Should I Choose Otolaryngology? Real Physician Decision Guide (2026) | SalaryDr
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  1. Home
  2. Lifestyle Insights
  3. Otolaryngology
  4. Should I Choose?

Should I Choose Otolaryngology?

Real decision-making data from 3 verified Otolaryngology physicians. Here is what they actually think.

4/5
Avg Satisfaction
100%
Would Choose Again
46
Avg Hours/Week
$405K
Avg Compensation

The Verdict

100%
of Otolaryngology physicians would choose the specialty again

An overwhelming 100% of Otolaryngology physicians say they would choose the specialty again -- a strong endorsement.

Work-Life Balance Reality in Otolaryngology

46
average hours per week reported by Otolaryngology physicians
“I’m happy to work, doing 3 clinic and 2 OR days a week.”
— Otolaryngology Physician
“I work in a busy, but not life consuming, private practice. I am happy and excited to go to work both on operative and clinic days. Rarely do I miss family dinner. With advanced notice, I can plan to attend any family event. I have one in 4 call for nights and weekends, but it is light call. Not weird to have a weekend call and I don’t have to go to the hospital once.”
— Otolaryngology Physician
“Clinic 3.5d, OR 1.5d. Predictable 8-5 schedule during clinic. OR days 7-3. 3-4 hours a week of after hours charting. 8-9k wRVUs annually. Rare but heavy call weekends. Limited day call. ”
— Otolaryngology Physician

How Otolaryngology Compares

See how Otolaryngology stacks up against other popular specialties.

OtolaryngologyCurrent
Satisfaction:4/5
Choose Again:100%
Hours:46
Comp:$405K
Pediatrics
Satisfaction:4/5
Choose Again:84%
General Dentist
Satisfaction:3.5/5
Choose Again:83%
Family Medicine
Satisfaction:3.6/5
Choose Again:76%
SpecialtySatisfactionWould Choose Again

Negotiation Tips From Otolaryngology Physicians

“Interview with a nearby job to the one you want the most and then let the job you want know in a subtle way. That way, if they want you, they will fight a little more fiercely.”
— Otolaryngology Physician

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Otolaryngology worth it?

Based on 3 verified physician responses, Otolaryngology physicians report 4/5 average satisfaction and 100% say they would choose the specialty again. Average total compensation is $405K. Whether it is worth it depends on your priorities, but the data suggests most physicians are satisfied with their choice.

What's the work-life balance like in Otolaryngology?

Otolaryngology physicians work an average of 46 hours per week. One physician shared: "I’m happy to work, doing 3 clinic and 2 OR days a week."

How much do Otolaryngology physicians make?

Based on SalaryDr data, Otolaryngology physicians earn an average total compensation of $405K. With an average of 46 hours per week, that translates to roughly $169/hour.

Still deciding? Hear from more Otolaryngology physicians

Explore detailed lifestyle insights or contribute your own experience to help others make their decision.

View Full Otolaryngology InsightsShare Your Experience

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Specialties
  • All Physician Salaries
  • Salaries by City
  • General Surgery
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Cardiology
  • Salaries by State
Tools
  • Salary Comparison
  • Take Home Calculator
  • Offer Analyzer
  • Compare Specialties
  • Salary Negotiation
Salary Data
  • Salary Benchmarks
  • Salary Trends
  • Compensation Analysis
  • Lifestyle Insights
  • Compensation Components
  • Annual Report
Community
  • SalaryDen Forum
  • Latest Discussions
  • Submit Your Salary
  • Share Feedback
  • Salary FAQ
For Dentists
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  • Dental Salary Database
  • Dentist Salary by State
  • Submit Dental Salary
  • Dental Calculator
Legal
  • About
  • Methodology
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Community Guidelines
  • DMCA Policy
  • Data Retention
  • Cookie Policy
  • Safe Harbor
  • Data Requests

Follow SalaryDr

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  • X (Twitter) (@salarydr)

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Avg Hours
Avg Comp
OtolaryngologyCurrent4/5100%46$405K
Pediatrics4/584%46$355K
General Dentist3.5/583%36$364K
Family Medicine3.6/576%44$315K