fbpx

What field of medicine has the highest paid medical specialties in the future and which one pays more like Highest Paid Medical Specialties In India ? Would you also like to know the highest paid doctors specialty in the world and highest paying medical specialties philippines? You can find all that and more right here on college Learners. Ensure you take your time to go through every detail right here to get exactly what you are looking for.

No one ever said becoming a doctor was easy. Medical school is competitive, rigorous and expensive. If youโ€™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 โ€“ financially and otherwise โ€“ 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 Statesย Bureau of Labor Statisticsย (BLS) notes that all physicians earn a median annual wage above $208,000 per year.ย ย As a whole, specialists make $284,000 per year on average,ย Medscapeย 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 โ€“ 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 residentโ€™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, weโ€™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 โ€“ 2016 by gender

line graph percentage of female and male medical students from 1980 through 2016

Fig 1 Graph from Definitive Healthcareโ€™s Expert Premium Content database. Data is based on 1.18 million providers with a National Provider Identifier (NPI) and a record in CMSโ€™ Physician Compare dataset. Excludes nurses, physician assistants, social workers, and occupational, physical, and speech therapists. Data is sourced from CMSโ€™ Physician Compare website and Definitive Healthcareโ€™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, itโ€™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 theย Centers for Medicare and Medicaidโ€™sย (CMS) Physician Compare data, approximately 626,400 of medical school graduates have gone on to become practicing physicians since 1990. Of those, over 136,000โ€”or about 22 percentโ€”have pursued internal medicine or family practice specialties.

Top physician specialties by number of medical school graduates from 1990 – 2016

bar graph top medical school specialties from 1990 to 2016

Fig 2 Chart from Definitive Healthcareโ€™s Expert Premium Content database. Data is based on 1.18 million providers with a National Provider Identifier (NPI) and a record in CMSโ€™ Physician Compare dataset. Excludes nurses, physician assistants, social workers, and occupational, physical, and speech therapists. Data is sourced from CMSโ€™ Physician Compare website and Definitive Healthcareโ€™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 donโ€™t necessarily coincide with earning potential. According to a 2019 Medscape report, theย top five highest-paid physician specialtiesย are orthopedics, plastic surgery, otolaryngology, cardiology, and dermatology.ย 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 programsโ€”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 percentโ€”for an annual increase of 7.37 percentage points.

Top 10 fastest-growing physician specialties

RankSpecialtyAnnual Growth(by percentage point increase)
1Optometry7.37
2Emergency Medicine6.25
3Family Practice 5.83
4Internal Medicine5.57
5Chiropractic Medicine4.51
6Hospitalist 3.84
7Psychology – Clinical Psychologist 3.57
8Audiologist1.92
9Podiatry1.78
10Dietitian / Nutrition Professional1.10

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 CMSโ€™ Physician Compare dataset. Excludes nurses, physician assistants, social workers, and occupational, physical, and speech therapists. Data is sourced from CMSโ€™ Physician Compare website and Definitive Healthcareโ€™s Physicians database. Accessed February 2020.

Interestingly, family practice and internal medicineโ€”two of the most popular physician specialtiesโ€”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. Itโ€™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 schoolsโ€”including Columbia, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Tufts, Boston University School of Medicine, and Harvard Medical Schoolโ€”announced that they would be holdingย early graduation ceremoniesย 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. Itโ€™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 anย 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.

Itโ€™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

Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Specialties 3

Neurosurgery is theย highest-paid specialtyย 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.ย 

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.comย reports neurosurgery as the top-paid specialty in the medical field with an annual salary of $609, 201.ย 

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

Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Specialties 2

If you donโ€™t mind the pressure of holding a patientโ€™s heart in your hands, then this top-paying field of invasive cardiology might be the right medical specialty for you to pursue.ย Forbesย reported that doctors who practice invasive cardiology earn an average base salary of $525,000 per year. If youโ€™re interested in heart health but not necessarily the high-stress invasive aspect of the specialty, cardiology more generally is still a rewarding choice.ย CBS Newsย 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

Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Specialties 4

Orthopedic surgeons earn a base salary of $497,000 per year, according toย Forbes. Other sources cite different earnings for the specialty, but it consistently ranks high on the list. For example,ย Medscapeย andย CBS Newsย 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

Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Specialties 5

Reporting a base salary of $455,000 per year,ย Forbesย 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

Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Specialties 6

Radiology is the use of nuclear radiation for medical purposes, ranging from diagnostic tests to radiation treatments. Radiologists earn an average of $414,090,ย Salary.comย reported. Radiologists work in hospitals and other healthcare settings.ย 

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

Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Specialties 7

Urologists make an annual base salary of $412,000,ย Forbesย 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

Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Specialties 8

As the largest organ of the body, itโ€™s no wonder skin gets its own specialist.ย Forbesย 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

Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Specialties 9

Dermatologists may do some cosmetic procedures, but plastic surgeons are the physicians who devote their careers to medical aesthetics and reconstruction.ย Salary.comย 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

Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Specialties 10

Emergency medicine is what it sounds like โ€“ the specialty that focuses on caring for and stabilizing patients during medical emergencies.ย Forbesย 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 patientโ€™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

Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Specialties 11

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 โ€“ $261,730 according theย Bureau of Labor and Statisicsโ€“ though salaries for specialists like urologists and dermatologists overshadow that of anesthesiologists in other publications.ย 

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 patientโ€™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 byย Fierce Health Careย 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:ย 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.

  1. Neurosurgery โ€“ $746,043
  2. Thoracic Surgery -$688,350
  3. Orthopedic Surgery โ€“  $605,151
  4. Anesthesiology โ€“ $567,751
  5. Plastic Surgery โ€“ $526,741
  6. Cardiology โ€“ $459,000
  7. Urology โ€“ $427,000
  8. Gastroenterology โ€“ $406,000
  9. Oncology โ€“ $401,563
  10. Dermatology โ€“ $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.ย Indeedย 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 โ€“ $561,000 per year. As a result, Switzerland is the best country to practice cardiothoracic surgery because of the high salary.

WebMDย 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.ย Dr Richard Bergerย from Chicago was the first Orthopedicย 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 Ontarioโ€“$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 โ€“ 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 theย American Society of Plastic Surgeonsย 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:ย 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,ย Mayo clinicย 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,ย 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

graphic of physician salary report 2021

While COVID-19 made 2020 a difficult year for doctors,ย Medscapeโ€™s 2021 physician salary reportย 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,ย including fewer hoursย 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.

Chart showing how much physicians earned in 2020

The highest-paid physician specialties

Specialists in plastic surgery earned the highest physician salary in 2020 โ€” 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 โ€” earning an average of $427,000 annually.

Chart showing average physician salary in 2020 by specialty

Plastic surgeonsโ€™ 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.

Chart showing how fairly compensated physicians feel in 2020

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,ย Medscapeโ€™s medical resident surveyย found that 21% of residents anticipated owning their own practice or becoming a partner. Itโ€™s important to note thatย locum tenens physiciansย are included among self-employed physicians as well.

Chart comparing compensation for employed and self-employed physicians in 2020

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).ย Women in the workforceย were also hit hardest by COVID-19โ€™s economic effects.

Chart showing the gender pay disparity for physicians in 2020

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 โ€” 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.

Chart comparing average physician salary by state in 2020

COVID-19โ€™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.

Chart showing the events that affected physician salary in 2020

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,ย 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.

Chart showing the most rewarding aspects of a physician's job in 2020

Although COVID-19 had an impact on physicians and other healthcare providers during 2020, most doctors have recovered their salaries โ€” and some even reported earning a higher wage during the pandemic. Overall, Medscapeโ€™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 Clinician85,500 PHP
Acute Care Nurse39,900 PHP
Administrative Director77,400 PHP
Admitting Clerk14,400 PHP
Admitting Manager41,300 PHP
Admitting Officer33,000 PHP
Advanced Nutrition Aide64,500 PHP
Advanced Practice Provider59,400 PHP
Allergist78,200 PHP
Ambulance Dispatcher34,600 PHP
Ambulance Driver30,900 PHP
Ambulance Officer and Paramedic35,000 PHP
Ambulatory Services Director62,700 PHP
Anatomic Pathology Supervisor77,700 PHP
Anesthesia Technician48,500 PHP
Anesthesiologist139,000 PHP
Anesthesiology Assistant48,800 PHP
Assistant Director of Nursing60,600 PHP
Assistant Occupational Therapist34,000 PHP
Assistant Optometrist37,300 PHP
Assistant Physical Therapist32,500 PHP
Audiologist79,200 PHP
Behavioral Health Specialist49,000 PHP
Biomedical Engineering Director60,200 PHP
Biomedical Engineering Technician30,700 PHP
Breast Center Manager136,000 PHP
Cardiac Technician31,800 PHP
Cardiology Manager132,000 PHP
Cardiopulmonary Rehab Spcialist50,500 PHP
Cardiovascular Specialist167,000 PHP
Cardiovascular Technologist61,500 PHP
Care Assistant28,400 PHP
Care Coordinator21,000 PHP
Caregiver23,300 PHP
Case Manager50,500 PHP
Central Sterile Processing Technician36,000 PHP
Charge Entry Specialist39,100 PHP
Chief of Psychology130,000 PHP
Chief of Surgery189,000 PHP
Chiropractor52,100 PHP
Clinic Assistant28,800 PHP
Clinic Manager65,300 PHP
Clinic Navigator30,400 PHP
Clinical Application Specialist39,800 PHP
Clinical Biochemist78,000 PHP
Clinical Cytogeneticist64,600 PHP
Clinical Data Reviewer38,600 PHP
Clinical Development Specialist51,800 PHP
Clinical Director121,000 PHP
Clinical Field Associate40,300 PHP
Clinical Genetic Technologist61,900 PHP
Clinical Microbiologist82,600 PHP
Clinical Molecular Geneticist66,800 PHP
Clinical Neuropsychologist84,900 PHP
Clinical Policy Developer38,200 PHP
Clinical Psychologist139,000 PHP
Clinical Research Coordinator45,900 PHP
Clinical Scientist88,100 PHP
Clinical Social Worker33,300 PHP
CME Specialist69,300 PHP
Coding Practice Manager51,400 PHP
Community Relations Manager44,800 PHP
Company Nurse28,300 PHP
Correctional Treatment Specialist81,500 PHP
Counseling Psychologist105,000 PHP
Credentialing Analyst35,200 PHP
Critical Care Nurse38,200 PHP
CT Technologist42,000 PHP
Cytogenetic Technologist61,000 PHP
Data Coordinator20,000 PHP
Dental Assistant27,700 PHP
Dental Hygienist28,100 PHP
Dental Laboratory Technician27,800 PHP
Dental Receptionist22,500 PHP
Dental Technician27,300 PHP
Dental Therapist40,300 PHP
Dentist98,200 PHP
Dermatologist128,000 PHP
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer48,800 PHP
Dietetic Technician30,200 PHP
Dietitian86,900 PHP
Director of Medical Staff Services80,300 PHP
Discharge Coordinator18,200 PHP
Dispensing Optician40,500 PHP
District Nurse32,800 PHP
Doctor112,000 PHP
Dosimetrist59,700 PHP
EKG Technician39,400 PHP
Emergency Department Physician95,100 PHP
Emergency Management Director107,000 PHP
Emergency Response Specialist41,700 PHP
Emergency Services Director117,000 PHP
Endodontist121,000 PHP
Endoscopic Assistant36,700 PHP
Endoscopy Technician35,400 PHP
Enterostomal Therapist55,400 PHP
Epidemiologist72,000 PHP
ER Registration Supervisor27,400 PHP
Exercise Physiologist108,000 PHP
Family Nurse Practitioner39,900 PHP
FGP Ultrasound Techncian34,300 PHP
Food Services Director50,700 PHP
Forensic Pathologist111,000 PHP
General Medical Practitioner84,400 PHP
Genetic Counselor70,500 PHP
Head Nurse38,400 PHP
Health Compliance Director99,300 PHP
Health Economist100,000 PHP
Health Information Manager55,400 PHP
Health Services Manager91,200 PHP
Health Systems Specialist49,300 PHP
Health Technologist59,400 PHP
Health Unit Coordinator30,800 PHP
Healthcare Assistant31,200 PHP
Healthcare Consultant62,900 PHP
Healthcare Data Analyst40,200 PHP
Hearing Aid Specialist45,400 PHP
Histotechnologist55,000 PHP
Home Health Aide33,000 PHP
Home Health Scheduler22,500 PHP
Home Nurse33,200 PHP
ICU Registered Nurse38,300 PHP
Immunologist77,000 PHP
Industrial Hygienist57,100 PHP
Infection Control Coordinator40,500 PHP
Infection Control Practitioner90,400 PHP
Infection Preventionist63,100 PHP
Informatics Nurse Specialist35,900 PHP
Informatics Practice Specialist48,400 PHP
Intake Coordinator20,100 PHP
Internist141,000 PHP
Interventional Radiographer70,400 PHP
Interventionist131,000 PHP
Invasive Cardiologist170,000 PHP
Lab Assistant33,900 PHP
Laboratory Manager60,200 PHP
Laboratory Technician34,000 PHP
Lead Patient Account Representative39,500 PHP
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)34,200 PHP
Low Vision Therapist71,000 PHP
Mammography Technician32,600 PHP
Managed Care Assistant20,500 PHP
Maternity Services Director99,700 PHP
MDS Coordinator36,700 PHP
Medical Administrator49,700 PHP
Medical Assistant23,200 PHP
Medical Biller22,200 PHP
Medical Billing Clerk18,000 PHP
Medical Billing Specialist39,500 PHP
Medical Coder30,400 PHP
Medical Courier23,100 PHP
Medical Director93,900 PHP
Medical Equipment Maintenance Manager40,900 PHP
Medical Equipment Preparer33,600 PHP
Medical Forms Designer29,100 PHP
Medical Insurance Manager71,900 PHP
Medical Office Administrator38,100 PHP
Medical Office Assistant28,800 PHP
Medical Office Manager68,400 PHP
Medical Policy Manager60,900 PHP
Medical Policy Specialist36,100 PHP
Medical Project Coordinator26,800 PHP
Medical Records Administrator28,800 PHP
Medical Records Clerk13,700 PHP
Medical Records Coding Manager49,200 PHP
Medical Records Director61,000 PHP
Medical Records Transcriptionist22,600 PHP
Medical Scribe34,000 PHP
Medical Secretary23,000 PHP
Medical Staff Services Specialist43,700 PHP
Medical Technologist38,000 PHP
Medication Aide31,900 PHP
Mental Health Aide32,600 PHP
Mental Health Nurse35,900 PHP
Mental Health Technician34,500 PHP
Mental Health Therapst78,900 PHP
Mental Health Worker35,100 PHP
Mobile Phlebotomist24,900 PHP
MRI Technologist32,700 PHP
Music Therapist50,200 PHP
Naturopathic Physician135,000 PHP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner49,700 PHP
Neonatologist90,800 PHP
Neurodiagnostic Techncian36,300 PHP
Neurologist131,000 PHP
Neurophysiology Technologist36,800 PHP
Neuropsychology Testing Assistant29,700 PHP
Nuclear Medical Technician48,900 PHP
Nuclear Medicine Physician110,000 PHP
Nuclear Medicine Technolgoist49,600 PHP
Nurse32,600 PHP
Nurse Educator41,200 PHP
Nurse Midwife42,100 PHP
Nurse Practitioner42,500 PHP
Nursing Assistant30,200 PHP
Nursing Coordinator42,300 PHP
Nursing Director82,900 PHP
Nursing Services Instructor38,600 PHP
Nursing Supervisor50,000 PHP
Nutrition Assistant32,800 PHP
Nutrition Services Aide44,000 PHP
Obstetrician / Gynecologist117,000 PHP
Occupaitional Therapy Assistant34,100 PHP
Occupational Health Advisor65,200 PHP
Occupational Health Safety Specialist62,000 PHP
Occupational Therapist55,800 PHP
Oncology Specialty Representative42,000 PHP
Operating Room Scheduler31,400 PHP
Operating Room Services Director94,800 PHP
Ophthalmic Assistant36,100 PHP
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician35,000 PHP
Ophthalmologist92,200 PHP
Optician73,700 PHP
Optometrist93,400 PHP
Oral Surgeon128,000 PHP
Orthodontic Assistant30,200 PHP
Orthodontist129,000 PHP
Orthopedic Technician37,800 PHP
Orthoptist97,900 PHP
Orthotist95,100 PHP
Pathology Assistant34,600 PHP
Patient Account Represenatative31,800 PHP
Patient Care Coordinator43,300 PHP
Patient Care Manager63,400 PHP
Patient Care Services Executive48,700 PHP
Patient Care Technician32,600 PHP
Patient Management Coordinator30,400 PHP
Patient Registrar23,300 PHP
Patient Relations Manager54,100 PHP
Patient Representative29,700 PHP
Patient Safety Manager53,100 PHP
Patient Safety Specialist43,200 PHP
Patient Services Coordinator49,900 PHP
Patient Services Director65,800 PHP
Patient Sitter26,600 PHP
Pediatrician98,500 PHP
Perfusionist112,000 PHP
Periodontist128,000 PHP
Perioperative Aide45,200 PHP
Personal Support Worker26,000 PHP
Phlebotomist24,900 PHP
Physical Therapist71,600 PHP
Physical Therapy Aide27,700 PHP
Physical Therapy Assistant29,700 PHP
Physical Therapy Director80,300 PHP
Physician109,000 PHP
Physician – Anesthesiology145,000 PHP
Physician – Cardiology167,000 PHP
Physician – CCU92,200 PHP
Physician – Dermatology126,000 PHP
Physician – Emergency Room102,000 PHP
Physician – Endocrinology126,000 PHP
Physician – Family Practice85,400 PHP
Physician – Gastroenterology112,000 PHP
Physician – Generalist96,800 PHP
Physician – Geriatrics81,100 PHP
Physician – Hematology / Oncology110,000 PHP
Physician – Immunology / Allergy131,000 PHP
Physician – Infectious Disease109,000 PHP
Physician – Internal Medicine129,000 PHP
Physician – Maternal / Fetal Medicine111,000 PHP
Physician – Nephrology132,000 PHP
Physician – Neurology128,000 PHP
Physician – Nuclear Medicine117,000 PHP
Physician – Obstetrics / Gynecology120,000 PHP
Physician – Occupational Medicine90,200 PHP
Physician – Ophthalmology82,300 PHP
Physician – Otolaryngology83,000 PHP
Physician – Pain Medicine75,200 PHP
Physician – Pathology92,800 PHP
Physician – Pediatric Cardiology123,000 PHP
Physician – Pediatric Neonatology114,000 PHP
Physician – Pediatrics100,000 PHP
Physician – Physiatry117,000 PHP
Physician – Podiatry105,000 PHP
Physician – Pulmonary Medicine80,400 PHP
Physician – Radiation Therapy128,000 PHP
Physician – Radiology137,000 PHP
Physician – Rheumatology118,000 PHP
Physician – Sports Medicine113,000 PHP
Physician – Urology157,000 PHP
Physician Assistant71,500 PHP
Physiotherapist77,400 PHP
Podiatrist79,800 PHP
Practice Manager84,800 PHP
Pre Authorization Case Manager48,700 PHP
Preventive Medicine Physician106,000 PHP
Program Coordinator20,400 PHP
Project Manager51,800 PHP
Prosthetist81,200 PHP
Prosthodontist121,000 PHP
Psychiatric Nurse33,500 PHP
Psychiatric Technician34,200 PHP
Psychiatrist113,000 PHP
Psychololgist109,000 PHP
Psychometrician99,900 PHP
Psychometrist60,400 PHP
Public Health Analyst72,900 PHP
Public Health Social Worker21,600 PHP
Public Health Specialist76,100 PHP
Quality Assurance Manager58,200 PHP
Radiation Therapist117,000 PHP
Radiation Therapy Technologist49,700 PHP
Radiographer79,600 PHP
Radiography Technologist48,300 PHP
Radiologic Technologist51,000 PHP
Radiologist115,000 PHP
Radiology Manager109,000 PHP
Radiology Technologist46,800 PHP
Registered Nurse33,500 PHP
Registered Nurse Case Manager41,600 PHP
Registered Respiratory Therapist70,600 PHP
Rehabilitation Director101,000 PHP
Rehabilitation Services Manager109,000 PHP
Respiratory Care Practitioner92,200 PHP
Respiratory Manager66,500 PHP
Respiratory Therapist65,300 PHP
Respiratory Therapy Technician39,400 PHP
School Nurse32,200 PHP
Skin Care Specialist66,300 PHP
Sonographer47,600 PHP
Sonography Technologist48,800 PHP
Speech and Language Pathologist69,900 PHP
Staff Nurse33,900 PHP
Surgeon131,000 PHP
Surgeon – Burn135,000 PHP
Surgeon – Cardiothoracic181,000 PHP
Surgeon – Heart Transplant191,000 PHP
Surgeon – Neurology160,000 PHP
Surgeon – Orthopedic194,000 PHP
Surgeon – Pediatric151,000 PHP
Surgeon – Plastic Reconstructive170,000 PHP
Surgeon – Trauma146,000 PHP
Surgical Assistant44,100 PHP
Surgical Instrument Techncian43,900 PHP
Surgical Technologist47,000 PHP
Telephonic Nurse Case Manager46,500 PHP
Theatre Manager58,100 PHP
Treatment Services Director123,000 PHP
Ultrasonographer38,100 PHP
Ultrasound Technologist38,400 PHP
Urologist147,000 PHP
Utilization Review Nurse35,400 PHP
Vascular Technologist33,200 PHP
Vision Rehabilitation Therapist67,400 PHP
Ward Manager64,300 PHP
Wellness Coordinator43,500 PHP
X-Ray Technologist47,000 PHP


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *