Types of Doctors and Salaries: Are you wondering how much a doctor makes in a year in the USA? Salaries for doctors are among the highest of all professions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for doctors per year is equal to or greater than $208,000.
Most doctors work full-time to some extent some work for more than 40 hours per week. If you want to become a doctor you should be prepared to work long shifts, which are sometimes irregular or be on call.
It is important to know what kind of doctor you should see when a certain diagnosis is made. There are many different types of doctors and their salaries as outlined below.
Types of Doctors and Salaries
1. Anesthesiologists
According to Medical News Today, an Anesthesiologist is a specialized doctor who gives a patient medication so they do not feel pain when they are going through surgery. There are several types of Anesthesiologists as shown below:
Types of Anesthesiologists
Name Specialization
Cardiac anesthesia Heart surgery
Pediatric anesthesia Anesthetics in children
Neuro-anesthesia, Nervous system, brain, and spinal cord
Obstetrics anesthesia Relief during labor and delivery
Read Also: Medical Persuasive Speech Topics
How Many Years To Become an Anesthesiologist?
It takes 12 years to become an Anesthesiologist. In the US Anesthesiologists start by taking a 4-year undergraduate degree, then follows 4 years of medical school. Afterward, they must complete an additional 4 years in an anesthesiology residency program.
Anesthesiologists Salary
In the US, the average pay for Anesthesiologists is $331,190 per year. They are among the highest-paid doctors.
2. Obstetricians and gynecologists
According to WebMD, obstetricians focus on pregnancy and related health issues, whereas gynecologists’ attention is on general reproductive health. In most cases, these two types of medical specialists work hand in hand. In some cases, these doctors may have certifications in both obstetrics and gynecology, under the OB/GYN title.
How Many Years to Become a Gynecologist
Becoming an Obstetrician and gynecologist typically takes 7 to 12 years depending on the number of years you spend in the residency program. In college, a medical degree takes 4 years and After graduating from medical school, OB/GYNs then complete the following
An exam to become certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
A 4 or 7 years residency period where the physician studies gynecology and obstetrics specifically.
An exam to be certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in their chosen Specialty.
Obstetricians’ and Gynecologist’s Salary
The average salary for Obstetricians/gynecologists is $296,210 per year. They are also among the highest-paid doctors.
Read: Medical Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
3. Dentist
Dentists are doctors who are particularly skilled to care for patients’ teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Additionally, they offer routine check-ups and enlighten patients on the significance of good oral health care. Dentists also do minor surgical procedures such as extracting the tooth and tooth filing.
Dentist’s Salary in the US is $158,900 ( median pay per year)
4. Pediatrician, General
These are doctors that work with babies. They are specifically trained to handle children’s alignment. In other words, they take care of children’s health and well-being from birth to adolescence. They treat health issues from minor cases to more severe conditions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a Pediatricians (general) Salary per annum is $198,420
5. Family and General medical practitioner
A family and general medical practitioner carries out routine check-ups and treats uncomplicated medical conditions. Typically, they are a patient’s first point of contact before being referred to any other specialized doctor.
Family and general practitioners’ annual salary is approximately $235,930
6. Psychiatrist
Other types of very important doctors are mental health specialists. They are known as Psychiatrists. They focus on mental illnesses, behavioral and emotional conditions, and other mental disorders that may arise due to drug abuse, accidents, etc. To be able to treat patients through psychotherapeutic treatment and medication, they know general medicine and psychotherapy
A psychiatrist’s Average Salary is 249,760 per year.
Read: List of Research Topics for Nursing Students
7. Geriatric physician
Geriatricians Definition? Geriatricians are doctors who are specialized in giving health care to elderly people who suffer from chronic medical illnesses like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Furthermore, they are skilled to assist elderly patients suffering from mobility issues
Geriatrics Doctor’s Salary is $208,664 (median pay per year)
8. Endocrinologist
Endocrinologists are doctors who are skilled to identify and treat hormone-related conditions. They provide treatment to patients who are suffering from diabetes, thyroid diseases, and metabolic disorders.
The salary of an Endocrinologist is $238,200 {Average salary per year)
9. Rheumatologists
A rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who has additional skills to diagnose and treat autoimmune conditions and diseases affecting the muscles, joints, and bones. The major difference between a rheumatologist and an orthopedist is that a rheumatologist treats musculoskeletal illness without performing any surgical procedures.
Rheumatologists’ average salary is $239,750 per year.
10. Nephrologist
A nephrologist is also referred to as a kidney doctor. They are types of doctors who are medically trained to diagnose and treat chronic kidney ailments. They fully comprehend how the kidney functions and can also detect how a kidney dysfunction affects other parts of the body
Nephrologists’ annual average salary is $227,791
Read: Examples of Picot Questions
11. Neonatologist
If you have a high-risk pregnancy you are likely to see a Neonatologist. They are skilled to handle complex complications that arise during high-risk pregnancies. Additionally, neonatologists’ job description also includes providing specialized care to premature newborn babies who are mostly born with immature organs or have serious illnesses.
Neonatologist Salary is $265,866 per year.
12. Hematologist
A hematologist is a doctor who concentrates on issues affecting the blood. They carry out specialized blood transfusions and diagnose and treat blood diseases together with any complications related to the organs producing blood.
13. Oncologist
What does an oncologist do? Oncologists specialize in taking care of cancer patients and may frequently be referred to as cancer specialists. They are the leading healthcare providers for patients with cancer since they focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease.
Oncologist salary is $ 310,000 (average pay per year)
14. Dermatologist
Dermatologists focus on medical conditions concerning the skin. They can identify and come up with a treatment plan for conditions like acne, skin cancer, and eczema. Their role may include carrying out tests, prescribing medication, and offering medical advice.
How Much Does a Dermatologist Make?
A Dermatologist’s salary per year is approximately $270,805.
Read: Examples of Scholarship Essays
Types of Surgeons And Salary
There are several types of surgeons in the medical field. Below we have looked at types of surgeons and their salaries
1. General Surgeon
According to the America College of Surgeons, a general surgeon’s work includes a broad range of conditions affecting several areas of the body. It’s an extremely multipurpose specialty that offers training in numerous conditions and kinds of procedures, including endoscopic procedures and video-assisted surgery
General Surgeon Education
It takes 4 years in medical school. Followed by at least 5 years educational period after obtaining a medical degree (residency). 5 years of general surgery residency assist the students to acquire knowledge and technical skills in handling medical conditions that are related to the head and neck, breast, skin, soft tissues, abdominal wall, extremities, and the gastrointestinal, vascular, and endocrine systems.
How Much Does General Surgeon Make
On average General surgeon makes approximately $286, 600. This may vary depending on skills and experience.
2. Orthopedic Surgeon
Ever heard of an orthopedist? Well, an orthopedist specializes in modifying disorders, malformations, or damages to the skeleton. In other words, they handle the diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, associated nerves, arteries, and overlying skin.
Read: Best Online Coding Bootcamp for Job Placement
How Long Does It Take to Become an Orthopedic Doctor?
Becoming an Orthopedic Doctor/surgeon takes around 11 years. After 4 years in medical school, one joins residency for another 5 years. Currently, most students in residency, are adding an extra one to two years to specialize or get more training.
Becoming an orthopedic surgeon is extremely hard, medical students who apply for orthopedic surgery aren’t placed in that kind of residency program. According to statistics from the National Resident Matching Program in the current year, 1,037 medical students applied for an orthopedic surgery residency but only 755 of those people were offered the chance.
How Much Does Orthopedic Surgeon Make
The average salary for Orthopedic Surgeon is $233,915 per year. They are among the highest-paid surgeons.
3. Colon and rectal surgeon
What a Colon and rectal surgeon does
A colon and rectal surgeon deals with issues of the colon, rectum, anal canal, and perianal area. In addition, these surgeons are also able to deal surgically with other organs and tissues (such as the liver, urinary, and female reproductive systems) involved with primary intestinal disease.
How Much Does Colon and rectal surgeon Make
On average the salary of a Colon and rectal surgeon is $279,800 per year.
Read: Short Message for Doctors
4. Neurosurgeon
What is Neurosurgeon
A neurosurgeon, who can also be commonly known as a “brain surgeon,” is a surgeon who handles disorders and illnesses related to the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, including their associated structures and vascular supply.
Becoming a Neurosurgeon
In the US becoming Neurosurgeon requires intensive training. After 4 years in medical school where one gets a medical degree, a one-year internship follows. According to the American Board of Neurological one further undergoes 84 months (7 years) of neurosurgical residency training under the direction of a neurosurgical program director to get accredited by the board.
How Much Do Neurosurgeons Make
As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a Neurosurgeon’s average salary is $294,520 per year. However, according to other salary review sites, a Neurosurgeon’s average pay can go up to $750,000.
5. Critical care surgeon
Critical care surgeons focus on patients who have critical, life-threatening, or potentially life-threatening surgical needs. These specialists have specific expertise in injuries resulting from burns, trauma, operation, infections, ischemia, or acute inflammation.
How Much Do Critical care surgeon Make
On average the salary of a Critical care surgeon is $279,800 to $ 352,000 per year.
6. Pediatric surgeon
Pediatric surgeons major in diagnosing, treating, and providing post-operative care for children from the newborn stage to the teenage years. A pediatric specialty can frequently be found in other surgical professions due to the unique and complex nature of diseases and illnesses affecting children.
How Much Do Pediatric Surgeons Make
On average the salary of a Critical care surgeon is $279,000 to $ 400,000 per year depending on experience.
Read: Thank You Note to Retiring Doctor
7. Plastic surgeon
Many people view plastic surgeons as specialists who carry out cosmetic procedures. However, the America College of Surgeons (ACS) explains a plastic surgeon to be a specialist who handles the repair, replacement, and reconstruction of defects in the body. This can comprise the musculoskeletal system, craniofacial structures, oropharynx, upper and lower limbs, breast, and external genitalia.
How Much Do Plastic Surgeons Make
Average base salary: $219,210 per year
8. Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists are medical professionals who handle comprehensive care for the eyes and vision.
an Ophthalmologist vs Optometrist
It is good to note that Ophthalmologists offer Medical and Surgical Eye Care while Optometrists (OD) focus on Vision Care and Eye Care Services. If you require surgical care for your eyes you will need the services of an Ophthalmologist. On the other hand, if you need to get a prescription and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses you can see an Optometrist.
How Much Do Ophthalmologists Make
The average salary is $255,900 per year as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read: Get Well Messages for Coworker
9. Otolaryngologist
According to Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology. Otolaryngology is a medical specialty that is focused on the ears, nose, and throat. In other words, it is also called otolaryngology-head and neck surgery since its specialists are skilled in both medicine and surgery.
Otolaryngologist salary
The average salary is $255,900 to 324,000 per year
10. Surgical oncologist
Surgical oncologists focus on diagnosing, treating, and providing rehabilitation for cancer patients. They often treat patients with rare cancers and those with complex cases that may require several procedures.
Surgical oncologists salary
Based on experience Surgical oncologists have $298,515 to $418,000 per year
11. Thoracic surgeon
What do thoracic surgeons do?
Well, a Thoracic surgeon handles pathological conditions and injuries within the chest. They can additionally check problems in areas like the chest walls, great vessels, heart valves, coronary artery, lung, esophagus, mediastinum, diaphragm, and airways.
Thoracic surgeon salary
The average yearly pay is $ 290486
Read: Thank You Messages for Hospital Staff
Betty is a qualified teacher with a Bachelor of Education (Arts). In addition, she is a registered Certified Public Accountant. She has been teaching and offering part-time accounting services for the last 10 years. She is passionate about education, accounting, writing, and traveling.