Average Doctors' Salary in USA 2026

According to Glassdoor, the average doctor's salary in USA is $294,000 (INR 2,25,70,274.58) per year, with the average annual highest wage at $208,000 (INR 17,085,224) and the lowest reported salary at $126,470 (INR 10,388,309). This salary encompasses base salaries, transportation, and housing benefits. The Medscape survey highlights a 3% growth in the average total compensation for US physicians compared to the previous year. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 13 out of the top 20 highest salaried occupations in the USA are in the healthcare sector. With such salary attractions, popular medical schools offering world-class education and promising career prospects, the allure of studying medicine abroad in the USA is attracting Indian students. 

Physicians, being highly educated and esteemed professionals, enjoy the highest net worth in the USA, according to a recent Medscape survey. However, physician compensation varies significantly based on factors such as experience, specialization, location of practice, employer type, and additional benefits provided. Read below to know more about the factors determining the doctors’ salary in the UST

Table of content

• Doctors Salary in USA: Years of Experience
• Doctors Salary in USA: Specialization
• Doctors Salary in US: Statewise
• Doctors Salary in USA: Citywise
• Doctors Salary in USA: A Comparison with Global Countries
• Doctors Salary in US: Self-Employed vs Full-time Doctors
• Surgeon’s Salary in USA
• Doctor’s Average Salary in USA: Gender Gap
• Benefits & Bonuses Enjoyed by US Physicians
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Doctors Salary in USA: Years of Experience

Experience plays a pivotal role in shaping the salaries of doctors in the US. Typically, physicians with more years of practice command higher annual incomes compared to their less-experienced counterparts. This is because extensive experience signifies expertise, with seasoned doctors having honed their skills over the years. Consequently, they often attract a larger patient base, leading to higher compensation for their specialized knowledge. Moreover, doctors with a long track record in the field may have opportunities to assume leadership positions or pursue further specialization within their medical discipline.

In addition to experience, other factors such as work hours and additional responsibilities also contribute to a doctor's salary. Those willing to take on extra duties or work longer hours may be eligible for bonuses, higher pay, or incentives, further augmenting their earnings. This blend of experience, dedication, and willingness to take on additional responsibilities ultimately shapes the compensation landscape for doctors in the US.

The following are indicative of Doctors salary in US based on years of experience based on Indeed's report.

Doctors Salary in USA -Years of Experience
Year of experience	Salary per year
Less than 1 year	$240,356  (INR 2,00,41,713)
1 to 2 years	$148,348 (INR 1,23,68,136)
3 to 5 years	$170,786 (INR 1,42,38,847)
6 to 9 years	$238,673 (INR 1,98,98,752)
More than 10 years	$290,063 (INR 2,41,83,262)

Doctors Salary in USA: Specialization

When discussing physician annual salaries, one of the most influential factors is the specialty area in which a doctor practices. Salaries can vary significantly depending on the medical specialty. Specialties like surgery, orthopaedics, and gastroenterology tend to offer higher compensation, while primary care or paediatrics typically yield lower salaries. Additionally, where a doctor practices also impacts their earnings, with physicians in private practice generally earning more than those working in hospitals or non-profit organizations.

While specialty area is certainly a key determinant of a doctor's earning potential, it's important to consider other variables that contribute to physician salaries.

Doctors Salary in USA - Specialization
Speciality	Salary per year
Neurosurgery	$616,000 (INR 51,35,74,293)
Plastic surgery	$471,000 (INR 3,92,68,423)
Dermatology	$419,000(INR 3,49,33,056)
Cardiology	$430,000 (INR 3,58,50,153)
Opthalmalogy	$482,000 (INR 4,01,85,520)
Orthopedics	$482,000 (INR 4,01,85,520)
Oncology	$366,000 (INR 3,05,14,316)
Otolaryngology	$469,000 (INR 3,91,01,679)
Counselling psychology	$224,000 (INR 1,86,75,428)
Infectious Diseases	$239,000 (INR 1,99,26,015)
Diabetes and Endocrinology	$236,000 (INR 1,96,75,898)
Internal medicine	$234,000 (INR 1,95,09,153)
Family medicine	$231,000 (INR 1,92,59,035)
Pediatrics	$225,000 (INR 1,87,58,801)
Public Health and Preventive Medicine	$209,000 (INR 1,74,24,842)
Pediatric Infectology	$185,000 (INR 1,54,23,903)

Primary care physicians are the backbone of the American healthcare system, earning on average a salary of over $324,000. However, that number is continuously growing as the demand for medical services in paediatrics is increasing and salaries rise accordingly. This indicates a bright future for all branches of medicine in the United States with a promising salary.

Doctors Salary in US: Statewise

The state-wise salaries provided below will give an idea on how the earnings vary in different regions for physicians. The salary may differ across US states because of the cost of living, demand for the practitioners and the local economical conditions.

Here are the states ranked by income for physicians:

Doctors Salary in USA - Statewise
State	Income
Kentucky	$364,000 (INR 3,03,47,571)
Tennessee	$364,000 (INR 3,03,47,571)
Alabama	$358,000 (INR 2,98,47,337)
Missouri	$357,000 (INR 2,97,63,964)
Oregon	$352,000 (INR 2,93,47,102)
Indiana	$350,000 (INR 2,91,80,357)
North Carolina	$348,000 (INR 2,90,13,612)
Connecticut	$346,000 (INR 2,88,46,867)
Texas	$346,000 (INR 2,88,46,867)
Florida	$346,000 (INR 2,88,46,867)

By understanding the salary trends you can decide upon where to practice medicine based on your career goals, lifestyle and other financial considerations.

Doctors Salary in USA: Citywise

For those seeking the highest paying rate, metropolitan areas are the way to go. The top 25 metro areas in the US, such as Milwaukee, New Orleans and Riverside and California boast higher-than-average salaries for medical practitioners ranging from $365,363 to $333,604.

In each of these cities, doctors will find their services are prestigious and well-paid for; however, when looking into monetary matters there're more considerations than simple income numbers. One should consider the cost of living expenses within a particular city or state which may vary widely from region to region.

Doctors Salary in USA - Citywise
Metro Area/City	Income
Milwaukee	$395,363 (INR 3,29,62,381)
New Orleans	$384,651 (INR 3,20,69,296)
Riverside, Calif	$371,296 (INR 3,09,55,857)
Minneapolis	$369,889 (INR 3,08,38,552)
Charlotte, N.C	$368,205 (INR 3,06,98,152)
Dallas	$362,472 (INR 3,02,20,178)
Atlanta	$362,267 (INR 3,02,03,087)
Los Angeles	$356,390 (INR 2,97,13,107)
Cincinnati	$354,129 (INR 2,95,24,602)
Hartford, Conn	$352,129 (INR 2,93,57,857)
Salt Lake City	$351,300 (INR 2,92,88,741)
Bridgeport, Conn	$348,089 (INR 2,90,21,032)
Orlando, Fla	$347,711 (INR 2,89,89,517)
San Diego	$347,154 (INR 2,89,43,079)
Phoenix	$347,065 (INR 2,89,35,659)
Seattle	$346,721 (INR 2,89,06,979)
Louisville, Ky	$346,206 (INR 2,88,64,042)
Sacramento, Calif	$345,168 (INR 2,87,77,501)
Indianapolis	$339,411 (INR 2,82,97,526)
Jacksonville, Fla	$338,790 (INR 2,82,45,752)
San Francisco	$338,407 (INR 2,82,13,820)
Nashville, Tenn	$337,914 (INR 2,81,72,718)
Kansas City, Mo	$336,568 (INR 2,80,60,498)
Miami	$336,336 (INR 2,80,41,156)
New York City	$333,604 (INR 2,78,13,382)

Source: Doximity Physician Compensation Report

Doctors Salary in USA: A Comparison with Global Countries

Country Average Doctors Salary Per Year USA $270,788  (INR 1,54,23,903) Canada $233,726 (INR 1,42,44,347) United Kingdom £66,219 (INR 55,19,840) Germany €65,000 (INR 54,18,227) Australia $1,00,000 (INR 54,41,488) India ₹37,86,035 Ireland €423,483 (INR 1,54,23,903)

Source: Glassdoor’s Survey

Doctors Salary in US: Self-Employed vs Full-time Doctors

Earnings of doctors in the USA vary widely depending on whether they are self-employed or employed in a full-time role. Self-employment offers greater financial upside to doctors – with a potential of up to 50% increased earnings compared to their peers in permanent positions. However, with higher remuneration comes other considerations such as increasing administrative expenses as well as taxation factors that may restrict overall income potential. They also struggle when it comes to spending more time away from family and home ties which many consider an important part of work-life balance. So, it all depends on the individual physician’s financial need and lifestyle.

Surgeon’s Salary in USA

According to salary.com, a surgeon's average annual compensation in the US is a staggering $436,165. This compensation is taking into account a wide variety of factors such as education, certifications, additional skills, and years of experience.

Naturally, salaries can vary significantly in either direction depending on a number of different elements. Specialty certification and additional experience are two especially influential factors that can both increase or decrease a doctor's salary substantially.

Doctor’s Average Salary in USA: Gender Gap

According to a Medscape Physician Compensation report, a full time male physician is earning 29% more than a full time female doctor. Research indicates that male physicians make a significantly higher salary than female physicians on average, but the gender wage gap is shrinking. The American Medical Association’s principle for equal pay is showing some promising developments in closing this gap- with women overcoming the disparity at a rate of 2% per year compared to men who see minimal changes in salary.

Benefits & Bonuses Enjoyed by US Physicians

Anchoring financial security for the future, US physicians have access to multiple benefits. From 401(k)s offering pre-tax contributions with employer matching to AD&D insurance providing protection for families in case of accidental death or disability, these benefits give peace of mind.

Plus, savings options don't stop there. 403(b) plans are offered by public medical schools and non-profits, while 457(b) plans are available from state and local government institutions and some non-profits.

These retirement savings vehicles are designed to help doctors accumulate wealth throughout their career and ensure they're prepared financially when it's time to retire. With professional obligations fulfilled, the physician community can gain the stability of long-term planning without the worry of catastrophic risk.

All in all, US physicians enjoy a wealth of options for ensuring their financial well-being well into their later years – beyond their active practice years – which gives them greater flexibility in controlling their futures.

FAQs

1. How can Indian Students get admissions in US Medical Colleges?

Indian Students can get admissions in US Medical Colleges with a good English Language Test scores, clearing MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) with a score between 511-528 and a high NEET score.

2. Is Indian MBBS valid in USA?

Yes, Indian MBBS degree is valid in USA provided the practitioner clears the United States Medical Licence Examination (USMLE). After successfully completing the MBBS program in India, the practitioner must complete a residency program in the USA and obtain a state license. 

3. How much do doctors make per hour in the USA?

In the United States, the average hourly wage for a doctor is roughly $89. However, the hourly wage can range from $96 for family physicians to $168 for emergency medicine specialists. Anesthesiologists make the most per hour, with an average of $150.25.

4. Do doctors become millionaire?

Yes, many doctors are able to become millionaires. Surveys of physicians consistently demonstrate that approximately 56% are millionaires.

5. Which country pays doctors the most?

According to factual data, the country that pays doctors the most is the United States, with an average yearly salary for a specialist of $329,000.

6. Which medical specialization is highest paid in USA?

Doctors specializing in orthopedics are the highest paid in USA according to recent surveys. Neurosurgery and Plastic surgery specialists also get well-paid in the US. They get a salary of more than $500,000 a year on average.

7. What is the entry-level salary of doctors in USA?

An entry-level doctor can get a salary starting from around $180,000 to $235,000 a year. On average, the starting salary of doctors in USA is nearly $210,000.