a seven-year residency, making it one of the most demanding specialties.

2. Thoracic Surgery 

Thoracic surgeons earn an average of $720,634 annually, which is 202% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They operate on organs in the chest, including the heart, lungs, and esophagus, often treating life-threatening conditions such as congenital heart defects and heart failure.

3. Orthopedic Surgery 

Orthopedic surgeons earn $654,815 per year, which is 174% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They treat musculoskeletal conditions involving bones, joints, and tendons, with procedures such as joint replacements and spinal surgeries.

4. Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgeons earn $619,812 annually, which is 159% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, with residencies lasting about six years.

5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons earn $603,623 annually, which is 152% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. This dental specialty focuses on surgery of the face, jaw, and head.

6. Radiation Oncology 

Radiation oncologists earn $569,170 annually, which is 138% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They treat cancer with targeted radiation therapy and oversee patient care throughout treatment.

7. Cardiology 

Cardiologists earn $565,485 annually, which is 137% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They diagnose and treat heart disease, the most prevalent chronic illness in the U.S.

8. Vascular Surgery

Vascular surgeons earn $556,070 annually, which is 132% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They perform surgeries and procedures to treat blood vessel conditions such as aneurysms and clots.

9. Radiology 

Radiologists earn $531,983 annually, which is 123% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They diagnose conditions using imaging technologies like CT, MRI, and PET scans.

10. Urology 

Urologists earn $529,140 annually, which is 121% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They treat urinary tract diseases and male reproductive system conditions.

11. Gastroenterology 

Gastroenterologists earn $514,208 annually, which is 115% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They treat digestive system conditions, often through procedures such as endoscopies and colonoscopies.

12. Otolaryngology (ENT)

ENT doctors earn $502,543 annually, which is 110% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They treat head, neck, and throat conditions, including hearing and sinus disorders.

13. Anesthesiology 

Anesthesiologists earn $494,522 annually, which is 107% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They manage anesthesia during surgeries and provide pain management.

14. Dermatology 

Dermatologists earn $493,659 annually, which is 106% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They treat skin, hair, and nail conditions, with aesthetic procedures driving high demand.

15. Oncology 

Oncologists earn $479,754 annually, which is 101% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They diagnose and treat cancer, overseeing patient care across treatment phases.

16. Ophthalmology 

Ophthalmologists earn $468,581 annually, which is 96% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They treat eye conditions and perform surgeries such as cataract removal.

17. General Surgery 

General surgeons earn $464,071 annually, which is 94% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They perform a wide range of operations, from trauma surgery to cancer resections.

18. Colon and Rectal Surgery

Colorectal surgeons earn $455,282 annually, which is 90% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They treat conditions affecting the large intestine, colon, and rectum.

19. Pulmonology 

Pulmonologists earn $410,905 annually, which is 72% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They treat respiratory diseases such as COPD, emphysema, and lung cancer.

20. Emergency Medicine

Emergency medicine doctors earn $398,990 annually, which is 67% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They treat acute conditions and injuries in hospital emergency departments.

MD Compensation Factors to Consider

Several specific factors determine how much physicians earn in the United States. Understanding these factors provides context for why some doctors make significantly more than others.

Which Medical Specialty Has the Largest Impact on Salary

The single biggest factor in physician compensation is medical specialty. According to the latest Doximity Physician Compensation Report, the highest-paying roles are concentrated in surgical and procedural specialties that treat adult patients, such as neurosurgery, thoracic surgery, and orthopedic surgery. 

In contrast, primary care fields like pediatrics and family medicine consistently fall on the lower end of the compensation spectrum.

Geographic Location Influences Earnings Significantly

Where a physician practices medicine plays a critical role in income potential. Doctors working in urban areas with high costs of living, such as New York City or San Francisco, often receive higher base salaries or incentives compared to peers in rural regions.

Conversely, some rural and underserved areas offer salary premiums, loan repayment programs, or signing bonuses to attract physicians, meaning location-based pay differences can swing both ways.

Seniority and Years of Experience Drive Pay Growth

Physicians in the early stages of their careers generally earn less than mid-career or senior doctors. Compensation typically increases after physicians complete their residencies and fellowships, and it continues to rise with experience, reputation, and subspecialty expertise. 

Senior physicians often earn more not only due to skill but also because they may take on leadership roles, directorships, or positions in academic medicine that include additional pay.

Employer Benefits Add to Total Compensation

Base salary is only one part of physician compensation. Benefits such as retirement plan contributions, malpractice insurance coverage, paid time off, relocation packages, and continuing medical education (CME) stipends can add tens of thousands of dollars in value annually. 

Physicians employed by large hospital systems or academic medical centers often receive more robust benefits packages than those in smaller practices.

Admissions Guidance Can Influence Long-Term Career Earnings

Finally, how and where an aspiring doctor trains influences long-term compensation. Getting admitted to a top U.S. medical school and matching into a competitive residency program greatly increases the chances of entering one of the highest-paying specialties. 

Services such as Inspira Advantage’s medical school admissions guidance can help applicants strengthen their profiles, secure admission to top programs, and position themselves for higher-earning specialties later in their careers.

Gender-Based Physician Compensation Gap

One of the most persistent trends in physician pay is the gender-based physician compensation gap. Multiple reports, including those from Medscape and Doximity, show that male physicians consistently earn more than female physicians across nearly every specialty. 

According to a Health Affairs report, the pay gap averages about 25%, even after accounting for specialty, work hours, and practice setting. For example, female doctors in high-paying specialties such as cardiology and radiology often report lower total earnings compared to their male peers.

This means that male doctors, on average, earn about 25% more than female doctors. For aspiring medical students, being aware of this reality is important when planning career paths and negotiating contracts.

FAQs

1. How Much Do the Highest-Paid Doctors Make?

The highest-paid doctors in the U.S. are neurosurgeons, thoracic surgeons, and orthopedic surgeons. These surgical specialists earn average annual salaries between $650,000 and $760,000, making them the top earners among physicians.

2. How Do MD Vs. DO Salaries Compare? 

MDs (Doctor of Medicine) and DOs (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) earn comparable salaries when working in the same specialty. However, MDs are statistically more likely to enter higher-paying specialties such as surgery or cardiology, which contributes to slightly higher average earnings overall.

3. Why Do Physicians in Primary Care Get Paid Less? 

Primary care doctors typically earn less than specialists because their residencies are shorter, less procedure-heavy, and generate fewer billable services. Specialties like surgery or cardiology involve complex procedures and higher reimbursement rates, while primary care emphasizes preventive care and long-term patient management.

Final Thoughts

While the highest-paid doctors in the U.S. are overwhelmingly those in surgical and procedural specialties, choosing a medical career is about more than just compensation. Salary data provides perspective, but it should not be the sole factor in deciding your path.

Aspiring physicians should weigh their personal interests, lifestyle preferences, long-term goals, and desired practice location alongside earning potential. Job satisfaction, work-life balance, and passion for a specialty often play a larger role in career fulfillment than pay alone. The best specialty is the one that aligns both with your skills and with the kind of life you want to build as a physician.