How Much Does a Doctor Make? Salaries by State and Specialty

Updated April 18, 2024

A medical professional is seen walking at three different times of the day.

Doctors are experienced, highly educated professionals who make diagnoses and prescribe medications to treat patients. Most doctors receive substantial compensation for their training and experience, though the salary you may make in this field can vary based on the specialty you choose and other factors, such as location and experience. Knowing what to expect as compensation can help you make important career choices as you pursue your education in medicine.In this article, we explain how much doctors make on average, provide a list of 10 high-paying states for doctors and offer a list of salaries for doctors by specialty.

What is the average salary for a doctor?

The average salary for a physician in the United States is $209,730 per year. Medical doctors, also called physicians, receive high-paying salaries for their years of education and training. The actual salary you can expect to make as a doctor varies depending on several factors, including:

Specialty: Some medical specialties pay more than others because they require additional training, education and proficiency.
Location: Where you practice can impact your salary. For example, doctors in high cost-of-living areas like big cities can expect to make more than doctors in small towns where the cost of living is much lower.
Experience: The level of experience you have as a physician can impact your pay. For example, chief residents typically earn more than junior residents.
Workplace: The type of workplace in which you practice can affect your salary. Doctors in private practices often make more than doctors who work for public service organizations, such as the military.

For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the link provided.Related: What Degree Do You Need To Be a Doctor?

Top 10 high-paying states for doctors

Some states offer higher average annual salaries for physicians than others. Review this list of the top 10 highest paying states for doctors. The salaries below reference state-specific data from Indeed. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries.

Wisconsin: $270,992 per year
Utah: $271,616 per year
Alaska: $272,078 per year
West Virginia: $273,926 per year
Kentucky: $280,470 per year
Minnesota: $293,058 per year
North Dakota: $301,616 per year
Delaware: $324,945 per year
Mississippi: $387,525 per year
Nebraska: $521,668 per year

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Salaries for doctors by specialties

Every medical specialty requires a specific educational pathway and on-the-job training. Depending on the additional training, skills and experience to practice in some medical specialties, some positions earn more than the national average, while others might earn less. Review these 10 medical specialties to learn more about their average salaries and common job duties. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries.

1. Obstetrician and gynecologist

National average salary: $201,487 per yearPrimary duties: Obstetricians and gynecologists are responsible for caring for individuals with female reproductive organs. They assist patients by providing annual check-ups, caring for pregnant patients and delivering babies. Some obstetricians and gynecologists work in private practices, while others work for hospitals, clinics or other medical facilities.Read more: Learn About Being an Obstetrician

2. Cardiology physician

National average salary: $243,759 per yearPrimary duties: Cardiology physicians, or cardiologists, help patients with heart problems. Their common job duties include diagnosing heart conditions, performing tests and other diagnostic needs, providing treatments and overseeing patient care during treatments. Some cardiologists work in private practices, while others work at hospitals or other medical centers.Read more: Learn About Being a Cardiologist

3. Pediatrician

National average salary: $166,984 per yearPrimary duties: Pediatricians are responsible for caring for children and babies. These medical professionals provide routine care to children and young adults under the age of 18 and assist patients with medical issues like disease and injury. Most pediatricians work in private practices, but some work for hospitals or other medical organizations.Read more: Learn About Being a Pediatrician

4. Dermatologist

National average salary: $253,130 per yearPrimary duties: Dermatologists care for patients with skin disorders or diseases. Most dermatologists treat patients with known skin issues, though some see patients with high-risk factors for preventative care. Many dermatologists work out of a private practice, though some may partner with general practitioners or other types of doctors as needed.Read more: Learn About Being a Dermatologist

5. Oncologist

National average salary: $251,948 per yearPrimary duties: Oncologists are responsible for caring for patients with cancer. They perform various duties on the job, including diagnosing patients, performing tests, providing treatments and monitoring short- and long-term treatment efficacy. Some oncologists work out of a private practice, while others work for hospitals or other large medical centers.Read more: Learn About Being an Oncologist

6. Psychiatrist

National average salary: $255,958 per yearPrimary duties: Psychiatrists are responsible for helping patients with mental health disorders and illnesses. Common job duties for psychiatrists include performing mental health evaluations, developing treatment plans and prescribing medications. Psychiatrists typically work with patients who have a mental health issue or feel they might have a mental health issue. They routinely work out of a private practice, though some may partner with other types of practitioners.Read more: Learn About Being a Psychiatrist

7. Family medicine practitioner

National average salary: $274,019 per yearPrimary duties: Family medicine practitioners provide medical services for patients of any age. They usually manage routine preventative care and help patients manage basic illness and injury. They often see all members of a single family and form long-lasting relationships with their patients. Most family medicine practitioners work in private practices.

8. Surgeon

National average salary: $297,626 per yearPrimary duties: Surgeons are responsible for performing operations on patients. Common job duties for surgeons include providing pre-operative care to the patient, performing surgery and observing the patient after surgery as needed. Surgeons often specialize in a specific medical area or type of surgery, such as pediatric surgery or joint replacement surgery. Many surgeons work in hospitals or other medical centers, while some have their own private practices.Read more: Learn About Being a Surgeon

9. Plastic surgeon

National average salary: $299,139 per yearPrimary duties: Plastic surgeons perform cosmetic surgery on patients. Some plastic surgery procedures are elective, meaning the patient chooses to have the procedure, while others are part of a larger medical procedure. Plastic surgeons who specialize in elective procedures often work in private practices. Those who assist with reconstructive surgery following an accident or other medical procedure usually work for a hospital or other medical facility.Read more: Learn About Being a Plastic Surgeon

10. Anesthesiologist

National average salary: $370,454 per yearPrimary duties: Anesthesiologists are responsible for managing anesthesia for patients, particularly during surgery or other procedures. Anesthesiologists are usually present for the duration of a surgery that requires anesthesia to monitor the patient and ensure they're safely unconscious while the surgeon performs the operation. Most anesthesiologists work for hospitals or other large medical centers.Read more: Learn About Being an Anesthesiologist