Physician compensation in the United States varies widely based on factors such as specialty, geographic location, and experience. As of 2025, the average annual salary for physicians across all specialties is approximately $376,000, reflecting a 3.6% increase from the previous year .(whitecoatinvestor.com)
Top-Paying States for Physicians
Certain states offer higher average salaries for physicians, often due to factors like demand, cost of living, and healthcare infrastructure. According to recent data:
- North Dakota: Physicians earn an average of $351,270 annually .(Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Wyoming: Average annual salary is $339,540 .(Wikipedia)
- South Carolina: Physicians make approximately $326,530 per year .
- Indiana: Average salary stands at $323,030 annually .(Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Florida: Physicians earn around $288,670 per year .(Bureau of Labor Statistics)
These states often have higher compensation to attract and retain medical professionals, especially in rural or underserved areas.
States with Moderate Physician Salaries
In several states, physician salaries are closer to the national average:
- Texas: Average annual salary is $239,840 .(Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- California: Physicians earn approximately $249,660 per year .(Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Ohio: Average salary stands at $271,040 annually .(Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Pennsylvania: Physicians make around $187,330 per year .(Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- New York: Average annual salary is approximately $219,070 .(Bureau of Labor Statistics)
These figures reflect a balance between urban and rural healthcare needs, cost of living, and state healthcare policies.
Specialty-Based Salary Variations
Physician salaries also vary significantly by specialty:
- Primary Care Physicians: Earn an average of $277,000 annually .(Kaplan)
- Specialists: Average salary is approximately $394,000 per year .(Kaplan)
Specialties such as orthopedic surgery, cardiology, and dermatology tend to be on the higher end of the salary spectrum, while fields like pediatrics and family medicine are typically lower.
Factors Influencing Physician Salaries
Several factors contribute to the variation in physician salaries across states:
- Cost of Living: States with higher living costs often offer higher salaries to compensate.
- Demand and Supply: Areas with physician shortages may offer higher pay to attract talent.
- Healthcare Infrastructure: States with robust healthcare systems may have more resources to offer competitive salaries.
- State Policies: Medicaid reimbursement rates and other state-specific policies can impact physician earnings.
Conclusion
Physician salaries in the United States are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including geography, specialty, and local healthcare needs. Understanding these variations is crucial for medical professionals considering where to practice and for policymakers aiming to address healthcare disparities across the country.
