Meridean Overseas
Updated On 10 June 2024 & Read Time 9 minutes
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One of the very common professions for which international students plan to study in USA is to become a doctor. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 13 of the top 20 highest-paid positions in the United States are in the healthcare industry. Students enrolling for MBBS courses in US universities often think about what is the salary of a doctor in USA.
So, let us tell you that doctors salaries in the USA are the highest in comparison to other professions there. Those who complete their medical degrees in the USA, like MBBS, MD, MS, or even a Doctoral degree in Medicine or Surgery, can earn an outstanding amount. So, in this blog, let’s get into the full details of the average Doctors salary in USA in 2024.
Table of Contents
The Medscape poll shows a 3% increase in average total compensation for US physicians over the previous year. The highest reported salary is 208,000 USD (INR 17,085,224), and the lowest is 126,470 USD (INR 10,388,309).
With such attractive salaries, prominent medical institutions that provide world-class education, and excellent career opportunities, Indian students are drawn to study medicine abroad in the United States.
Here is the list of the top doctor’s specialisations that are paid highly in the USA.
Speciality |
Salary per year |
Neurosurgery |
616,000 USD (INR 51,35,74,293) |
Plastic surgery |
471,000 USD (INR 3,92,68,423) |
Dermatology |
419,000 USD (INR 3,49,33,056) |
Cardiology |
430,000 USD (INR 3,58,50,153) |
Ophthalmology |
482,000 USD (INR 4,01,85,520) |
Orthopedics |
482,000 USD (INR 4,01,85,520) |
Oncology |
366,000 USD (INR 3,05,14,316) |
Otolaryngology |
469,000 USD (INR 3,91,01,679) |
Counselling psychology |
224,000 USD (INR 1,86,75,428) |
Infectious Diseases |
239,000 USD (INR 1,99,26,015) |
Diabetes and Endocrinology |
236,000 USD (INR 1,96,75,898) |
Internal medicine |
234,000 USD (INR 1,95,09,153) |
Family medicine |
231,000 USD (INR 1,92,59,035) |
Paediatrics |
225,000 USD (INR 1,87,58,801) |
Public Health and Preventive Medicine |
209,000 USD (INR 1,74,24,842) |
Pediatric Infectology |
185,000 USD (INR 1,54,23,903) |
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Employers highly prize Doctors with long-term experience who demonstrate considering their dedication and depth of understanding. They are paid higher as their skill grows with their expertise.
The table below demonstrates how the incomes of US doctors vary based on their years of experience.
Years of Experience |
Annual Salary in INR (Approx.) |
0 to 2 years |
INR 2,00,42,716 |
3 to 5 years |
INR 1,43,39,850 |
6 to 9 years |
INR 1,98,99,759 |
More than 10 years |
INR 2,43,84,264 |
The average doctor salary in USA is around 294,000 USD (INR 2,25,70,274.58).
Doctors in the United States earn much more than the national average, making them among the highest-paid professions. The average salary of a doctor in the US varies among states. The average cost of healthcare rises in accordance with the average cost of living in a given state. As a result, doctors in these states receive comparatively higher compensation. The table below shows the statewide average annual pay of US doctors according to Glassdoor and Salary Expert.
State |
Annual Salary in INR (Approx.) |
California |
₹1,75,60,868 |
Hawaii |
₹2,49,95,185 |
Massachusetts |
₹2,56,68,223 |
Nevada |
₹2,53,17,957 |
Alabama |
₹2,23,05,358 |
Tennessee |
₹2,06,40,496 |
Oklahoma |
₹2,30,41,522 |
Mississippi |
₹1,35,97,311 |
Florida |
₹1,78,21,179 |
Kentucky |
₹1,57,48,574 |
Need expert guidance in choosing the best course for you? Get free counselling from experts to study in USA.
Talk to our CounsellorsMetropolitan cities in the USA have higher wage rates for doctors than rural areas. The top 25 metro areas in the United States, including Milwaukee, New Orleans, Riverside, and California, pay higher-than-average salaries for medical practitioners, ranging from 365,363 USD to 333,604 USD. Below, you can check the citywise doctors salary in USA.
Metro Area/City |
Income |
Milwaukee |
395,363 USD (INR 3,29,62,381) |
New Orleans |
384,651 USD (INR 3,20,69,296) |
Riverside, Calif |
371,296 USD (INR 3,09,55,857) |
Minneapolis |
369,889 USD (INR 3,08,38,552) |
Charlotte, N.C |
368,205 USD (INR 3,06,98,152) |
Dallas |
362,472 USD (INR 3,02,20,178) |
Atlanta |
362,267 USD (INR 3,02,03,087) |
Los Angeles |
356,390 USD (INR 2,97,13,107) |
Cincinnati |
354,129 USD (INR 2,95,24,602) |
Hartford, Conn |
352,129 USD (INR 2,93,57,857) |
Salt Lake City |
351,300 USD (INR 2,92,88,741) |
Bridgeport, Conn |
348,089 USD (INR 2,90,21,032) |
Orlando, Fla |
347,711 USD (INR 2,89,89,517) |
San Diego |
347,154 USD (INR 2,89,43,079) |
Phoenix |
347,065 USD (INR 2,89,35,659) |
Seattle |
346,721 USD (INR 2,89,06,979) |
Louisville, Ky |
346,206 USD (INR 2,88,64,042) |
Sacramento, Calif |
345,168 USD (INR 2,87,77,501) |
Indianapolis |
339,411 USD (INR 2,82,97,526) |
Jacksonville, Fla |
338,790 USD (INR 2,82,45,752) |
San Francisco |
338,407 USD (INR 2,82,13,820) |
Nashville, Tenn |
337,914 USD (INR 2,81,72,718) |
Kansas City, Mo |
336,568 USD (INR 2,80,60,498) |
Miami |
336,336 USD (INR 2,80,41,156) |
New York City |
333,604 USD (INR 2,78,13,382) |
Also, read : MBBS Abroad Without NEET
According to the US Labor Report for Physicians and Surgeons, the following hourly average earnings were recorded based on businesses that require doctors at large:
Industries Across US |
Hourly Average Salary |
Offices of Physicians |
139.84 USD |
Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals |
135.86 USD |
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) |
125.51 USD |
Outpatient Care Centers |
121.04 USD |
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools |
39.13 USD |
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Talk to our CounsellorsBeing a doctor in the United States is a potential career choice. However, your profits may differ depending on your chosen industry, such as private hospitals, government agencies, or non-profit organisations.
The number of locum tenens doctors in the United States is currently over 50,000, which is steadily increasing. More than half of all doctors in the United States work for medical groups or hospitals. This ensures you a consistent wage and a permanent position. On average, self-employed physicians make more in the United States.
Self-employment provides better financial rewards to doctors, with the possibility for up to 50% higher incomes than doctors in permanent roles. The average self-employed doctors salary in USA ranges from INR 1,55,33,407 to INR 2,44,19,742.
However, higher income entails more significant responsibility. For example, as a self-employed doctor in the United States, you must consider increasing administrative expenses, taxation variables, and revenue.
Also, read : MD vs DM
In conclusion, though medical education has substantial time and financial requirements, it remains one of the most sought-after healthcare professions in the country due to its high demand and pay. Before deciding on a profession, consider all employment parameters, including your area of competence, salary, work location, and other benefits.
We hope that you have received ample information about how much one can earn after becoming a doctor in USA. However, suppose you want to know more about it or want to study in USA. In that case, we encourage you to speak with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our counsellors will provide you with guidance throughout your study abroad. Get help with the application process, SOPs, and filing for a visa. Visit us and get one-to-one counselling, or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.
Question: Which course should you choose to become a doctor in the US?
Answer: You must finish a four-year undergraduate degree program, four years of medical school, and up to seven years of resident training. You can only receive a medical license and begin working after meeting these prerequisites.
Question: Which doctor’s specialisation has the highest salary in the US?
Answer: The highest-paid doctors in the United States work in surgical and procedural specialities. This encompasses neurosurgery, thoracic, and orthopaedic surgery. The average annual pay for these physicians is USD 4,50,000 or higher. Neurosurgeons earn an average yearly salary of around INR 52,35,74,000 per year in the US.
Question: How long does it take to become a doctor?
Answer: The amount of time required to become a doctor varies depending on the speciality you pick. After completing your four-year undergraduate degree and four years of medical school, the length of your residency is determined by your specialism. This might range from 3 to 7 years. In total, it might be between 10 and 14 years.
Question: Is there a gender gap in the salary of US Doctors?
Answer: According to research, male physicians earn substantially more than female physicians on average. However, the gender difference appears to be diminishing year after year. The American Medical Association's principle for equal pay shows encouraging results in eradicating this difference, with women closing the gap at a pace of 2% each year while men see no change in wages.
Question: What is the entry-level salary of doctors in USA?
Answer: An entry-level doctor's salary in USA ranges from 180,000 USD to 235,000 USD per year. The average starting pay for doctors in the United States is about 210,000 USD.
Question: Do doctors get paid well in USA?
Answer: Yes, doctors are highly paid in the USA. In fact, they are one of the highest-paid professions in the USA.
Question: Which cities pay the highest salaries to doctors in USA?
Answer: Metropolitan cities like Milwaukee, New Orleans, Riverside, Calif, and Minneapolis pay higher salaries to doctors than rural areas.
Question: Which universities are best for international students to study medical courses in USA?
Answer: Some of the best universities to study medicine courses in USA include Johns Hopkins University, Harvard University, Columbia University, and Duke University.
Question: Are scholarships available in USA to study medicine courses for international students?
Answer: Medical education in the United States is time-consuming and costly. Getting a scholarship can help you afford your education easily. Some of the prestigious US medical student scholarships are Stanford Medicine Scholarships, Harvard Medical School Scholarships, and Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Question: Can I practice in India post-completion of a medicinal course in the US?
Answer: Medical education in the United States is widely known around the globe. To work as a doctor in India, one must receive the necessary licensure from the Medical Council of India. Furthermore, certain specialities may not be recognised in India; therefore, consult the Medical Council of India for precise information.
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