Most in-Demand and Highest-Paid Physicians in the United States
Top-Paying Specialties:
Neurosurgery remains the highest-paying medical specialty in the U.S., with an average annual salary of approximately $763,908. These specialists focus on diagnosing and surgically treating disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system, requiring extensive training, precision, and high-level expertise.
Following neurosurgery, other top-earning specialties include:
Thoracic Surgery: $720,634
Orthopedic Surgery: $654,815
Plastic Surgery: $619,812
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery: $603,623
Compensation Trends:
Procedural Specialties Lead: Surgeons and specialists performing complex, revenue-generating procedures tend to earn more than primary care physicians. This includes fields like neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, and orthopedic surgery.
Growth in Physician Compensation: In 2023, the average physician salary across all specialties increased by nearly 6%, rebounding from a slight decline in 2022. Some fields, such as hematology and family medicine, experienced double-digit growth, while others like ophthalmology and emergency medicine saw declines.
Demand for Physicians:
Demographic Shifts: The growing and aging U.S. population is a primary driver of increasing demand for healthcare providers. Older adults typically require more specialized and ongoing care, boosting demand for certain specialties.
Physician Shortages: The U.S. faces a significant and worsening shortage, with projections estimating a deficit of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. This shortage limits patient access to timely care and strains healthcare systems.
High-Demand Specialties: Primary care fields such as *family medicine, internal medicine, and psychiatry are in high demand due to the ongoing need for accessible primary care and mental health services.
