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No one ever said becoming a doctor was easy. Medical school is competitive, rigorous and expensive. If you’re going to invest time, effort and money to earn your M.D. or D.O., then you want your medical career to be rewarding enough – financially and otherwise – to make your work worthwhile.
The training takes persistence, and the work-life continues to be strenuous and demanding. Physicians and surgeons often work schedules with long, unpredictable hours. They may also work on-call. The hard work yields a high-paying career, and the opportunity to provide hope and healing to patients of all ages.
Medicine is known as a lucrative field, but even within the industry, earnings can vary substantially from one specialty to the next. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that all physicians earn a median annual wage above $208,000 per year. As a whole, specialists make $284,000 per year on average, Medscape reported. Our list of the top 10 highest paying medical specialties delves into several of these rankings to show you which specialties truly pay the most money – and what to expect working in them.
highest paid medical specialties in the future
The Future of the Physician Market: Top Medical School Specialties
Specialties often change between medical school graduation and the end of a resident’s training, and tracking patterns among medical school graduates has historically been a good way to predict coming shifts in the physician market. This includes demographic information such as gender, number of graduates, and declared medical school specialties.
Here, we’ll examine trends among medical school graduates from 1980 through 2016 to see which physician demographics and specialty areas have seen the greatest amount of growth in recent years.
What percentage of medical school graduates are female?
One of the most marked changes to occur in the physician market within the past 40 years is the number of female doctors entering the workforce. In 1980, only 19.5 percent of medical school graduates were female compared to 80.5 percent of male graduates.
Medical school graduates from 1980 – 2016 by gender
Fig 1 Graph from Definitive Healthcare’s Expert Premium Content database. Data is based on 1.18 million providers with a National Provider Identifier (NPI) and a record in CMS’ Physician Compare dataset. Excludes nurses, physician assistants, social workers, and occupational, physical, and speech therapists. Data is sourced from CMS’ Physician Compare website and Definitive Healthcare’s Physicians database. Accessed February 2020.
By 2014, that gender disparity was eliminated when the number of female and male graduates became equal. The most recent data available indicates that, in fact, more female students graduated from medical school than male students in 2016. If this trend continues, it’s likely that the physician market will become more populated with female doctors than male within the next few years.
What are the most popular medical specialties?
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid’s (CMS) Physician Compare data, approximately 626,400 of medical school graduates have gone on to become practicing physicians since 1990. Of those, over 136,000—or about 22 percent—have pursued internal medicine or family practice specialties.
Top physician specialties by number of medical school graduates from 1990 – 2016
Fig 2 Chart from Definitive Healthcare’s Expert Premium Content database. Data is based on 1.18 million providers with a National Provider Identifier (NPI) and a record in CMS’ Physician Compare dataset. Excludes nurses, physician assistants, social workers, and occupational, physical, and speech therapists. Data is sourced from CMS’ Physician Compare website and Definitive Healthcare’s Physicians database. Accessed February 2020.
Chiropractic medicine, emergency medicine, and anesthesiology were also among the top five most popular medical specialties in the U.S. between 1990 and 2016.
Interestingly, the most popular physician specialties don’t necessarily coincide with earning potential. According to a 2019 Medscape report, the top five highest-paid physician specialties are orthopedics, plastic surgery, otolaryngology, cardiology, and dermatology. In fact, none of these highest-paid specialties appear in the above list.
This could be, in part, because doctors begin training in these highly-specialized fields in years one or two of their residency programs—well after their medical school graduation. It is, perhaps, more likely the case that doctors are driven by their desire to help people and choose their specialties based primarily on this fact, and not earning potential.
What is the fastest growing medical specialty?
Between 2006 and 2016, a total of ten physician specialties have increased in number of medical school graduates by one percentage point or more. By this measure, optometry is the fastest growing physician specialty in the U.S.
In 2006, for instance, only 3.6 percent of medical school graduates in the U.S. declared an optometry specialty. By 2016, the total number of medical school graduates with an optometry specialty was 11 percent—for an annual increase of 7.37 percentage points.
Top 10 fastest-growing physician specialties
| Rank | Specialty | Annual Growth(by percentage point increase) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Optometry | 7.37 |
| 2 | Emergency Medicine | 6.25 |
| 3 | Family Practice | 5.83 |
| 4 | Internal Medicine | 5.57 |
| 5 | Chiropractic Medicine | 4.51 |
| 6 | Hospitalist | 3.84 |
| 7 | Psychology – Clinical Psychologist | 3.57 |
| 8 | Audiologist | 1.92 |
| 9 | Podiatry | 1.78 |
| 10 | Dietitian / Nutrition Professional | 1.10 |
Fig 3 Table represents the fastest-growing physician specialties between 2006 and 2016 by annual increase in number of medical school graduates. Data is based on 1.18 million providers with a National Provider Identifier (NPI) and a record in CMS’ Physician Compare dataset. Excludes nurses, physician assistants, social workers, and occupational, physical, and speech therapists. Data is sourced from CMS’ Physician Compare website and Definitive Healthcare’s Physicians database. Accessed February 2020.
Interestingly, family practice and internal medicine—two of the most popular physician specialties—are also among the top five fastest-growing medical specialties in the U.S. With a 5.83 percent annual increase in medical school graduates between 2006 and 2016, family practice has the third-highest growth rate. Internal medicine follows closely behind, with a 5.57 percent annual growth rate.
Using this information, we might be able to predict that emergency medicine and internal medicine will continue to grow, potentially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s possible that this virus will cause other specialties like pulmonology, intensive care medicine, and preventative medicine to grow within the next few years, as well.
What does COVID-19 mean for the future of the physician market?
In March 2020, many medical schools—including Columbia, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Tufts, Boston University School of Medicine, and Harvard Medical School—announced that they would be holding early graduation ceremonies for fourth-year medical students wanting to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
What this unexpected schedule change means for an entire class of new doctors is this: that the first months of their career will not be shaped by their chosen medical or surgical specialty, but by a national health crisis.
Given the current state of affairs, it is likely that the pandemic will delay the start of first-year residency programs. It’s also possible that the virus could affect this class of new physicians in other ways, as well.
With a novel virus to combat and an existing physician shortage, these new graduates have entered the field with an all-hands-on-deck approach to medicine. The situation demands that these doctors apply their available skills in all capacities, regardless of whether it aligns with their interests or chosen discipline.
It’s too soon to tell, but it is possible that this experience could influence first-year residents to change their intended specialty, or even impact the type of formal training that they receive within their residency programs.
Highest Paid Medical Specialties In India
1. Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgery is the highest-paid specialty in the medical profession. With patients suffering from brain-related illness or injury, neurosurgeons must have experience and expertise with the brain, spine, spinal cord and nervous system. Neurosurgeons can specialize in adult or infant and child treatment.
Neurosurgeons will:
- perform back surgery
- remove tumors
- care for brain and spine infections and injury
- treat strokes and degenerative disease
- diagnose and treat chronic pain, seizures and epilepsy
- interpret radiological studies
Salary.com reports neurosurgery as the top-paid specialty in the medical field with an annual salary of $609, 201.
Neurosurgery impacts the life of a patient because the nervous system affects all areas of the body. Though the training is extensive, a neurosurgeon provides a significant contribution to the medical field.
What They Do: Brain, Spine and Nervous System Surgery
Annual Earning: $609,201
Training: 1 year internship in general surgery, 5-7 years in neurosurgery residency program
2. Invasive Cardiology
If you don’t mind the pressure of holding a patient’s heart in your hands, then this top-paying field of invasive cardiology might be the right medical specialty for you to pursue. Forbes reported that doctors who practice invasive cardiology earn an average base salary of $525,000 per year. If you’re interested in heart health but not necessarily the high-stress invasive aspect of the specialty, cardiology more generally is still a rewarding choice. CBS News rated the specialty of cardiology second-highest, bringing in $376,000 in annually for patient care.
Cardiologists specialize in heart health. They assess heart function and cardiovascular health through blood flow, blood pressure and other health indicators.
Cardiologists:
- order diagnostic tests
- perform procedures
- prescribe medication to improve suboptimal heart health
These doctors may work with patients who are in the advanced stages of heart failure and even those who need transplants. Invasive cardiologists are surgeons who carry out procedures such as repairing damaged heart valves, inserting pacemakers or defibrillators and performing heart bypass operations.
What They Do: Heart health and surgery
Annual Earnings: $525,000
Training: 1 year of subspecialty training on top of 3 years of general cardiology training
3. Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgeons earn a base salary of $497,000 per year, according to Forbes. Other sources cite different earnings for the specialty, but it consistently ranks high on the list. For example, Medscape and CBS News listed the average wages for orthopedic surgeons as $421,000, but rank the field as the top-paying specialty in medicine.
Treating the musculoskeletal system means working on the spine, extremities, and related structures. Orthopedic surgeons treat:
- patients who suffered injuries in a trauma
- congenital (from birth) conditions
- infections
- cancer
- degenerative (progressive) diseases
Even within the specialty of orthopedic surgery, there are numerous subspecialties. Some orthopedic surgeons work exclusively on procedures on the hand or foot and ankle. They may also focus on a particular type of condition, like cancer (oncology) or sports injuries (sports medicine). Orthopedic surgeons set broken bones, replace damaged joints, repair injured tendons and surgically remove tumors.
What They Do: Surgical procedures on the musculoskeletal system
Annual Earnings: $497,000
Training: 5 years
4. Gastroenterology
Reporting a base salary of $455,000 per year, Forbes statistics rank gastroenterology the fourth highest paying specialty in medicine. Medscape also rated the specialty equally highly, though it listed annual earnings of $370,000.
Gastroenterologists treat disorders that occur in every part of the digestive system, from the esophagus through the stomach and even the bowels, and including organs like the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and others within the abdominal cavity. As part of the specialty of internal medicine, gastroenterology focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions like:
- heartburn
- diarrhea
- acid reflux
- ulcers
- pain
These specialists play a role in preventing and diagnosing cancers of the digestive organs, including esophageal and colon cancer. Gastroenterologists perform minimally invasive procedures and diagnostic tests like endoscopies, which allow doctors to see inside the gastrointestinal organs.
What They Do: Digestive health
Annual Earnings: $455,000
Training: 3 years of subspecialty training on top of 3 years of internal medicine training
5. Radiology
Radiology is the use of nuclear radiation for medical purposes, ranging from diagnostic tests to radiation treatments. Radiologists earn an average of $414,090, Salary.com reported. Radiologists work in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
Diagnostic radiologists read and interpret diagnostic imaging tests such as:
- X-rays
- ultrasounds
- computed tomography (CT) scans
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs)
Radiologists may also serve interventional roles, such as taking part in image guided therapy and administering radiation to cancer patients. Radiologists often specialize in imaging different regions of the body, like chest and cardiac imaging, abdominal imaging and performing mammograms to screen for breast cancer
What They Do: Diagnostic testing and radiation treatments
Annual Earnings: $414,090
Training: 5 years
6. Urology
Urologists make an annual base salary of $412,000, Forbes reported. Medscape ranked the specialty lower on the list, with earnings of just $344,000 per year, but even on this list urology still made the top 10.
Urology is the medical specialty that focuses on the health of the urinary tract of both genders and the reproductive system of male patients. Several organs and structures fall under the domain of urologists, including the bladder, kidney, prostate and urethra as well as male genitals. Urologists diagnose and treat:
- urinary tract and bladder infections
- difficulty urinating
- incontinence
- kidney stones
- enlarged prostate
- male infertility
What They Do: Urinary tract
Annual Earnings: $412,000
Training: 5 years
7. Dermatology
As the largest organ of the body, it’s no wonder skin gets its own specialist. Forbes lists a base annual salary of $412,000 for dermatologists, while Medscape reports earnings of $339,000.
Dermatologists diagnose and treat skin disorders of all kinds, from acne to cancer. They may perform routine skin examinations to screen for signs of melanoma or other forms of skin cancer, tracking any changes in the appearance or location of moles. They may perform diagnostic tests like biopsies on unusual skin conditions and changes. Dermatologists treat skin allergies, infections, eczema and other conditions. Many dermatologists also perform cosmetic procedures, ranging from laser surgery and excisions of unwanted skin conditions and markings to liposuction, chemical peels and injections of dermal fillers like Botox.
What They Do: Skin health
Annual Earnings: $412,000
Training: 4 years
8. Plastic/ Reconstructive Surgery
Dermatologists may do some cosmetic procedures, but plastic surgeons are the physicians who devote their careers to medical aesthetics and reconstruction. Salary.com reports annual earnings of $393,073 for plastic surgeons. Earnings for plastic surgeons have increased consistently over the past 10 years.
Plastic surgeons may work on virtually any visual body part, from the appearance of the skin to the shape of the torso, breasts, and limbs and even external reproductive structures. While the goal of cosmetic surgery is often to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the body, some plastic surgery procedures are reconstructive, intended to repair damage done by an injury, congenital defects or disease that affects function as well as appearance. Plastic surgeons typically use skin grafts, implants, liposuction techniques, tissue transfers and other methods to achieve the appearance improvements desired by their patients. As with other specialties, plastic surgery includes subspecialties like surgery on the head and face (craniofacial surgery), the hand and serious burns.
What They Do: Cosmetic procedures
Annual Earnings: $393, 073
Training: 2 years
9. Emergency Medicine Physician
Emergency medicine is what it sounds like – the specialty that focuses on caring for and stabilizing patients during medical emergencies. Forbes lists the annual base salary for specialists in the field of emergency medicine as $345,000. Medscape puts the salary somewhat lower, at $306,000 per year, but within its ranking of the top 10 highest paying specialties.
In a medical emergency, doctors have to act fast. Making the wrong decision could endanger the patient’s life or leave them with permanent disabilities, but so could waiting too long to take action. Specialists in emergency medicine work in both emergency department and pre-hospital settings to recognize and treat acute diseases and severe injuries. Quick and accurate decision-making is essential to saving the lives of emergency patients., These physicians need a strong background in clinical and technical skills and a breadth of medical knowledge to draw from when evaluating patients and planning patient care.
What They Do: Emergency care
Annual Earnings: $345,000
Training: 3 years
10. Anesthesiology
Anesthesiologists are the doctors responsible for keeping patients pain-free, sedated or unconscious during surgical procedures. The important job comes with a high earning potential – $261,730 according the Bureau of Labor and Statisics– though salaries for specialists like urologists and dermatologists overshadow that of anesthesiologists in other publications.
Though not surgeons themselves, anesthesiologists work primarily with patients undergoing surgery. They prepare the patient for diagnostic procedures and operations that would be painful or uncomfortable by administering anesthetics, pain relief medications. During surgery, anesthesiologists observe the patient’s pulse, blood pressure, breathing, body temperature and other vital signs for any signs of pain or stress and adjust pain medications accordingly. They monitor patients after surgery and contribute to postoperative care. Anesthesiologists also use their expertise in pain medications to help patients with chronic pain, those in the intensive care unit (ICU) and mothers going through childbirth find effective and safe pain relief.
What They Do: Pain relief during surgery
Annual Earnings: $261,730
Training: 4 years
highest paid medical specialties 2020
Investopedia ranks the United States to have the highest-paid physician specialties in the world. Physicians have been respected members of society throughout civilization.
A career as a physician comes with respect and high salary benefits. Physician specialties are among the top 10 highest-paying careers in the world.
However, it is a demanding career that many find themselves unhappy.
Physician specialties are among the top 10 highest-paying careers in the world. Neurosurgery remains the highest-paid physician specialty worldwide in 2021.
This article will rank the 10 highest-paying careers in medicine.
Which Physician specialty earns the highest salary?
A 2020 report by Fierce Health Care ranked Neurosurgery as the highest paying specialty with a top salary of $746 000 per year. In the United States. However, there are six highest-paid physician specialties ranging from plastic surgery to cardiology as a result fall within $500 000 annual compensation.
Read: Top 200 Business Ideas In India | 2021 Full List
What is the highest paying physician specialty?
Plastic surgeon salaries in the United States increased by 10 percent in 2020. After researching different platforms, Neurosurgery is the highest paying physician specialty in the world.
After collecting information about the average salaries of top-paid physician specialties in all countries, neurosurgery remains at the highest with an average top salary of $591 000 worldwide.
Which physician specialties are the happiest?
Family medicine is the most fulfilling physician specialty. Health blogger and medical doctor Bill says family medicine is about looking after communities that bring happiness. As a result, family doctors are more fulfilled by their careers.
Family medicine has normal working hours which gives way to a balanced social life.
According to a survey report in 2020, 57 percent of family doctors were reported happy with their career choice in family medicine.
Though family medicine is not on this list of 10 highest-paid physician specialties In 2021, family doctors earn $236 000 per year. Even with an average salary three times less of a plastic surgeon, family doctors are some of the happiest in medicine.
Diagnostic radiology is also the least stressful career path in medicine since it involves imaging techniques to diagnose diseases. Secondly, diagnostic radiologists also act as consultants to other physicians.
Since the work is routine, diagnostic radiologists are among the happiest physician specialties.
The Highest Paid Physician Specialties in the World.
- Neurosurgery – $746,043
- Thoracic Surgery -$688,350
- Orthopedic Surgery – $605,151
- Anesthesiology – $567,751
- Plastic Surgery – $526,741
- Cardiology – $459,000
- Urology – $427,000
- Gastroenterology – $406,000
- Oncology – $401,563
- Dermatology – $394,000
1. Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery remains the highest-paid Medical Specialty in the world. In the United States, a Neurosurgeon earns between $430,000 and $746,000 as of June 2021.
Firstly, the salary range depends on the professional experience of the neurosurgeon. Indeed rates neurosurgeons with 8 years experience to earn between $571,000 and $746 000 per year.
Secondly, additional skills and other certifications also contribute to the highest salaries of neurosurgeons. The United States is among the best countries to practice neurosurgery. There is an opportunity to earn a top salary of $430 000 (double a family doctor) at entry level without much experience.
As a result, less experienced neurosurgeons in the United States get their median salary as follows: Cranial ($541,000), vascular ($529,000) spine ($531,000).
These salaries are an exciting way to start off a career in a country with the highest paid salaries.
Birmingham is the best city to practice neurosurgery because It is the largest city in Alabama with 217,735 people.
1. Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic surgery also referred to as cardiothoracic surgery is part of cardiac specialties.
Cardiothoracic surgery comes second as the highest-paid physician specialties earning $ 668 350 a year in Switzerland. In the United States, a cardiothoracic surgeon earns between $311,000 – $561,000 per year. As a result, Switzerland is the best country to practice cardiothoracic surgery because of the high salary.
WebMD reports that heart disease is the major cause of death in the United States. There is a high demand for cardiothoracic surgeons worldwide.
Moreover, in the United States, one person dies every 37 seconds with heart disease. Technically, this means there is a heavier workload in the United States compared to Switzerland.
However, The United States is the best country to practice cardiothoracic surgery due to the high pay and stable working hours. A cardiothoracic surgeon can start their career in Zurich with a population of 380 000. In comparison, New York City has a population of more than 8 million resulting in a busy work life.
A cardiothoracic surgeon is much happier in Zurich because of the pay benefits and working conditions.
2. Orthopedics Surgery
There is an increasing demand for Orthopedics surgeons worldwide and they earn a top salary of $605,000 in the United States.
As they are mainly involved in the prevention and treatment of bones and muscles disorders. Orthopedics are in demand. More so, countries with longer life expectancy such as Japan and the UK are good prospects for Orthopedic surgery.
The United States has the best Orthopedics surgeons in the world. Dr Richard Berger from Chicago was the first Orthopedic surgeon to perform over 10,000 joint replacements.
Orthopedics surgeons in the United States earn more money than anywhere else in the world. A career in Kentucky would be a good start for a qualified Orthopedics surgeon earning between $393,570 and $643,370. Louisville has a population of 617,751 which is a good start whilst earning a top salary in the world.
However, Canada offers more opportunities with a greater demand for Orthopedics surgeons. There is also a big salary involved for Orthopedics surgeons practicing in Ontario–$586,000 per annum.
3. Anesthesiologist
An anesthesiologist earns a top salary of $576,751 in Switzerland per year. This is almost double the average $297,000 salary for the highest-paid anesthesiologist in the United States.
Switzerland is the best location to earn a top salary as an anesthesiologist because of the general high earnings for physician specialties in the country.
Starting a career in Zurich is the best option for a qualified anesthesiologist to earn the highest salary in the world.
4. Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is also huge in the United States.
Since the patients are more driven by lifestyle choices – there is a high demand for plastic surgery worldwide. A plastic Surgeon in the United States earns a top salary of $526,000 per year. Importantly, the beauty and entertainment industries are the largest consumers of plastic surgery.
A report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons says Americans spent $16.1 billion on plastic surgery in 2018. California is the best state to practice plastic surgery alongside Beverly Hills as the best location with top physicians. Beverly Hills is the main hub for popular culture and home to celebrities. Plastic surgeons are top of the happiest physician specialties.
A 2020 survey revealed that 68 percent of plastic surgeons are happy. Most importantly the high salary and focused group of patients result in the satisfaction for plastic surgeons practicing in California.
5. Cardiology
A cardiologist in Canada earns a top salary of $459,000 per year meanwhile in the United States they earn $437,000. There is a worldwide demand for cardiology. Heart surgeons are the busiest physicians in 2021.
As a result, In the United States, the major causes of heart disease are lifestyle-related. Obesity is a worldwide cause of heart disease.
Canada is the best country to practice cardiology. Ottawa in Ontario has 971,000 people and the most cardiologists in the country earning $450 000 a year.
6. Urology
In the United States, a urology surgeon earns a top salary of $427,000 per year. Urology is also among the highest-paid physician specialties in the world with an average pay ranging $275,000 and $427,000 a year.
There is a high demand for physicians specialized in urology to diagnose and treat urinary tract diseases in the United States. Urologists in Alabama state earn an average of $425,000 annually. As a result, small-town Huntsville with a population of 119,617 is a good location for entry-level urologists.
Related: 15 Highest Paid Orthopaedic Surgeon In The USA | Best State
7. Gastroenterology
A Gastroenterologist in the United earns a top salary of $406,431 per year whilst in Germany pays $397,000 a year coming in second.
Medical blog, Mayo clinic reports that 11 percent of the United States population have chronic digestive diseases. As a result, there is a high demand and career opportunities for gastroenterologists across all States.
There are high chances for gastroenterologists in the United States to earn top salaries ranging between $197,000 and $406,000. Zippa reports North Dakota is offering $226,796 entry-level salary. This is the highest salary in the United States at entry-level.
8. Oncology
An Oncologist in Atlanta Georgia earns a top salary of $401,563 per year. Cancer.gov reports that prostate and lung cancers makes 43 percent of cancer diagnosed in men in 2020. As a result, there is a demand for oncologists across all states.
Also, Alabama offers an average salary of $391, 000 a year. Indeed, ranks the United States with the highest salary of $263,430 for entry-level oncologists. Atlanta Georgia is a great location to start a career in oncology because of the high salary and job opportunities.
9. Dermatology
A Dermatologist in the United States earns a top salary $394,000 per year. Importantly, Dermatologists are reported among the happiest in medicine. There is high demand for Dermatology specialists worldwide to diagnose skin disorders and cancer.
More so, ZipRecruiter reports Dermatologists in Alabama to earn between $270,000 and $394,000.
Alabama pays the highest average salary in most physician specialties in the United States. Montgomery is a large city with a population of 197 777 whilst it is the best location to start a medical career in the United States.
Physician specialties are among the top-paying careers in 2021. Meanwhile, United States is the best location to earn the highest salary as a physician specialist in the world.
Alabama offers the highest average salaries across all States which makes it a preferable location for young professionals.
However, some of the highest paying physician specialties such as cardiology are among the unhappiest because of the workload. Whichever career path you choose, neurology remains the highest paying physician specialty in the world.
highest paid doctors specialty in the world
Physician salary report 2021: Compensation steady despite COVID-19
May 26, 20214 Min Read
While COVID-19 made 2020 a difficult year for doctors, Medscape’s 2021 physician salary report found that physician income in 2020 was similar to numbers reported for 2019. However, 92% of those who experienced a drop in income attributed it to COVID-19-related factors, including fewer hours and fewer patients. The report also looked at the highest-paid physician specialties, pay differences between self-employed and employed physicians, and which states paid physicians the most.
The highest-paid physician specialties
Specialists in plastic surgery earned the highest physician salary in 2020 — an average of $526,000. Orthopedics/orthopedic surgery is the next-highest specialty ($511,000 annually), followed by cardiology at $459,000 annually. The top five highest-earning specialties remained the same as in 2019 except for urology, which now sits at number four — earning an average of $427,000 annually.
Plastic surgeons’ salaries increased by 10% in 2020, though some plastic surgeons did not have as much work when elective surgeries stopped during the pandemic. Oncologists saw a 7% salary increase, and rheumatologists and cardiologists enjoyed a 5% salary increase.
When asked whether they felt they were fairly compensated, 79% (compared to 67% in 2019) of oncologists thought this was true, along with 69% of psychiatrists, 68% of plastic surgeons, and 67% of dermatologists. On the other end of the scale, 44% of those who specialize in infectious disease felt they were fairly compensated, and just half of diabetes and endocrinology specialists felt this way.
Earnings for self-employed vs. employed physicians
Self-employed physicians earned an average annual salary of $352,000 in 2020, compared to a $300,000 average annual salary for employed physicians. Though the number of self-employed doctors has declined over the past few years, Medscape’s medical resident survey found that 21% of residents anticipated owning their own practice or becoming a partner. It’s important to note that locum tenens physicians are included among self-employed physicians as well.
Pay disparity between male and female doctors
The survey found the pay disparity between male and female physicians continues. Men who worked as primary care physicians earned about 27% more than women ($269,000 versus $211,000 annually).
The disparity between male and female specialists is even greater: Male specialists earned 33% more than female specialists in 2020 ($376,000 for men and $283,000 for women). Women in the workforce were also hit hardest by COVID-19’s economic effects.
However, the report shows that fewer women work in the highest-paying specialties. Just 9% of women surveyed work in orthopedics and orthopedic surgery, and 14% work in cardiology. In plastic surgery, the highest-paid specialty, women make up 20% of the workforce.
The highest paying states for physicians
It may come as a surprise that Alabama pays the highest physician salary overall — an annual average of $348,000. Kentucky ($340,000), Oklahoma ($338,000), Indiana ($337,000), and Missouri ($332,000) round out the top five highest-paying states.
COVID-19’s impact on physician compensation
Pandemic salaries were not consistent for all doctors, however. Even though 45% of physicians surveyed said they did not face financial or practice-related problems in 2020 due to COVID-19, 13% experienced no income for a period (an average of three months), and more than one-fifth saw a reduction in hours.
Physicians find work rewarding despite challenges
Twenty-three percent of physicians surveyed said the most challenging part of their job was dealing with the many rules and regulations. Physicians also spent an average of 15.6 hours per week on paperwork, EHR documentation, administrative duties, reading clinical articles, and participating in professional organizations. COVID-19 also negatively affected many physicians, with about 64% saying the pandemic made their burnout worse.
Despite the challenges, many physicians continue to find their work fulfilling. About 26% of those surveyed said the most rewarding part of their job was helping others and making the world a better place, another 26% cited gratitude from and relationships with patients, and 24% most valued finding answers and diagnoses.
Although COVID-19 had an impact on physicians and other healthcare providers during 2020, most doctors have recovered their salaries — and some even reported earning a higher wage during the pandemic. Overall, Medscape’s physician salary report suggests that healthcare is on the road to recovery in 2021.
highest paying medical specialties philippines
A person working in Health and Medical in Philippines typically earns around 66,600 PHP per month. Salaries range from 13,900 PHP (lowest average) to 199,000 PHP (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).
This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries vary drastically between different Health and Medical careers. If you are interested in the salary of a particular job, see below for salaries for specific job titles.
| Academic Clinician | 85,500 PHP |
| Acute Care Nurse | 39,900 PHP |
| Administrative Director | 77,400 PHP |
| Admitting Clerk | 14,400 PHP |
| Admitting Manager | 41,300 PHP |
| Admitting Officer | 33,000 PHP |
| Advanced Nutrition Aide | 64,500 PHP |
| Advanced Practice Provider | 59,400 PHP |
| Allergist | 78,200 PHP |
| Ambulance Dispatcher | 34,600 PHP |
| Ambulance Driver | 30,900 PHP |
| Ambulance Officer and Paramedic | 35,000 PHP |
| Ambulatory Services Director | 62,700 PHP |
| Anatomic Pathology Supervisor | 77,700 PHP |
| Anesthesia Technician | 48,500 PHP |
| Anesthesiologist | 139,000 PHP |
| Anesthesiology Assistant | 48,800 PHP |
| Assistant Director of Nursing | 60,600 PHP |
| Assistant Occupational Therapist | 34,000 PHP |
| Assistant Optometrist | 37,300 PHP |
| Assistant Physical Therapist | 32,500 PHP |
| Audiologist | 79,200 PHP |
| Behavioral Health Specialist | 49,000 PHP |
| Biomedical Engineering Director | 60,200 PHP |
| Biomedical Engineering Technician | 30,700 PHP |
| Breast Center Manager | 136,000 PHP |
| Cardiac Technician | 31,800 PHP |
| Cardiology Manager | 132,000 PHP |
| Cardiopulmonary Rehab Spcialist | 50,500 PHP |
| Cardiovascular Specialist | 167,000 PHP |
| Cardiovascular Technologist | 61,500 PHP |
| Care Assistant | 28,400 PHP |
| Care Coordinator | 21,000 PHP |
| Caregiver | 23,300 PHP |
| Case Manager | 50,500 PHP |
| Central Sterile Processing Technician | 36,000 PHP |
| Charge Entry Specialist | 39,100 PHP |
| Chief of Psychology | 130,000 PHP |
| Chief of Surgery | 189,000 PHP |
| Chiropractor | 52,100 PHP |
| Clinic Assistant | 28,800 PHP |
| Clinic Manager | 65,300 PHP |
| Clinic Navigator | 30,400 PHP |
| Clinical Application Specialist | 39,800 PHP |
| Clinical Biochemist | 78,000 PHP |
| Clinical Cytogeneticist | 64,600 PHP |
| Clinical Data Reviewer | 38,600 PHP |
| Clinical Development Specialist | 51,800 PHP |
| Clinical Director | 121,000 PHP |
| Clinical Field Associate | 40,300 PHP |
| Clinical Genetic Technologist | 61,900 PHP |
| Clinical Microbiologist | 82,600 PHP |
| Clinical Molecular Geneticist | 66,800 PHP |
| Clinical Neuropsychologist | 84,900 PHP |
| Clinical Policy Developer | 38,200 PHP |
| Clinical Psychologist | 139,000 PHP |
| Clinical Research Coordinator | 45,900 PHP |
| Clinical Scientist | 88,100 PHP |
| Clinical Social Worker | 33,300 PHP |
| CME Specialist | 69,300 PHP |
| Coding Practice Manager | 51,400 PHP |
| Community Relations Manager | 44,800 PHP |
| Company Nurse | 28,300 PHP |
| Correctional Treatment Specialist | 81,500 PHP |
| Counseling Psychologist | 105,000 PHP |
| Credentialing Analyst | 35,200 PHP |
| Critical Care Nurse | 38,200 PHP |
| CT Technologist | 42,000 PHP |
| Cytogenetic Technologist | 61,000 PHP |
| Data Coordinator | 20,000 PHP |
| Dental Assistant | 27,700 PHP |
| Dental Hygienist | 28,100 PHP |
| Dental Laboratory Technician | 27,800 PHP |
| Dental Receptionist | 22,500 PHP |
| Dental Technician | 27,300 PHP |
| Dental Therapist | 40,300 PHP |
| Dentist | 98,200 PHP |
| Dermatologist | 128,000 PHP |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | 48,800 PHP |
| Dietetic Technician | 30,200 PHP |
| Dietitian | 86,900 PHP |
| Director of Medical Staff Services | 80,300 PHP |
| Discharge Coordinator | 18,200 PHP |
| Dispensing Optician | 40,500 PHP |
| District Nurse | 32,800 PHP |
| Doctor | 112,000 PHP |
| Dosimetrist | 59,700 PHP |
| EKG Technician | 39,400 PHP |
| Emergency Department Physician | 95,100 PHP |
| Emergency Management Director | 107,000 PHP |
| Emergency Response Specialist | 41,700 PHP |
| Emergency Services Director | 117,000 PHP |
| Endodontist | 121,000 PHP |
| Endoscopic Assistant | 36,700 PHP |
| Endoscopy Technician | 35,400 PHP |
| Enterostomal Therapist | 55,400 PHP |
| Epidemiologist | 72,000 PHP |
| ER Registration Supervisor | 27,400 PHP |
| Exercise Physiologist | 108,000 PHP |
| Family Nurse Practitioner | 39,900 PHP |
| FGP Ultrasound Techncian | 34,300 PHP |
| Food Services Director | 50,700 PHP |
| Forensic Pathologist | 111,000 PHP |
| General Medical Practitioner | 84,400 PHP |
| Genetic Counselor | 70,500 PHP |
| Head Nurse | 38,400 PHP |
| Health Compliance Director | 99,300 PHP |
| Health Economist | 100,000 PHP |
| Health Information Manager | 55,400 PHP |
| Health Services Manager | 91,200 PHP |
| Health Systems Specialist | 49,300 PHP |
| Health Technologist | 59,400 PHP |
| Health Unit Coordinator | 30,800 PHP |
| Healthcare Assistant | 31,200 PHP |
| Healthcare Consultant | 62,900 PHP |
| Healthcare Data Analyst | 40,200 PHP |
| Hearing Aid Specialist | 45,400 PHP |
| Histotechnologist | 55,000 PHP |
| Home Health Aide | 33,000 PHP |
| Home Health Scheduler | 22,500 PHP |
| Home Nurse | 33,200 PHP |
| ICU Registered Nurse | 38,300 PHP |
| Immunologist | 77,000 PHP |
| Industrial Hygienist | 57,100 PHP |
| Infection Control Coordinator | 40,500 PHP |
| Infection Control Practitioner | 90,400 PHP |
| Infection Preventionist | 63,100 PHP |
| Informatics Nurse Specialist | 35,900 PHP |
| Informatics Practice Specialist | 48,400 PHP |
| Intake Coordinator | 20,100 PHP |
| Internist | 141,000 PHP |
| Interventional Radiographer | 70,400 PHP |
| Interventionist | 131,000 PHP |
| Invasive Cardiologist | 170,000 PHP |
| Lab Assistant | 33,900 PHP |
| Laboratory Manager | 60,200 PHP |
| Laboratory Technician | 34,000 PHP |
| Lead Patient Account Representative | 39,500 PHP |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | 34,200 PHP |
| Low Vision Therapist | 71,000 PHP |
| Mammography Technician | 32,600 PHP |
| Managed Care Assistant | 20,500 PHP |
| Maternity Services Director | 99,700 PHP |
| MDS Coordinator | 36,700 PHP |
| Medical Administrator | 49,700 PHP |
| Medical Assistant | 23,200 PHP |
| Medical Biller | 22,200 PHP |
| Medical Billing Clerk | 18,000 PHP |
| Medical Billing Specialist | 39,500 PHP |
| Medical Coder | 30,400 PHP |
| Medical Courier | 23,100 PHP |
| Medical Director | 93,900 PHP |
| Medical Equipment Maintenance Manager | 40,900 PHP |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | 33,600 PHP |
| Medical Forms Designer | 29,100 PHP |
| Medical Insurance Manager | 71,900 PHP |
| Medical Office Administrator | 38,100 PHP |
| Medical Office Assistant | 28,800 PHP |
| Medical Office Manager | 68,400 PHP |
| Medical Policy Manager | 60,900 PHP |
| Medical Policy Specialist | 36,100 PHP |
| Medical Project Coordinator | 26,800 PHP |
| Medical Records Administrator | 28,800 PHP |
| Medical Records Clerk | 13,700 PHP |
| Medical Records Coding Manager | 49,200 PHP |
| Medical Records Director | 61,000 PHP |
| Medical Records Transcriptionist | 22,600 PHP |
| Medical Scribe | 34,000 PHP |
| Medical Secretary | 23,000 PHP |
| Medical Staff Services Specialist | 43,700 PHP |
| Medical Technologist | 38,000 PHP |
| Medication Aide | 31,900 PHP |
| Mental Health Aide | 32,600 PHP |
| Mental Health Nurse | 35,900 PHP |
| Mental Health Technician | 34,500 PHP |
| Mental Health Therapst | 78,900 PHP |
| Mental Health Worker | 35,100 PHP |
| Mobile Phlebotomist | 24,900 PHP |
| MRI Technologist | 32,700 PHP |
| Music Therapist | 50,200 PHP |
| Naturopathic Physician | 135,000 PHP |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | 49,700 PHP |
| Neonatologist | 90,800 PHP |
| Neurodiagnostic Techncian | 36,300 PHP |
| Neurologist | 131,000 PHP |
| Neurophysiology Technologist | 36,800 PHP |
| Neuropsychology Testing Assistant | 29,700 PHP |
| Nuclear Medical Technician | 48,900 PHP |
| Nuclear Medicine Physician | 110,000 PHP |
| Nuclear Medicine Technolgoist | 49,600 PHP |
| Nurse | 32,600 PHP |
| Nurse Educator | 41,200 PHP |
| Nurse Midwife | 42,100 PHP |
| Nurse Practitioner | 42,500 PHP |
| Nursing Assistant | 30,200 PHP |
| Nursing Coordinator | 42,300 PHP |
| Nursing Director | 82,900 PHP |
| Nursing Services Instructor | 38,600 PHP |
| Nursing Supervisor | 50,000 PHP |
| Nutrition Assistant | 32,800 PHP |
| Nutrition Services Aide | 44,000 PHP |
| Obstetrician / Gynecologist | 117,000 PHP |
| Occupaitional Therapy Assistant | 34,100 PHP |
| Occupational Health Advisor | 65,200 PHP |
| Occupational Health Safety Specialist | 62,000 PHP |
| Occupational Therapist | 55,800 PHP |
| Oncology Specialty Representative | 42,000 PHP |
| Operating Room Scheduler | 31,400 PHP |
| Operating Room Services Director | 94,800 PHP |
| Ophthalmic Assistant | 36,100 PHP |
| Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician | 35,000 PHP |
| Ophthalmologist | 92,200 PHP |
| Optician | 73,700 PHP |
| Optometrist | 93,400 PHP |
| Oral Surgeon | 128,000 PHP |
| Orthodontic Assistant | 30,200 PHP |
| Orthodontist | 129,000 PHP |
| Orthopedic Technician | 37,800 PHP |
| Orthoptist | 97,900 PHP |
| Orthotist | 95,100 PHP |
| Pathology Assistant | 34,600 PHP |
| Patient Account Represenatative | 31,800 PHP |
| Patient Care Coordinator | 43,300 PHP |
| Patient Care Manager | 63,400 PHP |
| Patient Care Services Executive | 48,700 PHP |
| Patient Care Technician | 32,600 PHP |
| Patient Management Coordinator | 30,400 PHP |
| Patient Registrar | 23,300 PHP |
| Patient Relations Manager | 54,100 PHP |
| Patient Representative | 29,700 PHP |
| Patient Safety Manager | 53,100 PHP |
| Patient Safety Specialist | 43,200 PHP |
| Patient Services Coordinator | 49,900 PHP |
| Patient Services Director | 65,800 PHP |
| Patient Sitter | 26,600 PHP |
| Pediatrician | 98,500 PHP |
| Perfusionist | 112,000 PHP |
| Periodontist | 128,000 PHP |
| Perioperative Aide | 45,200 PHP |
| Personal Support Worker | 26,000 PHP |
| Phlebotomist | 24,900 PHP |
| Physical Therapist | 71,600 PHP |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 27,700 PHP |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 29,700 PHP |
| Physical Therapy Director | 80,300 PHP |
| Physician | 109,000 PHP |
| Physician – Anesthesiology | 145,000 PHP |
| Physician – Cardiology | 167,000 PHP |
| Physician – CCU | 92,200 PHP |
| Physician – Dermatology | 126,000 PHP |
| Physician – Emergency Room | 102,000 PHP |
| Physician – Endocrinology | 126,000 PHP |
| Physician – Family Practice | 85,400 PHP |
| Physician – Gastroenterology | 112,000 PHP |
| Physician – Generalist | 96,800 PHP |
| Physician – Geriatrics | 81,100 PHP |
| Physician – Hematology / Oncology | 110,000 PHP |
| Physician – Immunology / Allergy | 131,000 PHP |
| Physician – Infectious Disease | 109,000 PHP |
| Physician – Internal Medicine | 129,000 PHP |
| Physician – Maternal / Fetal Medicine | 111,000 PHP |
| Physician – Nephrology | 132,000 PHP |
| Physician – Neurology | 128,000 PHP |
| Physician – Nuclear Medicine | 117,000 PHP |
| Physician – Obstetrics / Gynecology | 120,000 PHP |
| Physician – Occupational Medicine | 90,200 PHP |
| Physician – Ophthalmology | 82,300 PHP |
| Physician – Otolaryngology | 83,000 PHP |
| Physician – Pain Medicine | 75,200 PHP |
| Physician – Pathology | 92,800 PHP |
| Physician – Pediatric Cardiology | 123,000 PHP |
| Physician – Pediatric Neonatology | 114,000 PHP |
| Physician – Pediatrics | 100,000 PHP |
| Physician – Physiatry | 117,000 PHP |
| Physician – Podiatry | 105,000 PHP |
| Physician – Pulmonary Medicine | 80,400 PHP |
| Physician – Radiation Therapy | 128,000 PHP |
| Physician – Radiology | 137,000 PHP |
| Physician – Rheumatology | 118,000 PHP |
| Physician – Sports Medicine | 113,000 PHP |
| Physician – Urology | 157,000 PHP |
| Physician Assistant | 71,500 PHP |
| Physiotherapist | 77,400 PHP |
| Podiatrist | 79,800 PHP |
| Practice Manager | 84,800 PHP |
| Pre Authorization Case Manager | 48,700 PHP |
| Preventive Medicine Physician | 106,000 PHP |
| Program Coordinator | 20,400 PHP |
| Project Manager | 51,800 PHP |
| Prosthetist | 81,200 PHP |
| Prosthodontist | 121,000 PHP |
| Psychiatric Nurse | 33,500 PHP |
| Psychiatric Technician | 34,200 PHP |
| Psychiatrist | 113,000 PHP |
| Psychololgist | 109,000 PHP |
| Psychometrician | 99,900 PHP |
| Psychometrist | 60,400 PHP |
| Public Health Analyst | 72,900 PHP |
| Public Health Social Worker | 21,600 PHP |
| Public Health Specialist | 76,100 PHP |
| Quality Assurance Manager | 58,200 PHP |
| Radiation Therapist | 117,000 PHP |
| Radiation Therapy Technologist | 49,700 PHP |
| Radiographer | 79,600 PHP |
| Radiography Technologist | 48,300 PHP |
| Radiologic Technologist | 51,000 PHP |
| Radiologist | 115,000 PHP |
| Radiology Manager | 109,000 PHP |
| Radiology Technologist | 46,800 PHP |
| Registered Nurse | 33,500 PHP |
| Registered Nurse Case Manager | 41,600 PHP |
| Registered Respiratory Therapist | 70,600 PHP |
| Rehabilitation Director | 101,000 PHP |
| Rehabilitation Services Manager | 109,000 PHP |
| Respiratory Care Practitioner | 92,200 PHP |
| Respiratory Manager | 66,500 PHP |
| Respiratory Therapist | 65,300 PHP |
| Respiratory Therapy Technician | 39,400 PHP |
| School Nurse | 32,200 PHP |
| Skin Care Specialist | 66,300 PHP |
| Sonographer | 47,600 PHP |
| Sonography Technologist | 48,800 PHP |
| Speech and Language Pathologist | 69,900 PHP |
| Staff Nurse | 33,900 PHP |
| Surgeon | 131,000 PHP |
| Surgeon – Burn | 135,000 PHP |
| Surgeon – Cardiothoracic | 181,000 PHP |
| Surgeon – Heart Transplant | 191,000 PHP |
| Surgeon – Neurology | 160,000 PHP |
| Surgeon – Orthopedic | 194,000 PHP |
| Surgeon – Pediatric | 151,000 PHP |
| Surgeon – Plastic Reconstructive | 170,000 PHP |
| Surgeon – Trauma | 146,000 PHP |
| Surgical Assistant | 44,100 PHP |
| Surgical Instrument Techncian | 43,900 PHP |
| Surgical Technologist | 47,000 PHP |
| Telephonic Nurse Case Manager | 46,500 PHP |
| Theatre Manager | 58,100 PHP |
| Treatment Services Director | 123,000 PHP |
| Ultrasonographer | 38,100 PHP |
| Ultrasound Technologist | 38,400 PHP |
| Urologist | 147,000 PHP |
| Utilization Review Nurse | 35,400 PHP |
| Vascular Technologist | 33,200 PHP |
| Vision Rehabilitation Therapist | 67,400 PHP |
| Ward Manager | 64,300 PHP |
| Wellness Coordinator | 43,500 PHP |
| X-Ray Technologist | 47,000 PHP |
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