How Much Do Doctors Make in the USA? Salaries for 2025 Explained
Planning a future as a doctor in the USA is a dream for many Indian students. Understanding the doctors’ salary in USA, along with admission pathways, exam requirements, and career prospects, is crucial before making this important decision. In 2025, the landscape offers high-paying opportunities and promising growth, but success depends on the right education, licensing, and specialization choices.
Average Doctor Salary in USA 2025: Overview
Doctor salaries in the US vary based on specialization, location, experience, and type of practice. In 2025, average salaries remain competitive, especially for international graduates who clear key licensing exams and secure US residencies. Here are some quick facts:
- Average annual salary: $185,000 to $400,000 (as per Medscape/AAMC reports)
- Resident doctors earn between $65,000–$72,000/year
- Specialists like neurosurgery & cardiology command $400,000–$600,000+
- Location, certifications, and demand strongly influence earnings
Doctor Salary in USA: Key Highlights (2025)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Salary Range | $185,000 – $400,000 per year |
| Resident Salary (Annual) | $65,000 – $72,000 |
| Top Specialties (2025) | Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Cardiology, Dermatology |
| New MBBS Graduate (Initial) | $165,000 – $185,000 per year |
| Hourly Wages | $63.70 (average) |
| Main Licensure Exam | USMLE |
Graduating from a top US medical college and clearing the USMLE sets the foundation for a lucrative medical career in the US. Salaries differ further as per specialty and work environment.
Top Medical Universities in the USA for Indian Students
Selecting a leading medical university boosts post-graduation opportunities and earning potential. Here are top-ranked US medical schools popular among Indian & international students:
| Rank (2025) | University | Popular Programs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harvard Medical School | MD, Dual Degrees, Residency |
| 2 | Johns Hopkins University | MD, Public Health, Specialty Residencies |
| 3 | Stanford University | Medicine, Physician Scientist, Fellowships |
| 4 | University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) | Medicine, Global Health, Residency |
| 5 | Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine | MD, Biomedical Sciences |
Explore more top institutions on our Top Universities in the World guide.
Eligibility, Exams & Admission Steps for Indian Students
To pursue a medical career and high salary as a doctor in the USA, Indian students must meet these requirements:
- Complete 10+2 with Biology, Chemistry, Physics (minimum 60% recommended)
- Qualify for undergraduate program (premed/MBBS equivalent)
- Clear MCAT or relevant entrance exam for medical schools
- Secure admission at accredited US medical college
- Pass USMLE Steps 1, 2 (CK & CS), and 3 (licensure)
- Obtain ECFMG certification (for foreign medical graduates)
- Enroll and complete a US residency program (3–7 years)
- Apply for a state license for full practice
For a complete breakdown, see Steps to Become a Doctor in the USA.
Fees, Scholarships & Funding for MBBS/MD in USA
Medical education in the USA involves substantial investment. Indian and other international students can reduce costs through various scholarships and loans:
| Expense | Average Range (2025) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (Annual, MD/MBBS) | $45,000 – $80,000 |
| Living Costs (Annual) | $14,000 – $22,000 |
| Average Scholarship Amount | $5,000 – $30,000/year |
| Loan Opportunities | Federal, Private (co-signer needed) |
Major universities offer merit and need-based financial aid. For more information, refer to our Scholarships for Studying Abroad section.
Post-Study Visa & Pathways to Practice for Doctors
To work as a doctor after graduation, international students need to follow legal immigration routes:
- F-1 Visa: For full-time medical education, includes possible OPT (Optional Practical Training)
- J-1 Visa: Common for medical residency; has 2-year home residency rule (waivable)
- H-1B Visa: For specialist, clinical jobs after residency
- Apply for permanent residency (green card) after gaining experience
See more USA student visa details on our Student Visa for USA Guide.
Doctor Salaries in the USA: By Experience, Specialty & State (2025)
In 2025, the average salary for a doctor in the USA is approximately $294,000 per year, but can vary widely. Here are detailed break-downs:
| Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | $240,356 |
| 1 to 2 years | $148,348 |
| 3 to 5 years | $170,786 |
| 6 to 9 years | $238,673 |
| 10 years & above | $290,063 |
Highest paying specialties in 2025:
- Neurosurgery: $616,000
- Plastic Surgery: $471,000
- Dermatology: $419,000
- Cardiology: $430,000
- Orthopaedics/Ophthalmology: $482,000
Doctor salaries by state (2025):
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Kentucky/Tennessee | $364,000 |
| Alabama | $358,000 |
| Missouri | $357,000 |
| Texas/Florida | $346,000 |
Practice Types, Working Hours & Other Influencing Factors
Doctors running private practices often achieve higher incomes but face infrastructure and operational costs. Those in public/government or hospital settings earn stable, predictable salaries.
- Higher patient volume and longer hours increase total compensation
- Board certifications (cardiology, radiology, pediatrics) significantly boost earning potential
- Rural postings offer incentive-based packages
See also: Top High Salary Jobs Worldwide
Doctor Salary in USA: Hourly & By Industry
Doctor pay also depends on sector and hourly wages. As per the latest US Labor report:
| Industry | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Offices of Physicians | $139.84 |
| Specialty Hospitals | $135.86 |
| Federal Executive Branch | $125.51 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $121.04 |
| Medical Schools | $39.13 |
Salaries rise with specialization and academic qualifications, with advanced board certifications opening new career and earning options.
In summary, Indian students aiming to become doctors in the US can look forward to high salaries—especially after clearing the USMLE and completing residency. Choosing the right specialization, university, and preparing for licensure pathways is critical for long-term career growth and financial success.
FAQs on 1M earners. Compare top specialties and find the highest and lowest paid doctors.
1. How much are doctors paid in the USA?
Doctors in the USA earn a wide range of salaries depending on their specialty, experience, and location. On average, physicians earn between $200,000 and $400,000 per year. Primary care doctors usually earn on the lower end of the range, while specialists can earn much more.
2. Can a doctor make $1 million a year?
Yes, it is possible for doctors in the US to make $1 million per year, especially those in high-demand specialties such as orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, or plastic surgery. This typically involves a combination of high-volume private practice, surgical specialties, or holding administrative roles in addition to clinical work.
3. Which doctor is the highest paid in the US?
The highest paid doctors in the US are typically specialists in fields such as orthopedic surgery, cardiology, dermatology, and neurosurgery. Among these, orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons often top the salary rankings, with average annual earnings exceeding $600,000 according to latest surveys.
4. What is the lowest doctor's salary in the USA?
The lowest salaries for doctors in the US are usually seen among primary care physicians or those working in rural or less populated areas. Entry-level or resident doctors (residency training) may earn as little as $60,000 to $70,000 per year. After residency, family medicine and pediatrics can be among the lower earning specialties, averaging $200,000-$240,000 per year.
5. What is the doctor's salary in the US in 2025?
Doctor salaries in the US are expected to increase slightly in 2025 due to inflation and demand for healthcare professionals. Projected average earnings are between $220,000 and $450,000 per year depending on the specialty and location.
6. What is the monthly salary for doctors in the US after tax?
After federal and state taxes, the take-home monthly salary for a US doctor varies greatly. A doctor earning $250,000/year might take home around $13,000 to $15,000 per month after taxes, while higher earners may net more depending on their personal tax situation, location, and deductions.
7. What is the hourly salary for doctors in the US?
The average hourly salary for doctors in the US ranges from $80 to $200 per hour depending on specialty, experience, and work setting. The highest-paid specialties may earn significantly more per hour, while residents and starting doctors earn less.
8. What is the salary for resident doctors in the US per month?
Resident doctors in the US typically earn a monthly salary of around $4,800 to $6,000 before taxes. The exact amount depends on the year of residency, hospital, and geographic location.
9. Average doctor salary by specialty
Doctor salaries vary by specialty in the US. For 2024-25, approximate averages include:
- Primary Care (Family Medicine, Pediatrics): $230,000–$260,000/year
- Internal Medicine: $260,000–$300,000/year
- General Surgery: $400,000–$500,000/year
- Cardiology: $500,000–$600,000/year
- Orthopedic Surgery: $600,000–$800,000/year
- Dermatology: $420,000–$500,000/year
10. What is the starting salary for doctors in the US per month?
The starting monthly salary for doctors in the US during residency is typically $4,800 to $6,000 depending on the hospital and geographic region. After residency, starting salaries for newly board-certified physicians usually range from $12,000 to $20,000 per month before taxes, varying by specialty.
11. What is the doctor salary in the US after residency?
After completing residency, doctors in the US usually earn an average annual salary between $200,000 and $350,000 for primary care, and higher for specialists. Salaries increase with years of experience, subspecialization, and practice ownership.
12. What factors affect doctors' salaries in the US?
Key factors influencing doctors' salaries include:
- Specialty (surgical specialties pay more)
- Location (urban areas may offer higher pay than rural, though cost of living varies)
- Experience and years since graduation
- Type of employment (private practice vs. hospital employed)
- Work hours and on-call frequency
