Physician Salary (2026)
The median physician salary in the United States is $450K. Explore physician-reported compensation by specialty, state, and practice setting.
From 3,447 approved physician salary reports
Quick Answer Summary
Quick Answer: The median physician salary in the United States in 2026 is $450K, based on 3,400+ approved salary reports. Salaries range from $350K (25th percentile) to $756K (90th percentile). The highest-paying specialties include Cardiothoracic Surgery ($1.15M), Neurosurgery ($900K) and Thoracic Surgery ($790K). In the states with the most reports, attending physicians report medians of $445K in Massachusetts, $520K in California and $450K in Illinois. Practice setting matters too: medians of $560K in private practice, $440K in hospital employment and $380K in academic medicine.
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Middle 50% of approved attending physician reports (residents: all specialties).
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SalaryDr (Physician-Reported)
Median: $450K • 90th: $756K
Method: anonymized submissions with outlier handling.
Physician Salary by Specialty
View all specialties →| Specialty | Median | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Neurosurgery | $900K | $850K–$1.06M |
| Orthopedic Surgery | $770K | $655K–$850K |
| Cardiology | $620K | $516K–$715K |
| Dermatology | $620K | $500K–$700K |
| Radiology | $555K | $510K–$600K |
| Anesthesiology | $528K | $465K–$598K |
| General Surgery | $515K | $450K–$610K |
| Emergency Medicine | $399K | $360K–$440K |
| Internal Medicine | $327K | $300K–$356K |
| Pediatrics | $305K | $270K–$344K |
| Family Medicine | $300K | $271K–$333K |
Physician Salary by State
| State | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| California | $390K–$680K |
| New York | $348K–$675K |
| Massachusetts | $345K–$573K |
| Washington | $400K–$553K |
| Texas | $400K–$785K |
| Florida | $346K–$630K |
| Illinois | $355K–$560K |
| Pennsylvania | $333K–$583K |
| Ohio | $275K–$600K |
| Georgia | $380K–$598K |
Comprehensive Physician Salary by Specialty (2026)
Detailed salary data across medical specialties based on 3,400+ approved salary reports. Median salaries represent the midpoint where half of physicians earn more and half earn less. Ranges show the 25th to 75th percentile to provide realistic compensation expectations.
| Medical Specialty | Median Salary | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiothoracic Surgery | $1.15M | $809K | $1.25M | $1.58M |
| Neurosurgery | $900K | $850K | $1.06M | $1.32M |
| Orthopedic Surgery | $770K | $655K | $850K | $1M |
| Plastic Surgery | $740K | $710K | $780K | $900K |
| Ophthalmology | $670K | $484K | $715K | $950K |
| Cardiology | $620K | $516K | $715K | $990K |
| Dermatology | $620K | $500K | $700K | $981K |
| Urology | $590K | $560K | $630K | $718K |
| Radiology | $555K | $510K | $600K | $648K |
| Anesthesiology | $528K | $465K | $598K | $688K |
| Otolaryngology | $525K | $475K | $560K | $650K |
| General Surgery | $515K | $450K | $610K | $700K |
| Neurology | $400K | $335K | $440K | $490K |
| Emergency Medicine | $399K | $360K | $440K | $505K |
| Psychiatry | $351K | $325K | $365K | $395K |
| Internal Medicine | $327K | $300K | $356K | $395K |
| Pediatrics | $305K | $270K | $344K | $400K |
| Family Medicine | $300K | $271K | $333K | $364K |
Note: Salary data based on 3,400+ approved salary reports as of Oct 29, 2026. Percentiles show compensation distribution: 25th percentile means 25% earn less, 75th means 75% earn less.View detailed specialty data →
Physician Salary by State (2026)
Geographic location affects physician compensation. States with higher demand, favorable payer mix, and physician shortages tend to pay more, but cost of living and state income tax vary widely, so compare what a salary buys, not only its size.
| State | Median | Pay, middle 50% | Reports |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $520K | $390K–$680K | 407 |
| New York | $480K | $348K–$675K | 131 |
| Massachusetts | $445K | $345K–$573K | 421 |
| Maryland | $375K | $300K–$500K | 16 |
| Washington | $490K | $400K–$553K | 34 |
| Virginia | $380K | $350K–$445K | 11 |
| Colorado | $458K | $355K–$758K | 27 |
| Arizona | $450K | $360K–$540K | 90 |
| Florida | $461K | $346K–$630K | 192 |
| Illinois | $450K | $355K–$560K | 299 |
| Pennsylvania | $440K | $333K–$583K | 143 |
| North Carolina | $545K | $335K–$725K | 23 |
| Georgia | $480K | $380K–$598K | 225 |
| Ohio | $440K | $275K–$600K | 26 |
| Tennessee | $425K | $300K–$470K | 9 |
| Texas | $550K | $400K–$785K | 130 |
| Michigan | $485K | $320K–$560K | 25 |
| Missouri | $395K | $320K–$575K | 10 |
| Indiana | $380K | $300K–$485K | 5 |
Reading this table: the median and middle 50% of approved attending physician reports in each state, every specialty combined, so a state's figure also reflects its specialty mix.
State income tax: Texas, Florida, Washington, Tennessee and Nevada have no state income tax on wages; California's top rate is 13.3% and New York's 10.9%.Compare take-home pay by state →Compare salaries across states →
Physician Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Physician compensation rises after training, though the trajectory varies by specialty. Residency pays a modest stipend; attending pay then grows with established expertise, productivity, partnership and leadership roles. These are attending physicians of every specialty by years of experience, so specialty mix moves them too.
| Stage | Median | Middle 50% | Reports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residents (all specialties) | $70K | $65K–$78K | 843 |
| Early career (0–2 years) | $373K | $300K–$499K | 477 |
| Mid-career (3–10 years) | $410K | $335K–$539K | 1,782 |
| Senior (11–20 years) | $550K | $400K–$700K | 1,043 |
| Late career (21+ years) | $550K | $385K–$700K | 145 |
Still in training? See our complete residency salary guide — with PGY-level breakdowns, moonlighting data, and stipend comparisons.
Physician Salary by Practice Setting (2026)
Practice setting significantly impacts physician compensation, work-life balance, and career trajectory. Each setting offers different trade-offs between earning potential, autonomy, administrative burden, and lifestyle considerations.
Private Practice
Middle 50%: $396K–$750K · 1,073 reports
Private practice offers higher earning potential through practice ownership, fee-for-service models, and productivity incentives. However, private practice involves significant overhead costs (staff, facilities, malpractice insurance, equipment), administrative responsibilities, and business risk.
Advantages:
- ✓Higher earning potential
- ✓Practice ownership and equity
- ✓Greater autonomy in practice decisions
- ✓Direct control over patient care
Considerations:
- •Significant overhead costs (30-50% of revenue)
- •Administrative burden and business management
- •Variable income and business risk
- •Longer hours and on-call responsibilities
Hospital Employed
Middle 50%: $345K–$580K · 1,564 reports
Hospital-employed positions offer more predictable compensation with benefits packages, reduced administrative burden, and better work-life balance. Compensation typically includes base salary plus productivity bonuses, quality incentives, and comprehensive benefits (health insurance, retirement, CME allowances). However, earning potential may be capped compared to private practice.
Advantages:
- ✓Predictable salary with benefits
- ✓Comprehensive benefits packages
- ✓Reduced administrative burden
- ✓Better work-life balance
Considerations:
- •Lower earning potential than private practice
- •Less autonomy in practice decisions
- •Productivity expectations and RVU targets
- •Limited equity or ownership opportunities
Academic Medicine
Middle 50%: $310K–$480K · 776 reports
Academic positions offer lower base compensation but provide unique benefits including research opportunities, teaching responsibilities, academic prestige, protected research time, and opportunities for advancement in medical education. Compensation may be supplemented through grants, consulting, and speaking engagements.
Advantages:
- ✓Research and teaching opportunities
- ✓Academic prestige and career advancement
- ✓Protected time for research and education
- ✓Comprehensive benefits and job security
Considerations:
- •Lower base compensation
- •Research and grant writing requirements
- •Teaching and administrative duties
- •May have clinical productivity expectations
Important Note: These figures combine every specialty, so each setting's mix of specialties moves its median as much as the setting does. Compare within your specialty before choosing a setting.Compare practice settings in detail →
What Moves Physician Pay
Demand, physician shortages in certain specialties and payment models shape compensation over time. SalaryDr's reports cover 2024–2026, too short a span to state a reliable trend, so these are the forces to watch.
- •Physician Shortages: Aging physician workforce and increasing patient demand create upward pressure on compensation, particularly in primary care, psychiatry, and rural areas.
- •Value-Based Care: Shift toward quality metrics and outcomes may increase compensation for primary care and preventive medicine while maintaining high compensation for procedural specialties.
- •Geographic Demand: Rural and underserved areas continue to offer premium compensation packages, while competitive urban markets maintain strong salaries.
- •Specialty-Specific Trends: Surgical subspecialties maintain premium compensation, while primary care sees above-average growth as healthcare systems invest in preventive care and care coordination.
Data Methodology: Figures on this page come from 3,400+ approved, self-reported salary reports, moderated before publication. Individual compensation varies significantly by specialty, location, experience, and practice characteristics. For the most current data, use ourSalary Explorerto filter by specialty, location, and practice setting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Physician Salaries (2026)
What is the average physician salary in the United States in 2026?
The median physician salary in the United States in 2026 is $450K, based on 3,400+ approved salary reports. This represents the midpoint where half of physicians earn more and half earn less. Total compensation typically ranges from $350K (25th percentile) to $756K (90th percentile), with significant variation by specialty, geographic location, experience level, and practice setting.
Which medical specialties have the highest salaries?
Among specialties with 20 or more approved reports, Cardiothoracic Surgery has the highest median pay at $1.15M, followed by Neurosurgery ($900K), Thoracic Surgery ($790K), Orthopedic Surgery ($770K) and Plastic Surgery ($740K). Surgical and procedural specialties lead the ranking.
How do physician salaries vary by state?
In the states with the most reports, attending physicians report medians of $445K in Massachusetts, $520K in California, $450K in Illinois and $480K in Georgia. A state's median mixes every specialty practicing there, so compare within your specialty, and weigh cost of living and state income tax.
How does physician pay change with experience?
Residents report a median of $70K. Attending physicians report medians of $373K at 0–2 years, $410K at 3–10 years, $550K at 11–20 years and $550K at 21+ years of experience. Specialty moves pay more than experience does, so compare within your specialty.
How much do physicians make in private practice vs hospital employment?
Attending physicians report medians of $560K in private practice, $440K in hospital employment and $380K in academic medicine. Private practice carries overhead, administration and business risk; employed positions trade some upside for predictable pay and benefits.
How does cost of living affect physician salary comparisons?
Cost of living and state income tax both change what a salary buys. Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Washington and Nevada have no state income tax on wages, while California's top rate is 13.3%. Compare offers with a cost-of-living calculator, and use the take-home calculator for taxes by state.
What factors affect physician salary the most?
The five primary factors affecting physician salary are: 1) Medical specialty choice (surgical vs. primary care), 2) Geographic location (demand and cost of living), 3) Years of experience (residency to senior physician), 4) Practice setting (private practice vs. hospital vs. academic), and 5) Subspecialty certification, productivity, and patient volume. High-demand markets, procedural specialties, and private practice ownership typically command premium compensation.
Do physicians earn more in urban or rural areas?
Rural areas often pay more to recruit physicians, and add incentives such as signing bonuses, loan forgiveness programs, and housing assistance. Urban areas may offer more through productivity bonuses, academic affiliations, and subspecialty opportunities. Cost of living is usually lower in rural areas, which increases what a salary buys. The choice involves trade-offs between compensation, lifestyle, and professional opportunities.
What is included in total physician compensation?
Total physician compensation typically includes base salary, productivity bonuses (based on RVUs, collections, or patient volume), quality incentives, signing bonuses, relocation assistance, and comprehensive benefits (health insurance, dental, vision, retirement contributions, CME allowances, malpractice insurance). Academic positions may include research funding and protected time. Private practice may include partnership equity and profit-sharing. Total compensation packages can vary significantly beyond base salary.
About SalaryDr
SalaryDr publishes anonymous physician salary benchmarks from 3,447 approved salary reports. The data comes directly from moderated, self-reported physician salary reports, providing real-world compensation insights that traditional surveys miss.
Key Takeaways
- •National Median: $450K for attending physicians in the United States (2026)
- •Salary Range: 25th percentile ($350K) to 90th percentile ($756K)
- •Top Specialty: Cardiothoracic Surgery (median $1.15M, middle 50% $809K–$1.25M)
- •Practice Setting: Private Practice $560K, Hospital Employed $440K and Academic $380K (medians)
- •Experience: $373K at 0–2 years, $410K at 3–10 years, $550K at 11–20 years and $550K at 21+ years (attending medians)
- •Data Source: 3,400+ approved, anonymous physician salary reports (updated Oct 29, 2026)