According to the Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2014, average physician salaries differ by more than $200,000 annually, from $174,000 to $413,000. While male physicians earn $267,000 on average and female physicians earn $204,000 on average, both have experienced similar absolute increases in their salaries since 2010 — about $40,000. Out of all specialties, employed physicians earn an average of $228,000, while self-employed physicians earn an average of $281,000. The Medscape survey also notes only half of physicians feel fairly compensated.
The following are the top-earning physician specialties, based on 2013 salary, and average percentage change in salary between 2012 and 2013.
1. Orthopedics — $413,000 (2 percent increase)
2. Cardiology — $351,000 (2 percent decrease)
3. Urology — $348,000 (2 percent increase)
4. Gastroenterology — $348,000 (2 percent increase)
5. Radiology — $340,000 (2 percent decrease)
6. Anesthesiology — $338,000 (no change)
7. Plastic surgery — $321,000 (1 percent increase)
8. Dermatology — $308,000 (1 percent increase)
9. General surgery — $295,000 (6 percent increase)
10. Ophthalmology — $291,000 (5 percent increase)
11. Oncology — $290,000 (4 percent increase)
12. Critical care — $281,000 (5 percent increase)
13. Emergency medicine — $272,000 (1 percent increase)
14. Pulmonary medicine — $258,000 (2 percent decrease)
15. Obstetrics/gynecology — $243,000 (1 percent increase)
16. Nephrology — $242,000 (8 percent decrease)
17. Pathology — $239,000 (3 percent decrease)
18. Neurology — $219,000 (1 percent increase)
19. Rheumatology — $214,000 (15 percent increase)
20. Psychiatry/mental health — $197,000 (6 percent increase)
21. Internal medicine — $188,000 (1 percent increase)
22. Diabetes/endocrinology — $184,000 (3 percent increase)
23. Pediatrics — $181,000 (5 percent increase)
24. Family medicine — $176,000 (1 percent increase)
25. HIV/infectious disease — $174,000 (3 percent increase)
More articles on turnarounds:
5 leadership must-reads
12 ASCs making the news this month
9 recent surgical updates
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 18–20 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.
