21 Doctor Salaries by Specialty (With Duties and Tips) | Indeed.com

21 Doctor Salaries by Specialty (With Duties and Tips)

Updated January 12, 2024

Two physicians work on tests, research and diagnoses.

Many doctors decide to specialize in a particular area of medicine so they can engage in advanced job duties and qualify for higher salaries. Some common areas of specialization for doctors include pediatrics, oncology and cardiology. With many areas of medicine available, it can be helpful to consider how much you can earn in different specialties to ensure you choose one to support your career goals.In this article, we list 21 doctor salaries by specialty, review some high-paying states for doctors and provide tips to help you choose the right specialty for you.

21 doctor salaries by specialty

Here are the salaries for 21 different doctor specialties. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries.

1. Pediatrics

National average salary: $198,420 per yearPrimary duties: A pediatrician specializes in working with patients who are infants, children and adolescents. Pediatricians perform physical exams, diagnose medical conditions and develop treatment plans for patients under 18 years old. Many pediatricians also help families track their children's growth and development and provide guidance for making sure children receive the proper nutrition, exercise and enrichment to grow.Read more: Learn About Being a Pediatrician

Video: A Day in the Life of a Pediatrician
A Day in the Life of a Pediatrician

2. Ophthalmology

National average salary: $203,269 per yearPrimary duties: An ophthalmologist is a physician who specializes in vision problems. They diagnose and treat various eye-related issues, such as macular degeneration and retina detachment. They can also prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. An ophthalmologist can perform surgery and other procedures, such as chemotherapy, to treat vision issues.Read more: Learn About Being an Ophthalmologist

3. Gastroenterology

National average salary: $227,265 per yearPrimary duties: A gastroenterologist specializes in treating digestive disorders, such as ulcers or liver disease. They use their gastroenterologist skills perform physical exams to assess patients and perform diagnostic procedures, such as colonoscopies. Using this information, they make diagnoses and explain treatment options to patients. They may advise medication or surgery, or they may refer patients to other specialists for further treatment.Read more: Learn About Being a Gastroenterologist

4. General practice

National average salary: $242,190 per yearPrimary duties: A general practitioner is a medical specialist who evaluates a broad range of medical conditions. They typically have many responsibilities, such as assessing the overall health of patients, diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medications and other treatment plans. It can be common for general practitioners to maintain a network of other specialists to refer patients who require more advanced or specialized care.

5. Urology

National average salary: $242,196 per yearPrimary duties: A urologist treats medical conditions involving the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder and urethra. They diagnose and treat a variety of urinary conditions, such as kidney stones, prostate cancer and male reproductive issues. A urologist orders tests, interprets results to diagnose conditions and prescribes medications or other treatments. They also perform various procedures, such as biopsies and vasectomies.Read more: Learn About Being a Urologist

6. Neurology

National average salary: $246,826 per yearPrimary duties: A neurologist specializes in assessing medical conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Neurologists can develop treatment and symptom management plans for a variety of conditions, including epilepsy, strokes and multiple sclerosis. Many neurologists also specialize further in a more specific area of neurology, such as neuro-oncology, which involves helping patients with brain cancer, or geriatric neurology, which focuses on neurology for elderly patients.Read more: Learn About Being a Neurologist

7. Dermatology

National average salary: $250,766 per yearPrimary duties: A dermatologist is a physician who focuses on treating conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails. They diagnose skin conditions and recommend treatment options. They may help people with various issues, including acne, dermatitis, skin infections, hair loss or skin cancer. Dermatologists prescribe medications and perform minor procedures, such as cryosurgery, to treat conditions.Read more: Learn About Being a Dermatologist

8. Oncology

National average salary: $253,258 per yearPrimary duties: An oncologist is a physician who specializes in studying and treating cancer. Oncologists typically work with patients during all stages of their illness, including diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Many oncologists develop multiple treatment plans, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, to allow patients to choose the best option for their condition and lifestyle.Read more: Learn About Being an Oncologist

9. Neurosurgery

National average salary: $263,493 per yearPrimary duties: A neurosurgeon is a specialized type of surgeon who treats conditions involving the brain and spinal cord. They typically perform complex procedures to help patients heal from injuries or chronic pain. They also diagnose and treat patients with neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. Neurosurgeons often work with patients after surgeries to assist with their rehabilitation and recovery.

10. Psychiatry

National average salary: $272,278 per yearPrimary duties: A psychiatrist evaluates and treats patients with mental health conditions. Psychiatrists can meet with patients to discuss their mental health, assess their symptoms to diagnose mental health conditions and develop treatment plans to help manage their symptoms. Most psychiatrists create treatment plans that involve a combination of therapy and medication, as they're licensed to prescribe medicine.Read more: Learn About Being a Psychiatrist

11. Pulmonology

National average salary: $277,713 per yearPrimary duties: A pulmonologist is a doctor who specializes in health issues related to the respiratory system. They can diagnose and treat various conditions, including asthma, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis and lung cancer. A pulmonologist meets with patients to assess their symptoms using various tools, such as X-rays and CT scans. They use this information to diagnose issues and prescribe treatment plans.Read more: Learn About Being a Pulmonologist

12. Family medicine

National average salary: $290,860 per yearPrimary duties: A family medicine physician offers medical care to patients in all age groups. They can have many of the same job duties as a general practitioner, such as performing physical examinations, assessing patient symptoms and prescribing treatment plans and medications. Many family medicine physicians see the same patients over several years and treat multiple members of the same family.

13. Internal medicine

National average salary: $293,141 per yearPrimary duties: An internal medicine physician, also known as an internist, treats medical conditions that can affect patients' internal organs, such as heart disease, diabetes and chronic lung disease. They can work as primary care doctors to treat patients with general medical conditions. Some internal medicine physicians also specialize further in areas of medicine, such as cardiology or infectious diseases, so they can take part in more advanced assessments and treatments.

14. Obstetrics and gynecology

National average salary: $296,210 per yearPrimary duties: Physicians who specialize in obstetrics and gynecology typically operate under the titles of obstetrician or gynecologist. These professionals focus on providing medical care to female patients and offering advice about reproductive and cervical health. Obstetricians and gynecologists can perform many types of exams, including pap smears, mammograms and examinations of the uterus and related systems.Read more: Learn About Being an OB-GYN

15. Surgery

National average salary: $299,325 per yearPrimary duties: A surgeon performs operations on patients to correct injuries and illnesses that affect the internal organs. Surgeons can treat many types of medical conditions, including broken bones, cancer and physical anomalies, such as organs that don't develop completely. Most surgeons work with teams of technicians and anesthesiologists who help them keep patients stable and comfortable during procedures, especially those that are highly invasive.Read more: Learn About Being a Surgeon

16. Plastic surgery

National average salary: $299,910 per yearPrimary duties: A plastic surgeon is a surgeon who specializes in performing reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. They may repair, reconstruct or replace certain parts of a person's physical appearance. Often, plastic surgeons focus on a specific type of surgery or area of the body, such as burn repair or hand surgery. They explain treatment options to patients and provide follow-up care to help patients heal after surgeries.Read more: Learn About Being a Plastic Surgeon

17. Radiology

National average salary: $301,720 per yearPrimary duties: A radiologist uses medical imaging techniques to diagnose and treat various conditions. They have specialized training to perform radiology procedures, such as X-rays, MRIs and ultrasounds. Often, other physicians refer patients to radiologists, who can perform medical imaging to help make diagnoses. They review and interpret the results of images and may recommend further tests. Radiologists can further specialize in an area of medical imaging, such as mammograms.Read more: Learn About Being a Radiologist

18. Orthopedic surgery

National average salary: $306,220 per yearPrimary duties: An orthopedic surgeon, also known as an orthopedic doctor or orthopedist, treats patients who have musculoskeletal conditions or injuries. These conditions may involve bones, joints, tendons or muscles. Orthopedic surgeons evaluate and diagnose patients based on their symptoms, medical histories, tests and physical exams. They perform various medical procedures, such as joint replacements and bone fusions.Read more: Learn About Being an Orthopedic Surgeon

19. Emergency medicine

National average salary: $310,640 per yearPrimary duties: An emergency medicine physician, also known as an emergency room (ER) doctor, provides care to patients requiring immediate medical attention. Their patients often have life-threatening conditions or illnesses, such as heart attacks or strokes. They assess patients to determine the severity of their conditions and make decisions to treat or stabilize patients quickly. Emergency medicine physicians may further specialize in a specific area of medical care, such as toxicology or sports medicine.

20. Anesthesiology

National average salary: $317,126 per yearPrimary duties: Anesthesiologists help patients with pain management, often during surgeries and invasive procedures. These professionals can administer local anesthesia that numbs specific parts of the body and general anesthesia that puts patients in an unconscious state. Anesthesiologists are also usually responsible for monitoring patients' conditions during surgeries to ensure they receive the correct dosage of anesthesia and remain unresponsive.Read more: Learn About Being an Anesthesiologist

21. Cardiology

National average salary: $353,970 per yearPrimary duties: A cardiology physician, also known as a cardiologist, diagnoses and treats health conditions that affect the heart and cardiovascular system. Cardiologists can respond to medical conditions like heart attacks, arrhythmia and heart valve disease. They can also offer advice to patients about preventative measures they can take to protect their heart health.Read more: Learn About Being a Cardiologist

Doctor salaries by state

In addition to the medical specialty you choose, where you live can also affect your salary as a physician. The average salary for a physician in the U.S. is $209,730 per year. Here are 10 states where doctors typically earn higher salaries than the national average. 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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Tips for choosing a doctor specialty

Here are some tips that can help you when choosing a specialty as a doctor:

Conduct research. It's important to conduct research on the specialties you're interested in so you can learn more about their specific duties.
Participate in job shadowing. Find opportunities to shadow doctors in different specialties to identify areas of medicine that interest you. Ask about their careers and daily responsibilities to learn more about specific areas of medicine.
Consider your personal interests. It can be helpful to think about your personal interests outside of work and determine whether any of them relate to a particular area of medicine.

 

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