Source: SalaryDr salary data for Cardiology (N=142 verified submissions, updated March 19, 2026, data as of 2026-03-19). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
Becoming a cardiologist requires 10 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 3 years (IM residency) of residency, and 3 years cardiology fellowship. The median attending salary is $627,500/year based on 142 verified submissions.
4 years
Average medical school debt: $200,000 (AAMC). No physician income during this period.
3 years (IM residency)
Median residency salary: $78,000/year (PGY-1 to PGY-3)(5 submissions)
3 years cardiology fellowship
Median fellowship salary: $78,000/year(3 submissions)
0-5 years experience
Based on 43 verified submissions(43 submissions)
6-15 years experience
Based on 81 verified submissions(81 submissions)
16+ years experience
Based on 18 verified submissions(18 submissions)
Cardiologist salaries typically increase significantly with experience. Mid-career cardiologists earn approximately $100,000 more per year than early career physicians — a 19% increase. Senior cardiologists earn a median of $645,000/year, reflecting peak earning potential.
| Career Stage | Median Salary | vs. Early Career | Submissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residency | $78,000 | — | 5 |
| Fellowship | $78,000 | — | 3 |
| Early Career (0-5 yrs) | $530,000 | Baseline | 43 |
| Mid-Career (6-15 yrs) | $630,000 | +$100,000 | 81 |
| Senior (16+ yrs) | $645,000 | +$115,000 | 18 |
It takes 10 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 3 years (IM residency) of residency, and 3 years cardiology fellowship. Most physicians begin independent practice in their early 30s.
Cardiologists earn a full attending salary after completing all required training (10 years post-college). During residency and fellowship, physicians earn a training salary that is significantly less than attending pay — typically $78,000/year during residency.
With average medical school debt of $200,000 and a median attending salary of $627,500, cardiologists can typically expect to reach a financial break-even point approximately 1 years after starting attending practice. Actual timelines vary based on loan terms, living expenses, and repayment strategy.
Yes. Cardiology attending salaries generally increase with experience. Our data shows mid-career cardiologists (6-15 years) earn approximately 19% more than early career physicians (0-5 years).
Share your compensation anonymously to help medical students and trainees make informed career decisions.
Submit Your Salary