SalaryDr Career Intelligence

Data-driven career insights for every physician specialty

Compare physician careers with our proprietary Career Score. Real salary data, physician satisfaction ratings, BLS job outlook, and insights from verified physicians.

Career Scores by Specialty

Ranked by our proprietary Career Score (0-100), combining salary, satisfaction, demand, retention, work-life balance, and training ROI.

#1
84

Dermatologist

Treating skin, hair, and nail conditions with both medical and procedural approaches.

$630,000
Median
6.4%
Growth
86
Physicians
#2
81

Ophthalmologist

Treating eye diseases and performing vision-restoring surgical procedures.

$671,000
Median
4.3%
Growth
92
Physicians
#3
80

Orthopedic Surgeon

Surgically and non-surgically treating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.

$795,000
Median
4.1%
Growth
102
Physicians
#4
79

Plastic Surgeon

Reconstructing and enhancing form and function through surgical and non-surgical techniques.

$750,000
Median
3.9%
Growth
70
Physicians
#5
77

Neurosurgeon

Performing surgical treatment of conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nervous system.

$900,000
Median
3.9%
Growth
93
Physicians
#6
76

Pain Management Physician

Evaluating and treating acute and chronic pain through multimodal approaches.

$630,000
Median
—
Growth
26
Physicians
#7
76

Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Performing surgery on the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other thoracic structures.

$1,200,000
Median
—
Growth
23
Physicians
#8
73

Cardiologist

Diagnosing and treating heart disease — the leading cause of death worldwide.

$630,000
Median
4.1%
Growth
164
Physicians
#9
72

Radiation Oncologist

Treating cancer with precisely targeted radiation therapy.

$585,000
Median
—
Growth
39
Physicians
#10
71

Urologist

Treating urinary tract and male reproductive conditions surgically and medically.

$590,000
Median
3.9%
Growth
76
Physicians
#11
71

Otolaryngologist (ENT)

Treating diseases of the ear, nose, throat, and head & neck through surgical and medical management.

$515,000
Median
—
Growth
40
Physicians
#12
70

Gastroenterologist

Diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders with both medical and procedural approaches.

$550,000
Median
3.3%
Growth
85
Physicians
#13
70

Radiologist

Diagnosing disease and guiding treatment through medical imaging technology.

$590,000
Median
2.7%
Growth
104
Physicians
#14
69

Vascular Surgeon

Treating diseases of arteries, veins, and lymphatic system through open and endovascular techniques.

$617,000
Median
3.9%
Growth
52
Physicians
#15
69

Anesthesiologist

Ensuring patient safety and comfort during surgery and medical procedures.

$535,000
Median
3.2%
Growth
143
Physicians
#16
68

Neurologist

Diagnosing and treating disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system.

$430,000
Median
5.4%
Growth
60
Physicians
#17
67

General Surgeon

Performing operative management of abdominal, trauma, and critical care conditions.

$550,000
Median
3.9%
Growth
119
Physicians
#18
67

Psychiatrist

Diagnosing and treating mental health disorders through medication and therapy.

$360,000
Median
6.1%
Growth
86
Physicians
#19
66

Hematology/Oncology Physician

Treating blood disorders and cancers through chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies.

$495,000
Median
3.3%
Growth
117
Physicians
#20
66

Emergency Medicine Physician

Providing immediate care for acute injuries and life-threatening conditions.

$400,000
Median
2.7%
Growth
121
Physicians
#21
65

Physiatrist

Restoring function and quality of life for patients with physical disabilities and injuries.

$400,000
Median
3.7%
Growth
35
Physicians
#22
64

Pathologist

Diagnosing disease through laboratory analysis of tissue, blood, and body fluids.

$390,000
Median
4.2%
Growth
49
Physicians
#23
63

Endocrinologist

Managing hormonal disorders including diabetes, thyroid disease, and metabolic conditions.

$360,000
Median
3.3%
Growth
59
Physicians
#24
62

Addiction Medicine Physician

Treating substance use disorders and behavioral addictions through evidence-based medical approaches.

$315,000
Median
—
Growth
16
Physicians
#25
61

Rheumatologist

Diagnosing and treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases affecting joints, muscles, and organs.

$350,000
Median
3.3%
Growth
60
Physicians
#26
60

Internist

Managing complex adult medical conditions as both primary care and hospitalist physicians.

$340,000
Median
3.3%
Growth
145
Physicians
#27
58

Family Medicine Physician

Providing comprehensive primary care across all ages and conditions.

$310,000
Median
2.7%
Growth
132
Physicians
#28
57

Obstetrics & Gynecology Physician

Providing women's reproductive healthcare from adolescence through menopause.

$430,000
Median
1.2%
Growth
74
Physicians
#29
51

Pediatrician

Providing medical care for infants, children, and adolescents through age 21.

$310,000
Median
0.8%
Growth
263
Physicians

Specialty Demand Comparison

BLS 10-year projected employment growth rate by physician specialty. The all-occupations average is 3.1%.

Faster than average
Average
Slower than average

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034.

AI Impact on Physician Specialties

Which specialties face the most disruption from artificial intelligence — and which are most protected? Based on FDA-cleared AI device counts, task automation analysis, and physician survey data.

AI Resilience Score (0-100) measures how protected a specialty is from AI disruption. Based on FDA-cleared AI/ML medical device counts (ACR AI Central, Dec 2025), task automation analysis (Brookings/McKinsey frameworks), and physician survey data. Higher score = more resilient.

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Career Resources

In-depth guides for physician career decisions, job searching, and negotiations.

Salary Explorer
Compare all specialty salaries side by side
Physician Career Guides
Career outlook, job search, and specialty comparison articles
Contract Negotiation Guide
How to negotiate your physician employment contract

From the Blog

Career Advice
Guides for every career stage
Specialty Deep Dives
What each specialty is really like