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Are you also conscious of the Average Doctor's Salary in US? Compared to other occupations, doctors in the United States earn the highest salaries. Yes, doctors are highly paid employees in the USA. Depending on their specialty, medical graduates in the United States who acquire an MBBS, MD, MS, or even a PhD in medicine or surgery can make up to USD 340,000 per year. In the United States, doctors typically make about USD 230,000.
The only people who can practice medicine are those who have a USMLE license and a medical degree from a US university. In the United States, physicians in the private sector earn about 15.75% less than those in the public sector. Depending on their level of specialization, doctors in the USA may earn as much as USD 115,000 a month on average in 2025. The income of doctors in the United States will be covered in detail in this article.
In the US, experience has a significant impact on doctors' pay. Physicians with more years of experience tend to earn more money each year than their less experienced rivals. This is due to the fact that a great deal of experience is an indication of expertise, as seasoned physicians have refined their abilities over time. As a result, they frequently draw in more patients, which raises their pay for their particular expertise. Additionally, physicians with extensive experience in the industry might be able to take on leadership roles or seek additional expertise within their field.
A doctor's pay is determined by a number of criteria, including experience, work hours, and extra responsibilities. Bonuses, increased compensation, or incentives may be available to those who are prepared to take on additional responsibilities or put in more hours, which would further increase their profits. The wage picture for physicians in the United States is ultimately shaped by this combination of expertise, commitment, and willingness to take on extra tasks.
According to Indeed's analysis, the following represents the average compensation for doctors in the United States by years of experience.
Doctor Field | Years of Experience | Salary Range (USD) |
General Practitioner | 0-5 years | $150,000 - $200,000 |
5-10 years | $200,000 - $240,000 | |
10+ years | $240,000 - $300,000+ | |
Pediatrician | 0-5 years | $140,000 - $180,000 |
5-10 years | $180,000 - $210,000 | |
10+ years | $210,000 - $250,000+ | |
Cardiologist | 0-5 years | $300,000 - $400,000 |
5-10 years | $400,000 - $500,000 | |
10+ years | $500,000 - $600,000+ | |
Orthopedic Surgeon | 0-5 years | $350,000 - $450,000 |
5-10 years | $450,000 - $550,000 | |
10+ years | $550,000 - $700,000+ | |
Anesthesiologist | 0-5 years | $250,000 - $350,000 |
5-10 years | $350,000 - $450,000 | |
10+ years | $450,000 - $550,000+ | |
Dermatologist | 0-5 years | $200,000 - $300,000 |
5-10 years | $300,000 - $400,000 | |
10+ years | $400,000 - $500,000+ | |
Psychiatrist | 0-5 years | $180,000 - $220,000 |
5-10 years | $220,000 - $260,000 | |
10+ years | $260,000 - $300,000+ |
When discussing physician annual wages, one of the most important aspects to consider is the doctor's specialist field of practice. Salaries might vary greatly based on medical specialty. Surgery, orthopaedics, and gastroenterology are more likely to pay well than primary care or paediatrics. Additionally, where a doctor practices has an impact on their salary, with physicians in private practice earning more than those working in hospitals or non-profit organizations.
While a doctor's specialty area is undoubtedly a significant factor in determining his or her income potential, other factors that influence physician wages should also be considered.
Specialization | Average Salary (USD) |
Orthopedic Surgeon | $500,000 - $700,000+ |
Cardiologist | $400,000 - $600,000+ |
Anesthesiologist | $350,000 - $550,000+ |
Dermatologist | $300,000 - $500,000+ |
Radiologist | $400,000 - $550,000+ |
Gastroenterologist | $400,000 - $500,000+ |
Oncologist | $350,000 - $450,000+ |
Urologist | $350,000 - $500,000+ |
Neurologist | $250,000 - $400,000+ |
Pulmonologist | $300,000 - $400,000 |
General Surgeon | $300,000 - $400,000+ |
Pediatrician | $150,000 - $250,000 |
Psychiatrist | $200,000 - $300,000+ |
Emergency Medicine | $250,000 - $400,000+ |
Family Medicine | $200,000 - $300,000+ |
Internal Medicine | $200,000 - $300,000+ |
Ophthalmologist | $300,000 - $400,000+ |
Obstetrician/Gynecologist | $300,000 - $450,000+ |
Primary care physicians are the backbone of the American healthcare system, with an average annual pay of more than $324,000 in 2025. However, as the need for paediatric medical care grows, so do salaries. This points to a good future for all fields of medicine in the United States, with a promising income.
The state-by-state salaries presented below can help you understand how physicians' earnings vary between areas. Salary may vary by state according to the cost of living, demand for practitioners, and local economic conditions.
Here are the states ordered by income of physicians:
State | Average Salary (USD) |
Alabama | $350,000 - $400,000+ |
Alaska | $330,000 - $370,000+ |
Arizona | $310,000 - $350,000+ |
California | $250,000 - $350,000+ |
Colorado | $280,000 - $330,000+ |
Florida | $310,000 - $360,000+ |
Georgia | $320,000 - $380,000+ |
Hawaii | $240,000 - $290,000+ |
Illinois | $300,000 - $350,000+ |
Massachusetts | $250,000 - $320,000+ |
Michigan | $320,000 - $370,000+ |
Minnesota | $290,000 - $340,000+ |
New York | $250,000 - $330,000+ |
North Carolina | $300,000 - $360,000+ |
Ohio | $310,000 - $360,000+ |
Oregon | $270,000 - $320,000+ |
Pennsylvania | $300,000 - $350,000+ |
Texas | $340,000 - $400,000+ |
Utah | $310,000 - $360,000+ |
Virginia | $290,000 - $340,000+ |
Washington | $270,000 - $330,000+ |
Metropolitan areas have the highest wage rates. The top 21 metro city in the United States, including New York City, NY, Los Angeles, CA, Chicago, IL, and Houston, TX, pay higher-than-average salaries for medical practitioners, ranging from $250,000 to $330,000+.
Doctors in each of these places will find that their services are prominent and well-paid; nevertheless, when it comes to money, there are more factors to consider than just income numbers. One should evaluate the cost of living in a specific city or state, which might vary greatly from region to region.
City | Average Salary (USD) |
New York City, NY | $250,000 - $330,000+ |
Los Angeles, CA | $260,000 - $350,000+ |
Chicago, IL | $280,000 - $360,000+ |
Houston, TX | $340,000 - $400,000+ |
Miami, FL | $310,000 - $370,000+ |
Dallas, TX | $330,000 - $390,000+ |
San Francisco, CA | $250,000 - $340,000+ |
Phoenix, AZ | $310,000 - $360,000+ |
Boston, MA | $270,000 - $330,000+ |
Atlanta, GA | $320,000 - $370,000+ |
Seattle, WA | $280,000 - $340,000+ |
Denver, CO | $300,000 - $350,000+ |
Philadelphia, PA | $290,000 - $350,000+ |
San Diego, CA | $260,000 - $340,000+ |
Minneapolis, MN | $300,000 - $360,000+ |
Detroit, MI | $320,000 - $370,000+ |
Nashville, TN | $310,000 - $360,000+ |
Las Vegas, NV | $300,000 - $350,000+ |
Baltimore, MD | $280,000 - $330,000+ |
Salt Lake City, UT | $310,000 - $360,000+ |
Different country offers different salary as per experience and qualification. Here are listed Comparison of Doctors Salary in USA and other Global Countries.
Country | Average Salary (USD) |
United States | $250,000 - $400,000+ |
United Kingdom | $120,000 - $150,000+ |
Canada | $180,000 - $300,000+ |
Australia | $200,000 - $350,000+ |
Germany | $120,000 - $180,000+ |
France | $100,000 - $140,000+ |
Switzerland | $220,000 - $300,000+ |
Netherlands | $110,000 - $160,000+ |
New Zealand | $150,000 - $220,000+ |
Japan | $110,000 - $150,000+ |
Singapore | $180,000 - $250,000+ |
United Arab Emirates | $200,000 - $300,000+ |
South Africa | $70,000 - $150,000+ |
India | $25,000 - $100,000+ |
Brazil | $50,000 - $120,000+ |
Mexico | $50,000 - $100,000+ |
Doctors' earnings in the United States vary greatly depending on whether they are self-employed or hired full-time. According to Glassdoor, the average annual pay for a self-employed doctor in 2023 is USD 352,000, while employed physicians earn an average of USD 300,000 per year. These figures have increased dramatically since 2017.
Self-employment provides doctors with better financial opportunities, with the possibility for up to 50% higher incomes than their permanent counterparts. However, larger salary brings additional issues such as increased administrative expenses and taxation factors, which may limit total revenue potential. They also struggle with spending more time away from family and home ties, which many people believe are essential components of work-life balance. So it all relies on the physician's financial situation and lifestyle.
Comparison for Self-Employed vs Full-time Doctors:
Aspect | Self-Employed Doctors | Full-Time Employed Doctors |
Income Potential | Higher potential for income; can set own rates and take on multiple clients or patients. | Stable salary; often fixed based on employment agreements and may include bonuses. |
Work Schedule | Flexible schedule; can choose hours and patient load but may require longer hours to maintain income. | Set schedule; generally predictable hours, but may include on-call duties. |
Job Security | Less job security; dependent on patient volume and business success. | More job security; usually tied to healthcare institutions with benefits. |
Benefits | Responsible for own benefits (health insurance, retirement plans); may need to budget for these expenses. | Typically provided with benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. |
Administrative Tasks | Requires handling administrative tasks such as billing, insurance claims, and office management. | Usually handled by the employer; allows more focus on patient care. |
Control over Practice | Complete control over practice decisions, including specialization, patient types, and business operations. | Limited control; must adhere to employer policies and protocols. |
Patient Relationship | Can develop strong, long-term relationships with patients; flexibility in treatment approaches. | May have less continuity with patients due to larger patient load or team-based care. |
Work-Life Balance | Can potentially achieve better work-life balance but can also lead to longer hours. | Predictable hours can allow for better work-life balance but may involve overtime during emergencies. |
Regulatory Compliance | Responsible for ensuring compliance with all healthcare regulations and licensing. | Typically supported by the employer in navigating regulations and compliance. |
According to our overseas education consultants, the average annual salary for surgeons in the United States is $436,165. This remuneration takes into account a wide range of characteristics, including education, certifications, supplementary talents, and years of experience.
Naturally, incomes can fluctuate dramatically in either way depending on a variety of factors. Specialty certification and more experience are two highly critical elements that can significantly boost or decrease a doctor's compensation.
Specialization | Average Salary (USD) |
Orthopedic Surgeon | $500,000 - $700,000+ |
Cardiothoracic Surgeon | $400,000 - $600,000+ |
Neurosurgeon | $600,000 - $800,000+ |
Plastic Surgeon | $400,000 - $600,000+ |
General Surgeon | $300,000 - $400,000+ |
Otolaryngologist (ENT) | $300,000 - $500,000+ |
Urologist | $350,000 - $500,000+ |
Pediatric Surgeon | $300,000 - $500,000+ |
Colorectal Surgeon | $350,000 - $450,000+ |
Vascular Surgeon | $400,000 - $500,000+ |
Trauma Surgeon | $300,000 - $500,000+ |
Bariatric Surgeon | $350,000 - $500,000+ |
Gynecologic Oncologist | $400,000 - $600,000+ |
According to a Medscape Physician Compensation survey, a full-time male physician makes 29% more than a full-time female doctor. According to research, men physicians earn much more than female physicians on average, although the gender wage gap is closing. The American Medical Association's concept for equal pay is showing some positive advancements in closing this difference, with women overcoming the disparity at a rate of 2% every year, while men see negligible income changes.
These benefits and bonuses make a career in medicine not only financially rewarding but also provide essential support for work-life balance and professional development.
I hope this article by our overseas education expert will help you to know about doctor’s life in USA and how the salary system work in USA. If you want to know more about doctor living in the United States and how the compensation structure works there, or willing to study MBBS in USA, then contact us today, we are all there to help you.
1. What are the requirements to become a doctor in the USA?
To become a doctor, complete a bachelor's degree, attend medical school, pass licensing exams, and complete residency training.
2. How long does it take to become a doctor?
It typically takes about 11-15 years: 4 years of undergraduate, 4 years of medical school, plus residency training.
3. What is the average salary of a doctor in the USA?
The average salary for doctors varies by specialty, generally ranging from $250,000 to over $800,000 annually, depending on experience.
4. What are the different types of doctors?
Doctors specialize in various fields, including general practitioners, surgeons, pediatricians, cardiologists, dermatologists, and many more healthcare specialties.
5. What is a residency program?
A residency program is post-graduate training for physicians to gain hands-on experience in their chosen specialty under supervision.
6. Do doctors in the USA have good job security?
Yes, doctors generally enjoy strong job security due to high demand for healthcare services and a growing population's needs.
7. How do doctors in the USA get paid?
Doctors are compensated through salaries, fee-for-service models, or capitation agreements, often influenced by specialty and practice setting.
8. What challenges do doctors face in the USA?
Doctors face challenges such as high student debt, long hours, burnout, administrative burdens, and navigating complex healthcare regulations.
9. What are some benefits of being a doctor?
Benefits include high salaries, job stability, respect in society, opportunities for specialization, and the ability to make a difference.
10. Can foreign doctors practice in the USA?
Yes, foreign doctors can practice in the USA after completing a residency, passing the USMLE exams, and obtaining necessary visas.