Is Otolaryngology a Good Career in 2026?

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

Based on BLS employment data and national physician surveys

Otolaryngology Compensation & Earnings

Take-Home Pay by State

How much a Otolaryngology physician actually keeps after federal, state, and FICA taxes

Highest Take-Home States

1
Alaska
Gross: $300,000 · 28.7% tax
$214,033
+$27,600/yr
2
Florida
Gross: $300,000 · 28.7% tax
$214,033
+$27,600/yr
3
Nevada
Gross: $300,000 · 28.7% tax
$214,033
+$27,600/yr
4
New Hampshire
Gross: $300,000 · 28.7% tax
$214,033
+$27,600/yr
5
South Dakota
Gross: $300,000 · 28.7% tax
$214,033
+$27,600/yr

Lowest Take-Home States

47
California
Gross: $300,000 · 37.9% tax
$186,433
−$27,600/yr
48
Oregon
Gross: $300,000 · 37.7% tax
$187,033
−$27,000/yr
49
District of Columbia
Gross: $300,000 · 37.6% tax
$187,333
−$26,700/yr
50
Hawaii
Gross: $300,000 · 37.5% tax
$187,633
−$26,400/yr
51
Minnesota
Gross: $300,000 · 36.9% tax
$189,433
−$24,600/yr

Tax impact: A Otolaryngology physician keeps $27,600 more per year in Alaska vs. California — a 9.2% difference on gross income of $300,000.

Calculate your exact take-home pay →Need physician-specific tax planning? Talk to Doc Wealth

Assumes single filer, standard deduction, W-2 employment. State rates from Tax Foundation 2025. Gross salaries from BLS OEWS May 2024. FICA includes Social Security (6.2% up to $168,600) and Medicare (1.45% + 0.9% above $200K). Actual take-home varies with deductions, filing status, and local taxes.

Career Lifestyle

Is Otolaryngology Worth It? →
Detailed ROI analysis, satisfaction deep-dive, and physician perspectives

Job Market & Future Outlook

How Hard Is It to Match Into Otolaryngology?

Very High CompetitivenessSource: NRMP 2024 Charting Outcomes

Otolaryngology is one of the most competitive specialties to match into, with only 81.9% of U.S. MD seniors successfully matching. There were 1.08 applicants per position (414 applicants for 382 spots). Students scoring >260 matched at 94%, compared to 60% for those scoring 231-240.

81.9%
Match Rate
1.08:1
Applicant Ratio
256
Avg Step 2 CK
382
Positions
414
Applicants

Match Rate by Step 2 CK Score

231-240
60%
241-250
77%
251-260
89%
>260
94%

What Differentiates Matched Applicants

MetricMatchedUnmatched
Step 2 CK256251
Research Experiences7.15.5
Publications2016
AOA Members34%17%
Programs Ranked147

Data from Charting Outcomes in the Match, National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), 2024. U.S. MD seniors. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Training & Getting Started

4 years of post-medical-school training, with subspecialty fellowship options

Subspecialty Fellowships

Head & Neck Surgical OncologyNeurotology/OtologyPediatric OtolaryngologyRhinologyLaryngologyFacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

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Explore Otolaryngology

Full Salary Data
Percentiles, trends, comparisons
Is It Worth It?
ROI analysis and satisfaction deep-dive
Practice Settings
Academic vs private vs employed
Salary Trends
Historical compensation changes
Best Cities
Top cities by salary and lifestyle
Salary Explorer
Compare all specialties side by side

Take the Next Step in Your Otolaryngology Career

Real compensation data from verified physicians. Know your market value before your next contract negotiation.

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Powered by SalaryDr Career Intelligence

Data sources: BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (May 2024) • BLS Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Career Score methodology: salarydr.com/methodology

According to SalaryDr Career Intelligence data (as of March 2026), Otolaryngology is a medical specialty. Median total compensation is $0.