Most people are aware that doctors have some of the highest salaries compared to other professions, but not all doctors are the same and they’re not all paid the same. Doctors, or physicians, usually specialize in a particular area, and some specialties pay more than others.
On top of that, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has affected different types of physicians in different ways. Some physicians have seen less patients over the years, while others have seen more. This has definitely affected the salaries of physicians.
So if you’re a medical student pursuing your on-campus or online medical degree and trying to choose a specialty, or even if you’re already a physician looking to go into a different field, this list may help you determine which specialty you’d like to go into.
Highest-Paying Physician Specialties
Here are five of the highest-paid physicians, based on the average salary from 2021.
#1: Plastic Surgeons
It’s no secret that plastic surgeons are some of the highest-paid doctors, especially in Beverly Hills. Many people, both celebrities and non-celebrities, are fond of cosmetic procedures, no matter how minor or major. The average salary for a plastic surgeon is $526,000 per year.
#2: Cardiologists
Cardiologists are doctors that treat diseases that affect the cardiovascular system. They do everything from angioplasties to heart catheterizations— but not heart surgery. The average salary for a cardiologist is $459,000 per year.
#3: Radiologists
Radiologists diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries using computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, medical imaging, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, ultrasounds, and x-rays. They can also perform minimally invasive surgical procedures if necessary. The average salary for a radiologist is $413,000 per year.
#4: Gastroenterologists
Gastroenterologists treat illnesses that affect the digestive system, which is made up of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. The average salary of a gastroenterologist is $406,000 per year.
#5: Dermatologists
Dermatologists are doctors that specialize in hair, skin, and nail conditions. They diagnose and treat a variety of skin conditions, from something as simple as contact dermatitis to something more serious, such as skin cancer. They also diagnose and treat hair loss and nail fungi. The average salary of a dermatologist is $394,000 per year.
Lowest-Paying Physician Specialties
Even though these are considered the lowest-paying physician jobs, the average annual salaries aren’t too much different from some of the highest-paying jobs. Here are five of the lowest-paying physician jobs as of 2021.
#1: Pediatricians
Pediatricians focus on the health and wellbeing of infants and toddlers, children, adolescents, and young adults. Their main focus is on physical development, but they are also attentive to potential developmental or behavioral issues. The average salary of a pediatrician is $221,000 per year.
#2: Internists
Internists, or internal medicine doctors are physicians that specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases that affect the internal organs. They have a broad, yet thorough knowledge of all organs, but they can also refer you to specialists (such as a cardiologist) if necessary. These types of doctors usually only treat adults. The average salary for an internist is $248,000 per year.
#3: Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, but they are also medical doctors. They are qualified to diagnose and treat a variety of serious mental health disorders, whereas psychologists, therapists, and counselors treat conditions that don’t require medication. The average salary of a psychiatrist is $275,000 per year.
#4: Pathologists
Pathologists examine the tissues of the body and perform lab tests. They’re the specialists that internists and family medicine doctors call on to confirm a diagnosis. There are a variety of pathology jobs that focus on different areas of the body, or on the entire body as a whole. The average salary of a pathologist is $288,000 per year (as of 2022).
#5: Neurologists
Neurologists specialize in treating diseases that affect the brain, spinal cord, and even the muscles. This includes conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson’s disease. The average salary of a neurologist is $290,000 per year.
Keep in mind that these are just averages and the amount you get paid depends on multiple factors, including where you practice. Also, some physician specialties are more in-demand than others, such as family and internal medicine. This means that the highest paid physician specialties may not be seeing job growth.
Overall, physicians are paid much more than those working in other professions— even the lowest-paid physicians. So when it comes to choosing or changing your specialty, go with what you’re most passionate about.