According to SalaryDr data from 141 verified cardiology physicians, the median total compensation for Cardiology in 2026 is $630,000. The 25th percentile is $557,000 and the 75th percentile is $720,000. Base salary: $569,066. Bonuses: $160,580 (22% receive). Satisfaction: 4.0/5. Workload: ~52 hrs/week. Source: https://www.salarydr.com/specialty/cardiology Sample size: 141. Last updated: March 28, 2026.
The median cardiologist salary in the United States is $630,000 per year as of March 2026, based on 141 verified physician submissions on SalaryDr. The average cardiologist salary is $729,647, with the 25th percentile at $557,000 and the 75th percentile at $720,000.
$630,000
$729,647
$557,000
$720,000
Based on 141 verified salary submissions. 87% of Cardiology physicians reported receiving bonus/incentive compensation.
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Answers based on 141 verified physician salary submissions, updated in real-time.
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Based on verified submissions from cardiologists across the U.S., the average total compensation in 2026 is $729,647, with most reporting between $557,000 and $720,000. SalaryDr aggregates real physician data — not surveys — to show what cardiologists truly earn today.
Based on 141 verified submissions, the average cardiologist earns $729,647 in 2026, with a median of $630,000. Most report between $557,000 and $720,000. The highest-earning cardiologists make up to $4,500,000 annually. SalaryDr aggregates real physician data — not surveys — to show what cardiologists truly earn today.
Explore cardiologist salaries by location: California, Texas, New York, or view all locations.
Cardiologist pay varies significantly by geographic location. States with higher costs of living and greater demand for medical services typically offer higher compensation packages. The gap between the 25th and 75th percentiles is $163,000, reflecting how much geography and practice context matter for cardiologist compensation.
Average satisfaction rating reported by Cardiology physicians (1-5 scale).
Percentage of Cardiology physicians who would choose this specialty again.
Physicians cite the variety of cases and patient relationships as most rewarding aspects of this specialty.
On-call demands, administrative burden, and work-life balance are cited as the top challenges.
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Average Salary: $400,000
Based on 150 reports
Average Salary: $380,000
Based on 120 reports
Average Salary: $350,000
Based on 100 reports
Average Salary: $340,000
Based on 90 reports
Average Salary: $360,000
Based on 80 reports
Average Salary: $370,000
Based on 70 reports
* Showing locations with the most reported salaries.
* Some locations may be omitted if they have fewer than 3 reports.
Step-by-step guide to negotiating a competitive Cardiology salary with confidence and data-driven strategies.
Research current Cardiology salary data using verified sources like SalaryDr, MGMA, and local market reports. Document the median, 25th, and 75th percentile ranges for your specialty and experience level.
Learn more →Create a comprehensive list of your qualifications, certifications, years of experience, patient outcomes, and any unique skills or subspecialty training. Quantify your contributions with specific metrics where possible.
Look beyond base salary to include benefits, bonuses, CME allowances, malpractice insurance, retirement contributions, and other perks. Calculate the total compensation value to make informed comparisons.
Develop three negotiation scenarios: your minimum acceptable offer, target salary, and ideal compensation package. Be prepared to discuss trade-offs between salary and benefits.
Rehearse your negotiation conversation focusing on your value to the organization, market data, and specific reasons for your salary request. Practice addressing common objections professionally.
Request a formal meeting with decision-makers. Present your research professionally, emphasize your value, and be prepared to negotiate on multiple aspects of the compensation package.
Professional Tip: This guide provides general recommendations. Always consult with career advisors, mentors, and legal professionals for personalized advice specific to your situation.
The average cardiologist salary in 2026 is $729,647, with a median of $630,000. Most cardiologists earn between $557,000 and $720,000, with top performers earning up to $4,500,000 annually.
States with the highest cardiologist salaries typically include California, New York, Texas, and Florida. These states offer higher compensation due to increased demand, higher costs of living, and competitive markets for medical professionals.
Most cardiologists work approximately 52 hours per week, though this can vary significantly by practice setting. Academic positions may offer more predictable schedules, while private practice often involves more variable hours and call responsibilities.
Private practice cardiologists often earn higher compensation than their employed counterparts, with potential for profit sharing and productivity bonuses. However, employed positions may offer more stable schedules and comprehensive benefits packages.
Cardiologists can increase their earning potential by developing subspecialty expertise, building strong clinical reputations, understanding local market rates, and negotiating comprehensive compensation packages that include base salary, bonuses, and benefits.
We need more Cardiology physician in United States salary submissions to provide accurate insights. Your data helps colleagues make informed career decisions.
Early-career cardiologists earn approximately $694,294, while experienced physicians report $762,579 — a 10% increase over a career. Hospital Employed is the most common work setting (48%), followed by Private Practice (35%).
89% of cardiologists say they would choose the specialty again, rating satisfaction 4.0 out of 5. The average workweek is 52 hours with 0 PTO days per year.
With a median of $630,000, Cardiology ranks among the higher-paying medical specialties. The $163,000 spread between the 25th and 75th percentiles means negotiation and location choices have a significant impact on total compensation.
The gap between the 25th percentile ($557,000) and 75th percentile ($720,000) is $163,000 — meaning where and how you negotiate matters. Cardiologists in hospital employed settings tend to earn the most, and those with 9+ years of experience see significant increases.
| Practice Type | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|
| Private Practice | $850,350 | 50 submissions |
| Hospital-employed | $714,378 | 68 submissions |
| Academic | $512,391 | 23 submissions |
* Practice types with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
Early career Cardiology physicians (0-3 years experience) frequently receive bonus packages including signing bonuses, relocation allowances, and productivity incentives as part of their initial offer.
Based on 141 verified physician salary submissions on SalaryDr, the median Cardiology salary in 2026 is $630,000 per year. The average salary is $729,647. This works out to approximately $268 per hour based on a 52-hour work week.
The middle 50% of Cardiology physicians earn between $557,000 (25th percentile) and $720,000 (75th percentile). Top earners at the 90th percentile or above can make $4,500,000 or more annually. This data comes from 141 verified salary reports.
Early career Cardiology physicians (0-5 years experience) earn a median salary of approximately $694,294, while those with 10+ years of experience earn around $762,579 — a 10% increase. The most significant salary growth typically occurs in years 3-7 of practice.
Among Cardiology physicians, 87% report receiving bonus or incentive compensation. The median bonus is $100,000 and the average is $184,080. Bonus packages typically include signing bonuses, productivity incentives, quality bonuses, and relocation allowances.
For Cardiology physicians, base salary accounts for approximately 78% of total compensation (around $569,066), with the remaining 22% coming from bonuses, incentives, and productivity pay. Total compensation averages $729,647 per year based on 141 verified submissions.
Cardiology physicians rate their overall job satisfaction at 4.0 out of 5, with 89% saying they would choose this specialty again. Satisfaction ratings account for compensation, work-life balance, and career fulfillment. Based on 141 verified responses.
SalaryDr collects Cardiology salary data from 141 anonymous, verified submissions by practicing physicians across the United States. Data includes total compensation, base salary, bonuses, work hours, practice setting, and location — updated in real-time as new submissions arrive.
Data Source: All salary figures are based on 141 verified, anonymous submissions from practicing physicians. Data is updated in real-time as new submissions are received. Learn about our methodology.
| Years of Experience | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | $469,289 | 9 submissions |
| 3-5 years | $569,359 | 32 submissions |
| 6-10 years | $868,913 | 47 submissions |
| 11-15 years | $766,948 | 34 submissions |
| 16+ years | $701,222 | 18 submissions |
* Experience levels with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
| Subspecialty | Average Salary | Sample Size | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interventional | $729,152 | 23 submissions | Performs catheter-based treatments for heart disease, including stenting, angioplasty, and structural heart procedures. |
| EP | $720,200 | 10 submissions | Focuses on specialized ep procedures and treatments within cardiology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Electrophysiology | $693,636 | 11 submissions | Manages complex heart rhythm disorders through ablation procedures and device therapy. |
| Structural | $673,333 | 12 submissions | Focuses on specialized structural procedures and treatments within cardiology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
* Subspecialties with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
* Data is aggregated from verified physician submissions.
| $556,250 |
| 8 submissions |
| Focuses on specialized non-invasive procedures and treatments within cardiology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Imaging | $551,000 | 3 submissions | Focuses on specialized imaging procedures and treatments within cardiology, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Heart Failure | $524,600 | 5 submissions | Provides advanced therapy for severe heart failure, including mechanical support and transplant management. |
| Research | $483,333 | 3 submissions | Focuses on specialized research procedures and treatments within cardiology, providing expert care in this specific area. |