If you’re looking to pursue a costly and time consuming medical degree, it wouldn’t be surprising if you’re interested in which of the many medical professions have the best paying jobs for doctors. Indeed, physicians rank among the highest paid employments in the US and the world. Nevertheless, some specialties, as you might figure out, are better paid than others. Salaries and demand fluctuate between different specialties, specially these days, when innovative surgeries and processes develop each year.
We previously compiled a list featuring the Top Ten Best-Paid Medical Specialties, which revealed some of the best remunerated medical positions in the market, taking into account the statistics issued by the US Bureau of Labor.
This time, we’ve gathered information regarding the 11 best paying jobs for doctors in the US. According to physician search and consulting firm Merritt Hawkins & Associates, a company of AMN Healthcare Services Inc., (NYSE: AHS) dedicated to conducting physician search assignments, some medical specialties boasted diverse salaries during 2013, depending on the recruiting incentives. The consulting company has reviewed data to determine the top requested medical specialties, between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014, and has come up with a ranking. The figures represent starting salaries, without other benefits or bonuses.
Indeed, some specialties such as surgery or cardiology tend to retain their salary levels, as demand is usually steady. Nevertheless, some other specialties start moving up on the list, and new jobs also come up. Here then is the list of the 11 Best Paying Jobs for Doctors, check it out!
No. 11 General Surgery
Average: $354,000
This specialty focuses on abdominal contents including esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and colon, among other organs. It requires knowledge of and familiarity with a broad spectrum of diseases that may require surgical treatment. Given the amount of patients needing regular interventions, this medical job is considered one of the most demanding and better paid in the market.
No. 10 Pulmonology
Average: $358,000
Pulmonologists are physicians specialized on pulmonary diseases. Medics dedicated to this specialty possess specialized knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary conditions and diseases. The amount of physicians specialized in pulmonology isn’t many, and as the demand for special treatments increases, so does their requirement.
No. 9 Radiology
Average: $358,000
A radiologist is a medic specialized in a variety of radiological methodologies, used to diagnose and treat diseases. Their main activity is the diagnosis via images of diverse diseases, comprising all aspects of radiological diagnosis (nuclear radiology, diagnostic ultrasound, magnetic resonance, computed tomography, interventional procedures, and the use of other forms of radiant energy). This job has seen its demand increase over the last ten years, given the technological developments made on radiology procedures.
No. 8 Otolaryngology
Average: $372,000
Otolaryngology is considered to be the oldest medical specialty in the United States. These physicians are trained in medical and surgical management and treatment of patients’ ear, nose, and throat (ENT) related diseases. Being a traditional specialty, this medical job sustains high levels of salary.
No. 7 Hematology/Oncology
Average: $377,000
Hematologists and oncologists diagnose, treat and prevent blood diseases and cancer. These physicians are highly trained, and their specialty is challenging and might also be rather discouraging. Hematologists and Oncologists are indispensable, particularly as the population ages.
No. 6 Cardiology (Non-Invasive)
Average: $442,000
Cardiology is, as its name indicates upon closer inspection, the medical specialty which deals with heart-related diseases. Non-invasive cardiology is related to the medical diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure and electrophysiology, among other treatments and pathologies. The years of experience needed in becoming a cardiologist, along with its level of specialization put this medical job among the top paid in the market.
No. 5 Gastroenterology
Average: $454,000
A gastroenterologist is a physician that specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses of the digestive system. They specialize in the movements of food through the digestive system and the use of nutrition by the body, and they also diagnose the digestive system’s diseases. Gastroenterologists usually work in private clinics with a small team of doctors, and receive high compensation.
No. 4 Cardiology (Invasive)
Average: $454,000
Cardiologists who specialize in-detail on the treatment and surgery of heart diseases receive higher salaries and thus rank higher on the list. Their job implies more training and skills, along with larger responsibilities and pressure.
No. 3 Orthopedic Surgery
Average: $488,000
These doctors, nicknamed “bone doctors,” are surgeons specialized in the treatment and management of joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves and skin conditions; that is, the entire musculoskeletal system’s conditions. Orthopedic surgery demands several years of education and training, and is third on the list of highest-paid medical jobs.
No. 2 Urology
Average: $504,000
This is a specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary tract and organs’ conditions and illnesses. Their main specialty is usually the treatment of conditions related to the male reproductive system, comprising organs such as the kidneys, urethra, urinary bladder and prostate. Their salary is nearest to the top of the list regarding medical jobs without actually being on top.
That distinction is held by…
No. 1 Neurosurgery
Average: $591,000
Neurosurgeons are medics specialized in the treatment and diagnosis of conditions related to the nervous system, mainly brain or spinal cord illnesses. This specialty requires heavy training. Performing these surgeries is always high-risk, and it holds tremendous responsibility, given the diverse difficulties they might involve. High expertise and the gravity of their tasks put this job on the very top of the best paying jobs for doctors in the US.
