At a Glance
- Several specialties now pay $500,000+ on average, led by orthopedics and plastic surgery.
- Overall physician salaries rose 2.9% on average year-over-year, with surgical specialties seeing the most gains.
- Regional differences matter. Physicians in the Midwest earn the most at $385,000 on average.
- Practice setting plays a role as well. Physicians in single specialty groups earn more than government roles.
- Most physicians feel underpaid, making the negotiation process more important than ever.
- Gender pay gap is widening, with men earning more than women across all specialties.
Specialty Quick Links
Compensation is much more than a number. It reflects demand, expertise, and evolving market dynamics. Understanding the average physician salary by specialty can help you plan your next move, negotiate confidently, and align your career with your personal goals. We have analyzed leading industry reports to bring you a clear picture of salary trends and what is currently driving pay.
Drivers of Pay + Trends
Physician compensation continues to rise, but it is not even across specialties or regions. Here is what is shaping the current pay landscape:
- Specialty demand: Surgical fields are at the top of the scale, with orthopedics and plastic surgery leading. Non-surgical specialties like radiology and cardiology also remain strong.
- Regional variations: The Midwest leads with an average physician salary of $385,000, while the West and South trail slightly. Location matters especially for physicians considering relocation or locum tenens work.
- Practice setting: Single-specialty groups offer the highest average compensation ($476,000), while hospital-based and health system roles fall in the mid-range.
- Growth over time: Surgical specialties have seen high growth rates since 2022, outpacing other categories. Emergency medicine and OB/GYN also show steady growth.
- Physician sentiment: Despite the rise in pay, physicians feel underpaid. This perception highlights the importance of advocating for fair compensation.
- Gender pay gap: Men are earning more than women across all physician roles. In 2024, male physicians averaged $414,000 compared to $318,000 for women. Among specialists, the gap widens further. Certain specialties like plastic surgery and gastroenterology show gaps exceeding 15%. This trend has persisted and widened over the past three years, making transparency and negotiation critical.
Salary by Specialty
Orthopedics + Orthopedic Surgery
Average compensation: $564,000
Orthopedic physicians currently lead the pack for physician salary by specialty. The demand for surgical expertise and complex procedures keep them at the top. Orthopedics benefits from strong subspecialty interest such as spine and sports medicine. They consistently rank high in locum tenens requests. The combination of procedural diversity, patient volume, and demand keeps orthopedics, particularly orthopedic surgery, at the top end of physician compensation.
Plastic Surgery
Average compensation: $544,000
Cosmetic and reconstructive procedures continue to drive high pay. Physicians in this specialty may benefit from flexibility and elective case volume. These procedures often fall outside tradition insurance models, possibly allowing for more control over pricing and scheduling. This specialty also shows a wide gender pay gap, making transparency and negotiation important for female physicians.
Radiology
Average compensation: $526,000
Radiology remains a top paying specialty, thanks to imaging demands across most care settings. From emergency departments to outpatient clinics, radiologists play a critical role in diagnostics and treatment planning. The increasing availability of telehealth and teleradiology options adds flexibility to the field that allows radiologists to expand their reach and take locum tenens roles.
Cardiology
Average compensation: $520,000
Cardiology has the advantage of consistent demand across inpatient and outpatient settings, with a wide range of procedures and chronic condition management driving compensation. Subspecialties like interventional cardiology often add earning potential, while flexible scheduling and locum tenens opportunities can offer additional income options.
Gastroenterology
Average compensation: $513,000
Digestive health services are needed nationwide. Physicians in this specialty often have a steady stream of procedures and patients who require chronic condition management, which drives consistent earning potential. However, the gender pay gap in this specialty is high, with men earning around 15.6% more than their female colleagues. Locum tenens assignments in gastroenterology can offer competitive pay and schedule flexibility.
Urology
Average compensation: $505,000
Driven by surgical demand and an aging population that requires ongoing care, urology remains one of the top-paying physician salaries by specialty. Demand for urologists is rising as minimally invasive techniques and advancing technologies create more treatment options.
Anesthesiology
Average compensation: $501,000
Anesthesiology remains essential across surgical services, with compensation reflecting the important role anesthesiologists play in patient safety and during complex procedures. This specialty consistently ranks among the highest paid, supported by the demands in hospitals, ambulatory centers, and surgical practices. According to practice setting data, anesthesiologists working in single specialty or multi-specialty groups often earn more than those in other roles.
Dermatology
Average compensation: $454,000
Dermatology continues to attract providers because it offers a rare combination of strong earning potential and lifestyle flexibility. Most dermatology practices operate in outpatient settings, which may mean predictable hours compared to surgical specialties. The field is also benefiting from an increasing interest in cosmetic procedures. Overall compensation trends for this specialty remain competitive and stable. For physicians looking to consider income alongside work-life balance, dermatology may offer one of the most appealing paths, especially if done as a locum tenens.
Emergency Medicine
Average compensation: $388,000
Emergency medicine is a cornerstone of acute care. While it does not rank high for pay, compensation is still competitive and reflects the critical nature of the specialty. Emergency medicine physicians often work varied shifts, and this could allow for more schedule control and geographic mobility if done through a locum tenens role. Demand for emergency medicine care is driven by population growth and the need for 24/7 coverage in hospitals and trauma centers.
Psychiatry
Average compensation: $341,000
With the demand for mental health services increasing nationwide, psychiatry is seeing steady growth. The increased awareness of behavioral health needs and expanding coverage have made this specialty more essential than ever before. While psychiatry does not rank at the top of this list for pay, its compensation is still competitive, especially when considering factors such as work-life balance. For those considering locum tenens opportunities in psychiatry, they may experience even more advantages and make an impact on patient well-being.
Negotiation Tips
Even with strong market data, negotiation remains an important part of the job search process. Here are strategies to help you secure the compensation you want:
- Understand how locum tenens pay works: Locum tenens roles are a unique approach to a career in medicine. Make sure you understand how pay works within the locum tenens space.
- Know your value: Use up-to-date salary benchmarks for your specialty, region, and practice setting.
- Consider the whole package: Salary is important, but other benefits such as flexibility and work-life balance matter too.
- Leverage resources: Partnering with someone who understands market trends can make a difference. Our associates can advocate for you and help you find roles that match your expertise.
Ready to take the next step?
Citations:
McKenna, J. (2025, July 8). Comparing Your Pay Against Your Peers’: Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2025. Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/slideshow/2025-compensation-overview-6018103#3
Doximity 2025 Physician Compensation Report. Doximity. (n.d.). https://www.doximity.com/reports/physician-compensation-report/2025
