Physician Salary (2026)
The median physician salary in the United States is $445K. Explore verified physician compensation by specialty, state, and practice setting.
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Quick Answer Summary
Quick Answer: The median physician salary in the United States in 2026 is $445K, based on 3,202 verified submissions. Salaries range from $340K (25th percentile) to $750K (90th percentile). The highest-paying specialties include Orthopedic Surgery ($795K), Cardiology ($550K), and Anesthesiology ($535K). Geographic location significantly impacts compensation, with California ($320K–$480K), New York ($310K–$470K), and Texas ($300K–$460K) offering competitive ranges. Practice setting matters too: private practice physicians earn $320K–$450K compared to $280K–$400K for hospital-employed positions.
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SalaryDr (Verified Submissions)
Median: $445K • 90th: $750K
Method: anonymized submissions with outlier handling.
Physician Salary by Specialty
View all specialties →| Specialty | Median | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Orthopedic Surgery | $795K | $550K–$1.1M |
| Neurosurgery | $750K | $520K–$1.0M |
| Cardiology | $550K | $380K–$850K |
| Anesthesiology | $535K | $380K–$700K |
| Radiology | $485K | $350K–$650K |
| Dermatology | $445K | $320K–$600K |
| General Surgery | $450K | $320K–$700K |
| Emergency Medicine | $415K | $300K–$550K |
| Internal Medicine | $280K | $220K–$380K |
| Family Medicine | $250K | $200K–$330K |
| Pediatrics | $245K | $195K–$325K |
Physician Salary by State
| State | Typical Range | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| California | $320K–$480K | 138% |
| New York | $310K–$470K | 132% |
| Massachusetts | $305K–$465K | 110% |
| Washington | $300K–$450K | 107% |
| Texas | $300K–$460K | 93% |
| Florida | $290K–$440K | 99% |
| Illinois | $295K–$445K | 95% |
| Pennsylvania | $290K–$440K | 96% |
| Ohio | $285K–$435K | 90% |
| Georgia | $285K–$435K | 91% |
Comprehensive Physician Salary by Specialty (2026)
Detailed salary data across medical specialties based on 3,202 verified submissions. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orthopedic Surgery | $795K | $550K | $1.1M | $1.4M |
| Neurosurgery | $750K | $520K | $1.0M | $1.3M |
| Cardiothoracic Surgery | $680K | $480K | $950K | $1.2M |
| Cardiology | $550K | $380K | $850K | $1.1M |
| Plastic Surgery | $540K | $370K | $800K | $1.0M |
| Anesthesiology | $535K | $380K | $700K | $900K |
| Radiology | $485K | $350K | $650K | $850K |
| Dermatology | $445K | $320K | $600K | $800K |
| Urology | $460K | $330K | $650K | $850K |
| General Surgery | $450K | $320K | $700K | $900K |
| Emergency Medicine | $415K | $300K | $550K | $750K |
| Otolaryngology | $400K | $290K | $550K | $750K |
| Ophthalmology | $395K | $285K | $550K | $750K |
| Psychiatry | $330K | $250K | $440K | $600K |
| Neurology | $315K | $240K | $420K | $580K |
| Internal Medicine | $280K | $220K | $380K | $520K |
| Family Medicine | $250K | $200K | $330K | $450K |
| Pediatrics | $245K | $195K | $325K | $440K |
Note: Salary data based on 3,202 verified submissions as of Mar 16, 2026. Percentiles show compensation distribution: 25th percentile means 25% earn less, 75th means 75% earn less.View detailed specialty data →
Physician Salary by State with Cost-of-Living Adjustments (2026)
Geographic location significantly impacts physician compensation. States with higher demand, favorable payer mix, and physician shortages typically offer higher salaries. However, cost of living varies dramatically, meaning a $450K salary in Texas has significantly more purchasing power than $480K in California.
| State | Salary Range | Cost of Living Index | Housing Costs | State Income Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $320K–$480K | 138% | 154% | Yes (progressive) |
| New York | $310K–$470K | 132% | 148% | Yes (progressive) |
| Massachusetts | $305K–$465K | 110% | 118% | Yes (flat 5%) |
| Maryland | $300K–$460K | 113% | 127% | Yes (progressive) |
| Washington | $300K–$450K | 107% | 119% | No state income tax |
| Virginia | $295K–$445K | 103% | 111% | Yes (progressive) |
| Colorado | $295K–$445K | 104% | 117% | Yes (flat 4.63%) |
| Arizona | $290K–$440K | 102% | 107% | Yes (progressive) |
| Florida | $290K–$440K | 99% | 102% | No state income tax |
| Illinois | $295K–$445K | 95% | 79% | Yes (flat 4.95%) |
| Pennsylvania | $290K–$440K | 96% | 88% | Yes (flat 3.07%) |
| North Carolina | $285K–$435K | 94% | 88% | Yes (flat 4.75%) |
| Georgia | $285K–$435K | 91% | 85% | Yes (progressive) |
| Ohio | $285K–$435K | 90% | 79% | Yes (progressive) |
| Tennessee | $280K–$430K | 90% | 88% | No state income tax |
| Texas | $300K–$460K | 93% | 88% | No state income tax |
| Wisconsin | $280K–$430K | 91% | 89% | Yes (progressive) |
| Michigan | $275K–$425K | 89% | 73% | Yes (flat 4.25%) |
| Missouri | $275K–$425K | 87% | 77% | Yes (progressive) |
| Indiana | $270K–$420K | 87% | 78% | Yes (flat 3.23%) |
Understanding Cost-of-Living: The cost of living index compares expenses to the national average (100%). A 138% index means expenses are 38% higher than average. Housing costs are typically the largest component of cost of living differences.
State Income Tax Impact: States without income tax (Texas, Florida, Washington, Tennessee) provide significant tax savings, effectively increasing take-home pay by 3-6% compared to high-tax states like California (up to 13.3% top rate) or New York (up to 10.9% top rate).Compare salaries across states →
Physician Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Physician compensation increases significantly with experience, though the trajectory varies by specialty. Residency training years involve relatively modest compensation, while early-career attendings see substantial increases. Mid-career and senior physicians command premium compensation based on established expertise, productivity, and leadership roles.
Resident Physicians (PGY-1 to PGY-7)
$55K–$75KResidents earn $55,000 to $75,000 annually during training (typically 3-7 years depending on specialty). Compensation increases slightly each year (PGY-1 vs PGY-7), but remains modest given the 60-80 hour work weeks. Benefits typically include health insurance, disability insurance, and meal stipends. Many programs offer housing stipends or subsidized housing.
- •Training period: 3-7 years depending on specialty
- •Hours worked: 60-80 hours per week
- •Benefits: Health insurance, disability, meal stipends
- •Future earning potential: 5-10x increase after training
Early-Career Physicians (1-5 years post-residency)
$250K–$350KNew attendings typically earn $250,000 to $350,000 in their first 1-5 years post-training. Compensation varies significantly by specialty, with surgical subspecialties starting higher ($400K+) and primary care starting lower ($200K-$280K). Geographic location also heavily influences starting salaries, with rural areas and high-demand markets offering premium compensation packages.
- •Typical range: $250K-$350K (varies by specialty)
- •Surgical specialties: $350K-$450K starting
- •Primary care: $200K-$280K starting
- •Often includes signing bonuses ($10K-$50K)
Mid-Career Physicians (5-10 years experience)
$350K–$450KMid-career physicians (5-10 years post-residency) earn $350,000 to $450,000 on average. By this stage, physicians have established patient bases, improved efficiency, and often taken on leadership or administrative roles. Compensation includes base salary plus productivity bonuses, quality incentives, and sometimes partnership tracks in private practice settings.
- •Typical range: $350K-$450K
- •Productivity bonuses become significant
- •Partnership tracks available in private practice
- •Leadership roles increase compensation
Senior Physicians (10+ years experience)
$450K–$600K+Senior physicians with 10+ years of experience command $450,000 to $600,000+, with top performers in high-demand specialties earning $800K-$1M+. Senior physicians benefit from established reputations, high patient volumes, subspecialty expertise, and often hold leadership positions. Private practice partners and high-volume proceduralists can exceed these ranges significantly.
- •Typical range: $450K-$600K+
- •Top performers: $800K-$1M+
- •Partnership income in private practice
- •Subspecialty expertise commands premium
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
Range: $320K–$450K
Private practice physicians typically earn 15-25% more than employed positions, with 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 ($320K-$450K+)
- ✓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
Range: $280K–$400K
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 ($280K-$400K)
- ✓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
Range: $240K–$350K
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 ($240K-$350K)
- •Research and grant writing requirements
- •Teaching and administrative duties
- •May have clinical productivity expectations
Important Note: These ranges are national averages and vary significantly by specialty, geographic location, and individual practice characteristics. Primary care physicians in private practice may earn $250K-$350K, while surgical subspecialists can exceed $800K+.Compare practice settings in detail →
Physician Salary Trends: 2020-2026
Physician compensation has shown steady growth from 2020 to 2026, driven by increased demand, physician shortages in certain specialties, and rising healthcare costs. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated some trends, including increased demand for hospitalists and critical care physicians, while also highlighting the importance of work-life balance considerations.
Key Trends (2020-2026)
- 2020-2022Pandemic Impact: Hospital-employed physicians, especially hospitalists and critical care specialists, saw significant compensation increases due to high demand. Primary care and outpatient specialties faced temporary reductions before rebounding.
- 2022-2024Recovery and Growth: Overall physician compensation increased 8-12% as healthcare systems competed for talent. Telemedicine became more integrated, and geographic flexibility increased compensation for physicians willing to work in underserved areas.
- 2024-2026Sustained Growth: Median physician salaries continued rising, with 5-8% annual increases. Primary care saw particular growth as healthcare systems recognized its importance, while surgical specialties maintained premium compensation. Work-life balance considerations became more prominent in compensation negotiations.
Projected Growth Factors
- •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: Trend analysis based on 3,202 verified salary submissions and industry reports. 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 $445K, based on 3,202 verified submissions. This represents the midpoint where half of physicians earn more and half earn less. Total compensation typically ranges from $340K (25th percentile) to $750K (90th percentile), with significant variation by specialty, geographic location, experience level, and practice setting.
Which medical specialties have the highest salaries?
Orthopedic Surgery has the highest median salary at $795K, followed by Neurosurgery ($750K), Cardiothoracic Surgery ($680K), Cardiology ($550K), and Anesthesiology ($535K). Surgical subspecialties and interventional specialties typically command the highest compensation due to procedural complexity, training requirements, and revenue generation. However, compensation should be considered alongside lifestyle factors, training length, and personal interest.
How do physician salaries vary by state?
Physician salaries vary significantly by state due to demand, cost of living, payer mix, and physician supply. California ($320K-$480K), New York ($310K-$470K), and Massachusetts ($305K-$465K) offer high salaries but have high costs of living (138%, 132%, and 110% respectively). Texas ($300K-$460K) and Florida ($290K-$440K) offer competitive salaries with lower costs of living (93% and 99%) and no state income tax, providing superior purchasing power. When comparing salaries, always consider cost-of-living adjustments.
What is the salary progression from residency to senior physician?
Resident physicians earn $55K-$75K annually during 3-7 years of training. Early-career attendings (1-5 years post-residency) typically make $250K-$350K, with surgical specialties starting higher ($350K-$450K). Mid-career physicians (5-10 years) earn $350K-$450K on average, while senior physicians (10+ years) command $450K-$600K+, with top performers in high-demand specialties exceeding $800K. Compensation increases reflect experience, productivity, leadership roles, and often include partnership tracks in private practice.
Do private practice doctors make more money than hospital-employed physicians?
Yes, private practice physicians typically earn 15-25% more ($320K-$450K) than hospital-employed positions ($280K-$400K). However, private practice involves significant overhead costs (30-50% of revenue), administrative responsibilities, and business risk. Hospital-employed positions offer more predictable compensation, comprehensive benefits, reduced administrative burden, and better work-life balance. The choice depends on personal preferences for autonomy, risk tolerance, and lifestyle considerations.
How does cost of living affect physician salary comparisons?
Cost of living significantly impacts real purchasing power. A $450K salary in Texas (93% cost of living, no state income tax) provides substantially more purchasing power than $480K in California (138% cost of living, up to 13.3% state income tax). When comparing salaries across states, use cost-of-living calculators and consider state income tax rates. Housing costs are typically the largest component, with California housing costs 54% above average compared to Texas at 12% below average.
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.
Have physician salaries increased from 2020 to 2026?
Yes, physician salaries have increased approximately 15-20% from 2020 to 2026. The COVID-19 pandemic initially increased demand for hospital-based specialties, while primary care and outpatient specialties saw temporary reductions before rebounding. Since 2022, overall compensation has grown 5-8% annually, driven by physician shortages, increased demand, and competition for talent. Primary care has seen particular growth as healthcare systems recognize its importance.
Do physicians earn more in urban or rural areas?
Rural areas typically offer 10-20% higher base salaries due to physician shortages, with additional incentives including signing bonuses ($25K-$100K), loan forgiveness programs, and housing assistance. However, urban areas may have higher total compensation through productivity bonuses, academic affiliations, and subspecialty opportunities. Cost of living is usually lower in rural areas, increasing real purchasing power. 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.
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Key Takeaways
- •National Median: $445K for all physicians in the United States (2026)
- •Salary Range: 25th percentile ($340K) to 90th percentile ($750K)
- •Top Specialty: Orthopedic Surgery (median $795K, range $550K–$1.1M)
- •Practice Setting Impact: Private practice earns $320K–$450K vs. hospital-employed $280K–$400K
- •Experience Premium: Senior physicians (10+ years) earn $450K–$600K+ vs. early-career $250K–$350K
- •Data Source: 3,202 verified, anonymous physician salary submissions (updated Mar 16, 2026)