Is Otolaryngology a Good Career in 2026?
Treating diseases of the ear, nose, throat, and head & neck through surgical and medical management.
Based on 43 approved physician salary reports
SalaryDr Career Intelligence
Based on 43 approved physician salary reports
Score Breakdown
Otolaryngology Compensation & Earnings
Otolaryngology Compensation
$525,000
$475,000 – $565,000(P25–P75)
Otolaryngology Salary Progression
From medical school to senior attending — based on 43 approved salary reports
3 submissions
15 submissions
25 submissions
3 submissions
+15% salary growth from early career ($475,000) to mid-career ($545,000)
Estimate Your Take-Home
Based on median Otolaryngology salary of $525K/yr
Select a state to see your estimated take-home pay
Take-Home Pay by State
How much a Otolaryngology physician actually keeps after federal, state, and FICA taxes
Highest Take-Home States
Lowest Take-Home States
Tax impact: A Otolaryngology physician keeps $48,300 more per year in Alaska vs. California — a 9.2% difference on gross income of $525,000.
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.
How does your compensation compare?
Benchmark yourself against 43 approved otolaryngology salary reports — add yours in 2 minutes and see your percentile instantly.
Career Lifestyle
Career Reality: By the Numbers
Real data from 43 Otolaryngology physician reports — not job board estimates.
Job Market & Future Outlook
How Hard Is It to Match Into Otolaryngology?
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.
Match Rate by Step 2 CK Score
What Differentiates Matched Applicants
| Metric | Matched | Unmatched |
|---|---|---|
| Step 2 CK | 256 | 251 |
| Research Experiences | 7.1 | 5.5 |
| Publications | 20 | 16 |
| AOA Members | 34% | 17% |
| Programs Ranked | 14 | 7 |
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
Physicians Also Consider
Explore Otolaryngology
Take the Next Step in Your Otolaryngology Career
Real, physician-reported compensation data. Know your market value before your next contract negotiation.
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Career Score methodology: salarydr.com/methodology
According to SalaryDr Career Intelligence data from 43 approved reports by Otolaryngologist (ENT)s (as of October 2026), the Physician Career Score for Otolaryngology is 71/100. Median total compensation is $525,000, career satisfaction is 4.2/5, and 98% would choose the specialty again.