What doctors actually get paid
Verified salary data from 10,000+ physicians
Trusted by 10,000+ physicians
75+
Specialties
10K+
Members
Medical Career Planning: From Medical School to Attending Physician
Make informed decisions about your medical career path using real salary data. From specialty selection to residency matching and beyond.
Physician Career Salary Timeline
M1-M4
Medical School (4 years)
Average debt: $250,000 - $350,000
Focus on USMLE scores, research, and specialty exploration
PGY
Residency Training (3-7 years)
Salary: $55,000 - $65,000 annually
80+ hours/week, intensive clinical training
FEL
Fellowship (Optional, 1-3 years)
Salary: $65,000 - $75,000 annually
Subspecialty training, research opportunities
ATT
Attending Physician (Career)
Salary: $250,000 - $800,000+ annually
Varies significantly by specialty, location, and practice setting
📊 ROI Calculation
Despite 7-11 years of training at below-market wages, physician careers typically achieve positive ROI within 5-10 years post-graduation, with lifetime earnings significantly exceeding most other professions.
Specialty Selection Factors
💰Financial Considerations
- • Average starting salary and earning potential
- • Practice overhead and malpractice insurance costs
- • Length of training and opportunity cost
- • Geographic salary variations
- • Employment vs. private practice income
⚖️Lifestyle Factors
- • Work-life balance and call schedule
- • Average hours per week
- • Vacation time and flexibility
- • Burnout rates by specialty
- • Job satisfaction scores
🎯Competitiveness & Match Rates
- • USMLE Step scores by specialty
- • Research requirements and publications
- • Match rates for US MD vs DO vs IMG
- • Geographic preferences and flexibility
- • Backup specialty considerations