In the United States, the highest-paid doctors typically specialize in surgical fields due to the specialized skills and critical nature of their work. Here are some of the top-earning medical specialties in 2025:
1. Neurosurgery
Average Salary: $763,908 per year
Description: Neurosurgeons perform surgeries on the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. The extensive training and high risk associated with this specialty contribute to their high earnings.
2. Thoracic Surgery
Average Salary: $720,634 per year
Description: Thoracic surgeons operate on organs in the chest, including the heart, lungs, and esophagus. They treat conditions such as lung disease and heart failure.
3. Orthopedic Surgery
Average Salary: $654,815 per year
Description: Orthopedic surgeons treat conditions related to the skeletal system, muscles, tendons, and joints. This specialty has seen a significant increase in compensation in recent years.
4. Plastic Surgery
Average Salary: $619,812 per year
Description: Plastic surgeons perform both cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. The lengthy training period and high demand for their services contribute to their high salaries.
5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Average Salary: $603,623 per year
Description: These surgeons treat diseases, defects, and injuries in the face, neck, head, jaws, and surrounding areas. While technically a dental specialty, it is one of the highest-paying medical fields.
6. Radiation Oncology
Average Salary: $569,170 per year
Description: Radiation oncologists specialize in treating cancers using radiation therapy. They oversee patient care and ensure the benefits and drawbacks of radiation therapy are well understood.
7. Cardiology
Average Salary: $565,485 per year
Description: Cardiologists diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases of the cardiovascular system. Their earnings can vary based on their area of expertise.
8. Vascular Surgery
Average Salary: $556,070 per year
Description: Vascular surgeons treat conditions involving blood vessels, such as blood clots and aneurysms. Their work often involves both open surgeries and minimally invasive procedures.
9. Radiology
Average Salary: $531,983 per year
Description: Radiologists interpret medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to diagnose and treat illnesses.
10. Urology
Average Salary: $529,140 per year
Description: Urologists specialize in the urinary system and male reproductive system. They diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including kidney stones and prostate cancer.
These salaries can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the specific type of practice. For example, doctors in states like California, New York, and Massachusetts often earn higher salaries due to the high cost of living and demand for medical services.
