Introduction 


Doctor salaries can vary greatly depending on factors like specialty, experience, and geographic location. This article will provide an overview of typical doctor salaries in 2024 for common physician career paths, ranging from newly graduated residents and fellows to experienced attending physicians and department chiefs. We will break down salary ranges for different doctor types including primary care physicians, medical and surgical specialists, hospital-based physicians, and doctors in academic medicine. The potential impact of the gender pay gap in medicine will also be discussed. Keep reading to learn what the future holds for clinical doctor salaries across diverse medical careers. Discover how salaries progress in most physician careers from early stages through to senior doctor roles.


Average Salaries 


The average salary for physicians and surgeons is projected to be around $208,000 in 2024. However, salaries can vary significantly based on specialty, work setting, location, and other factors.


When looking at physician salaries, it's important to understand that there is often a very wide range depending on the specific job. Primary care physicians tend to make significantly less than specialists and surgeons. Academic and hospital-based physicians also tend to make less than those in private practice. Geographic location also impacts salaries, with doctors practicing in more rural and less desirable locations generally earning less than those in major metropolitan areas.  


Some of the key factors that influence doctor salaries include:


  • Specialty - Specialists and surgeons earn more than primary care physicians. Some of the most lucrative specialties are orthopedics, cardiology, gastroenterology, and dermatology.  
  • Work setting - Doctors in private practice typically earn more than academic or hospital-based physicians. 
  • Location - Physicians practicing in more competitive urban areas generally earn higher salaries.
  • Experience - Salaries tend to increase with years of experience.
  • Reputation - Physicians with an excellent reputation can demand higher compensation.
  • Hours worked - Physicians willing to work longer hours can boost their overall compensation.


While $208,000 represents the national average across all physicians, it's important to look at specific specialties and settings to get a more accurate picture of expected salaries. The wide variation in doctor pay demonstrates the diversity of roles and opportunities available in medicine.


Primary Care Physicians


Primary care physicians are doctors who provide comprehensive first contact and continuing care for patients. They see a variety of health problems and coordinate preventive care, health maintenance, and disease management. The most common types of primary care physicians are family physicians, pediatricians, and internal medicine physicians. 


Family Medicine


Family medicine physicians provide a broad range of services for patients of all ages. They care for the whole family, addressing a wide variety of health conditions. In 2024, the average salary for family medicine physicians is projected to be around $237,000. However, those working in rural or underserved areas may earn less. Board certification and experience level also impact earnings.


Internal Medicine 


Internal medicine physicians diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment of injuries and illnesses in adult patients. They focus on the heart, lungs, digestive system, kidneys, and other internal organs. The average salary for internists is forecast to be approximately $251,000 in 2024. Subspecialties like cardiology and gastroenterology tend to pay more than general internal medicine.


Pediatrics


Pediatricians provide care for infants, children, teenagers, and young adults. They specialize in the health and development of children from birth through young adulthood. In 2024, pediatricians can expect average salaries around $192,000. Those working in pediatric subspecialties like pediatric cardiology may earn significantly more. Geographic region also impacts pediatrician pay.


Specialists


Specialists are medical doctors who focus on a specific area of medicine or a group of patients. They have additional education and clinical training beyond medical school in their specialty area. 


Some of the highest paid medical specialties are:


  • Cardiology - Heart specialists like cardiologists make an average salary of $512,000 per year. There is a lot of demand for cardiology services given high rates of heart disease. Interventional cardiologists who perform cardiac catheterizations tend to earn the most.
  • Dermatology - Skin doctors or dermatologists have an average salary around $462,000 annually. Dermatologists perform skin exams, treat conditions like acne and eczema, and may offer cosmetic services like botox injections. Their salary depends on where they practice and if they own their own clinic.
  • Gastroenterology - Digestive health specialists like gastroenterologists make about $495,000 on average. They diagnose and treat conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and pancreas. Those who perform endoscopies tend to have the highest salaries.
  • Ophthalmology - Eye doctors known as ophthalmologists earn approximately $339,000 per year on average. They perform eye exams, treat eye diseases like glaucoma and cataracts, and do eye surgery. Ophthalmologists who focus on LASIK surgery often earn the most.
  • Orthopedic Surgery - Orthopedic surgeons specialize in musculoskeletal conditions and make around $497,000 annually. They treat bone, joint, muscle and nerve injuries or illnesses with both surgical and nonsurgical approaches. Spine surgeons and sports medicine orthopedists are among the top earners.


In most cases, medical specialists earn significantly more than primary care physicians. Their advanced training allows them to pursue high-income niche areas within medicine. However, their compensation depends on their subspecialty, practice setting, geographical region and reputation.