The best states for physicians in the last 5 years 

Montana has claimed the top spot on personal finance website WalletHub’s annual ranking of the best states for physicians every year since 2023, cementing its status as the nation’s most physician-friendly state. 

Midwestern states continue to dominate the list year after year, with Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska appearing in nearly every top-ten ranking since 2022.

In 2026, Wallethub based the list on 19 metrics, including physicians’ average annual wage, hospitals per capita and physician burnout. There were two main categories for the metrics: Opportunity and competition, and medical environment. The opportunity and competition category was worth up to 70 points, with the medical environment category worth up to 30 points. 

2026:

1. Montana
2. Indiana
3. Louisiana
4. South Dakota
5. Minnesota
6. North Dakota
7. Missouri
8. Nebraska
9. Iowa
10. Wisconsin

2025:

1. Montana
2. Indiana
3. South Dakota 
4. Iowa
5. Utah 
6. North Carolina 
7. Minnesota
8. North Dakota
9. Tennessee
10. Wisconsin

2024:

1. Montana
2. South Dakota
3. Nebraska
4. Utah
5. Indiana
6. Minnesota
7. Wisconsin
8. Idaho
9. Iowa
10. Louisiana

2023:

1. Montana
2. South Dakota
3. Idaho
4. Wisconsin
5. Minnesota
6. Louisiana
7. Utah
8. Nebraska
9. Iowa
10. Indiana

2022:

1. South Dakota
2. Minnesota
3. Wisconsin
4. Montana
5. Idaho
6. Iowa
7. Nebraska
8. Kansas
9. North Dakota
10. Mississippi

At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.