Physician Salary: Average Earnings & Top-Paying Specialties

The average annual salary for a physician is $208,000. However, the salary range for physicians can vary significantly depending on their specialty, experience level, geographic location, and practice setting.

For example, some of the highest-paid physician specialties include:

- Orthopedics: $423,000

- Cardiology: $388,000

- Gastroenterology: $385,000

- Plastic Surgery: $383,000

- Neurosurgery: $379,000

On the other hand, some of the lowest-paid physician specialties include:

- Pediatrics: $159,000

- Family Medicine: $161,000

- Psychiatry: $171,000

- Preventive Medicine: $173,000

- Public Health: $174,000

Additionally, physicians who practice in rural areas tend to earn less than those who practice in urban areas. And finally, physicians who work in private practice typically earn more than those who work in hospitals or clinics.

It is important to note that these are just average salary ranges, and there is a wide variation in earnings among physicians. Some physicians may make significantly more than the average, while others may make significantly less.