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
85

Dermatologist

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

$650,000
Median
6.4%
Growth
84
Physicians
#2
80

Ophthalmologist

Treating eye diseases and performing vision-restoring surgical procedures.

$671,000
Median
4.3%
Growth
89
Physicians
#3
80

Orthopedic Surgeon

Surgically and non-surgically treating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.

$795,000
Median
4.1%
Growth
94
Physicians
#4
80

Plastic Surgeon

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

$750,000
Median
3.9%
Growth
67
Physicians
#5
78

Neurosurgeon

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

$900,000
Median
3.9%
Growth
88
Physicians
#6
73

Cardiologist

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

$630,000
Median
4.1%
Growth
147
Physicians
#7
73

Urologist

Treating urinary tract and male reproductive conditions surgically and medically.

$590,000
Median
3.9%
Growth
73
Physicians
#8
72

Radiologist

Diagnosing disease and guiding treatment through medical imaging technology.

$590,000
Median
2.7%
Growth
75
Physicians
#9
70

Neurologist

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

$425,000
Median
5.4%
Growth
55
Physicians
#10
70

Gastroenterologist

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

$550,000
Median
3.3%
Growth
79
Physicians
#11
70

Anesthesiologist

Ensuring patient safety and comfort during surgery and medical procedures.

$540,000
Median
3.2%
Growth
130
Physicians
#12
69

Psychiatrist

Diagnosing and treating mental health disorders through medication and therapy.

$360,000
Median
6.1%
Growth
76
Physicians
#13
67

Hematology/Oncology Physician

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

$505,000
Median
3.3%
Growth
58
Physicians
#14
67

General Surgeon

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

$530,000
Median
3.9%
Growth
106
Physicians
#15
66

Pathologist

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

$390,000
Median
4.2%
Growth
43
Physicians
#16
66

Emergency Medicine Physician

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

$400,000
Median
2.7%
Growth
117
Physicians
#17
65

Pulmonologist

Managing respiratory diseases and providing critical care for the sickest patients.

$460,000
Median
3.3%
Growth
78
Physicians
#18
62

Obstetrics & Gynecology Physician

Providing women's reproductive healthcare from adolescence through menopause.

$430,000
Median
1.2%
Growth
72
Physicians
#19
60

Internist

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

$346,000
Median
3.3%
Growth
94
Physicians
#20
58

Family Medicine Physician

Providing comprehensive primary care across all ages and conditions.

$315,000
Median
2.7%
Growth
123
Physicians
#21
56

Pediatrician

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

$310,000
Median
0.8%
Growth
261
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.

Browse by Category

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