Why Physician-Only Data Matters
Generalist platforms blend MD data with APPs and nurses. We provide pure physician benchmarks for precise negotiation.
| Feature | salaryDr(Physician-Only) | Multi-Clinician Salary Sites | Legacy Industry Reports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Audience | MD / DO Only | Mixed (MDs, NPs, PAs, RNs) | Hospital administrators |
| Data Source | Physician-verified submissions |
🎯 Real Physician Lifestyle Insights
Go beyond salary data. Discover what it's really like to practice in different medical specialties with authentic insights from real physicians about work-life balance, career satisfaction, and daily life.
Family Medicine
2026 Physician Salary Guide by Medical Specialty
Comprehensive doctor salary data from real physicians across the United States. Compare physician compensation, medical doctor pay scales, and healthcare salaries by specialty.
💰Highest Paying Medical Specialties
- Cardiothoracic Surgery$1.2M+
- Neurosurgery$900K+
- Orthopedic Surgery$795K+
- Anesthesiology$535K+
- Emergency Medicine$415K+
📈Doctor Salary by Experience
Physician Salaries by State and City in 2026
Discover regional variations in doctor compensation across the United States. Compare physician salaries by state, metropolitan area, and cost of living adjustments.
🗺️Top Paying States
🏙️Top Metro Areas
🏥By Practice Setting
Medical Career Planning: From Medical School to Attending Physician
Make informed decisions about your medical career path using real salary data. From specialty selection to residency matching and beyond.
Physician Career Salary Timeline
Medical School (4 years)
Average debt: $250,000 - $350,000
Focus on USMLE scores, research, and specialty exploration
Residency Training (3-7 years)
Salary: $55,000 - $65,000 annually
80+ hours/week, intensive clinical training
Fellowship (Optional, 1-3 years)
Salary: $65,000 - $75,000 annually
Subspecialty training, research opportunities
Attending Physician (Career)
Salary: $250,000 - $800,000+ annually
Varies significantly by specialty, location, and practice setting
📊 ROI Calculation
Despite 7-11 years of training at below-market wages, physician careers typically achieve positive ROI within 5-10 years post-graduation, with lifetime earnings significantly exceeding most other professions.