2025 Trends in Physician Earnings: Physician Salaries by Specialty
The healthcare world is witnessing unprecedented changes, and as we step into 2025, understanding physician salaries by specialty has never been more important. With healthcare continuing to evolve rapidly, knowledge of income trends is vital for both practicing and aspiring physicians.
Whether you're considering your next career move, negotiating a contract, or simply weighing your options, being informed about physician income by specialty can help you make strategic decisions.
By breaking down average salaries across different specialties, exploring salary influences, and looking at the emerging role of locum doctors, this guide will provide a comprehensive picture of the physician earning landscape in 2025.
Navigating Influences on Physician Salaries
Before we explore the specifics of physician income by specialty, it’s important to grasp the key factors influencing physician compensation. Several aspects can tip the scales of earning potential, such as:
- Demand for Specialty Services: Procedurally intensive specialties continue to command higher physician salaries. For example, surgical departments are often more lucrative than primary care roles.
- Geographical Variations: Doctor salaries by specialty can significantly fluctuate depending on location. Physicians working in underserved rural areas or high-demand urban settings often earn more competitive pay to attract talent.
- Experience Levels: A newly graduated physician or resident entering the field will generally earn a lower salary than a seasoned practitioner. However, even at the starting point, some specialties are more lucrative than others.
- Locum Tenens Opportunities: Locum medical doctors are becoming a vital part of workforce strategies. Temporary physicians often enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay rates, and the chance to explore diverse healthcare environments.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating the compensation landscape successfully.
Average Starting Physician Salaries by Specialty in 2025
Let’s take an in-depth look at the average starting salaries across key specialties:
Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgeons retain their spot as one of the highest-earning specialties. This field demands years of rigorous training and focuses on musculoskeletal disorders, which is consistently vital for addressing injuries or aging-related complications.
- Average Starting Salary (2025): $550,000
Urology
With the growing prevalence of conditions like urinary disorders and prostate cancer, experienced urologists remain in high demand. Salary levels are buoyed by the procedural nature of the specialty.
- Average Starting Salary (2025): $510,000
Gastroenterology
The increase in gastrointestinal disorders and procedures like endoscopies ensures this specialty remains highly lucrative. Gastroenterologists often work in both hospital and private practice settings.
- Average Starting Salary (2025): $485,000
Radiology
Radiologists are essential across nearly every healthcare setting, supporting diagnostics with cutting-edge imaging techniques. The demand for radiological expertise leads to strong earning potential.
- Average Starting Salary (2025): $470,000
Anesthesiology
Anesthesiologists play a critical role in surgical care, pain management, and ensuring patient safety. This versatile field offers impressive financial rewards.
- Average Starting Salary (2025): $460,000
Hematology/Oncology
The ongoing need for cancer treatments and blood disorder management keeps hematologists and oncologists at the forefront of medical innovation and compensation.
- Average Starting Salary (2025): $450,000
Cardiology
Cardiologists deliver life-saving care, making this specialty one of the most valuable and well-compensated areas in medicine. Subspecialization in interventional cardiology often command even higher salaries.
- Average Starting Salary (2025): $440,000
8. Dermatology
The combination of regular demand for skin treatments and elective aesthetics gives dermatologists steady and lucrative income potential.
- Average Starting Salary (2025): $430,000
Pulmonology
The awareness of respiratory diseases, combined with the long-term impacts of COVID-19, has propelled pulmonology into higher demand and accompanying compensation.
- Average Starting Salary (2025): $415,000
Obstetrics/Gynecology (OBGYN)
OBGYN physicians remain essential in women's healthcare. The mix of high responsibility and varied services ensures this specialty offers competitive pay.
- Average Starting Salary (2025): $400,000
The Role of Locum Doctors in Today’s Physician Landscape
Locum doctors are playing an increasingly significant role in tackling physician shortages and meeting evolving healthcare demands. Opting for locum tenens positions can provide immense flexibility, attractive compensation, and the opportunity to gain experience across various settings.
For example, locum medical doctors specializing in high-demand areas like anesthesiology or orthopedics can potentially earn more than full-time physicians due to their temporary contracts and specialized expertise.
Additionally, locum tenens roles are appealing to new grads looking to broaden their clinical exposure or seasoned physicians seeking alternative work arrangements without committing to full-time employment.
Key Benefits of Working Locum Tenens Include:
- Higher earning potential relative to workload.
- The ability to test different practice areas or locations before settling.
- Shorter contracts with the flexibility to choose assignments.
Are you curious whether locum tenens is right for you? It might be the perfect step toward professional growth while offering the work-life balance you’re looking for.
Evolving Trends in Physician Salaries
Physician salaries by specialty have remained dynamic due to pressures like the rising cost of healthcare, provider shortages, and increased demand for specialized services. Key trends emerging in 2025 include:
- Focus on Specializations: Highly skilled specialists in cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics are expected to experience continued growth in compensation.
- Geographic Disparities Persist: Underserved areas continue to provide lucrative opportunities for physicians willing to relocate.
- Value-Based Healthcare Models: A shift toward value-based care may incentivize performance metrics in physician compensation structures.
- Adoption of Telemedicine: With telehealth gaining traction, certain specialties such as radiology and psychiatry are better positioned to capitalize on remote care delivery while optimizing costs.
Position Yourself For Success
The physician workforce is at the heart of a changing healthcare landscape, and tracking salary trends is critical to navigating your career successfully. Whether you’re exploring specialty options, negotiating contracts, or investigating locum tenens jobs, remember that knowledge is your most valuable asset.
At AMN Healthcare, we support your professional growth with salary trends, career insights, and licensing resources. Contact our team of expert recruiters to optimize your career and earning potential!
