Wages for physicians and surgeons are among the highest of all occupations. According to the Medical Group Management Association's Physician Compensation and Production Survey, median total compensation for physicians varies with their type of practice. In 2014, physicians practicing primary care received total median annual compensation of $241,273 and physicians practicing in medical specialties received total median annual compensation of $411,852.
Source: MGMA DataDiveā¢ Provider Compensation 2015. Used with permission from MGMA, 104 Inverness Terrace East, Englewood, Colorado 80112. 877.275.6462. www.mgma.com. Copyright 2015.
Earnings vary with the physician's or surgeon's number of years in practice, geographic region of practice, hours worked, skill, personality, and professional reputation.
Many physicians and surgeons work long, irregular, and overnight hours. Physicians and surgeons may travel between their offices and hospitals to care for their patients. While on call, a physician may need to address a patient's concerns over the phone or make an emergency visit to a hospital or nursing home.
Physicians and Surgeons
Median annual wages, May 2015
Physicians and surgeons
This wage is equal to or greater than $187,200 per year.
Health diagnosing and treating practitioners
$76,760
Total, all occupations
$36,200
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics