Highest Paying Doctor Jobs in the US 2026: Complete Rankings and Projections
Are you a pre-med student, medical resident, or career-changing doctor eyeing the highest-paying physician roles? In 2026, surgical specialties dominate the top earners, driven by demand, complexity, and an aging population. This guide breaks down 2026 salary projections from sources like Physicians Thrive, Medscape, Doximity, and BLS data, plus training paths, private practice vs. hospital differences, locum tenens opportunities, and residency strategies. Whether you're targeting neurosurgery's $788K–$959K median or orthopedic surgery's $839K, get the roadmap to maximize your physician compensation.
Quick Answer: The #1 Best Paying Doctor Job
Neurosurgery claims the crown as the highest-paying doctor job in 2026, with a median salary of $788,000 nationwide (Physicians Thrive 2024/2026 projections), soaring to $959,000 in the West.
Top 3 specialties by average salary:
- Neurosurgery: $788K–$959K median (Physicians Thrive; highest due to brain/spine scarcity).
- Orthopedic Surgery: $839K median (Physicians Thrive 2024 report, projected stable into 2026).
- Pediatric Surgery: $450K+ average (Indeed 2025 data, with upward trends from shortages).
These figures include base pay, bonuses, and incentives, outpacing nonsurgical fields amid physician shortages.
Key Takeaways
- Top 5 salaries: Neurosurgery ($788K+), Orthopedics ($839K), Plastic Surgery ($619K–$700K+), Gastroenterology ($500K–$800K partners), Urology ($400K–$500K+).
- Private practice partners earn 30–50% more than hospital/academic roles (e.g., ortho/spine >$900K vs. $400K–$500K plastics academic).
- Locum tenens boosts: $200–$500/hr average ($150–$225/hr overall; anesthesiology $275–$325/hr; ortho subs $500+/hr), with weekly hauls of $5K+.
- Surgeons outearn nonsurgeons hourly ($179–$202/hr vs. lower medians).
- Data from Medscape, Doximity, BLS, Physicians Thrive; contradictions resolved (e.g., peds surgery $450K vs. neurosurgery $749K+ in some reports).
Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Specialties in 2026 (Ranked by Average Salary)
Ranked by 2026 projections blending Physicians Thrive, Medscape, Doximity, and BLS trends. Surgical fields lead due to procedure revenue and shortages; expect 3–5% growth from aging demographics.
- Neurosurgery ($788K+)
- Orthopedic Surgery ($839K)
- Plastic Surgery ($619K–$700K+)
- Gastroenterology ($500K–$800K partners)
- Urology ($400K–$500K+)
- Cardiology (subspecialties $500K+; interventional/EP highest)
- Anesthesiology ($400K+; locum $275–$325/hr)
- Radiology ($450K+; locum 110–160% premium)
- Dermatology ($508K)
- Emergency Medicine ($375K–$450K trauma centers)
Medscape/Doximity vary (e.g., neurosurgery $749K–$959K), but Physicians Thrive 2024 data anchors projections.
Neurosurgery: The Salary King with 2026 Projections
Neurosurgeons top charts at $788K median nationwide, up to $959K in the West and $812K in the South (Physicians Thrive). Demand stems from brain tumors, spinal fusions, and aneurysms--scarcity drives pay.
Training: 4 yrs undergrad + 4 yrs med school + 7+ yrs residency (total 15+ yrs). Competitive; top med schools favored.
Mini case: Dr. A., private practice West Coast neurosurgeon, earns $959K (bonuses/profit-sharing). Academic peer: $600K (teaching load).
Orthopedic Surgery and Other Surgical Powerhouses
Orthopedics leads at $839K median; spine subs hit $900K+ private. Cardiac surgery: $648K; plastics: $619K (elective cosmetic >$700K).
Surgeons average $179–$202/hr (52–57 hrs/wk), crushing nonsurgeons. Plastics academic: $400K–$500K vs. private highs.
Private Practice vs. Hospital/Academic Doctor Pay in 2026
Private practice crushes employed roles: partners earn 30–50% more via profit-sharing/ASC equity.
| Specialty | Private Partner | Hospital/Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Gastroenterology | $600K–$800K | $400K–$500K |
| Orthopedics/Spine | $900K+ | $500K–$600K |
| Plastics | $619K–$700K+ | $400K–$500K |
| Neurosurgery | $900K+ | $600K–$700K |
Private non-partners close the gap but lag partners. Academics offer stability/research but cap earnings (Physicians Side Gigs data).
Locum Tenens: Highest Paying Gigs for Doctors (Hourly Rates & Projections)
Locums shine for flexibility/boosts: average $150–$225/hr nationwide ($200–$225 overall; Physicians Side Gigs). Weekly: $5K+ ($5,631 highs).
- Anesthesiology: $275–$325/hr (Midwest/East premiums).
- Ortho subs: $500+/hr.
- Radiology: 110–160% full-time equivalent.
- ER/Trauma: 15–25% subspecialty premium.
Mini case: Midwest anesthesiologist locums at $300/hr, netting $12K/week (travel/housing covered; 20–30% total boost).
Rural gigs add 20–40% premiums amid shortages.
Urban vs. Rural Doctor Salaries + Regional Differences 2026
West/South lead: Neurosurgery $959K West; urology/gastro rural boosts from shortages (aging pop, supply gaps; Liv Hospital).
- Rural: 10–30% premiums (urologist shortages <2% match rate).
- Urban: Higher volume but competition caps (e.g., CA/FL plastics vary 70% by state). BLS projects rural hikes for urology/gastro/cardio.
Path to High-Paying Doctor Jobs: Training Checklist & Residency Tips
Total: 14–17 yrs post-high school. Competitive paths (urology <2% applicants).
Checklist:
- Undergrad (4 yrs): High GPA/MCAT; bio/chem focus.
- Med School (4 yrs): USMLE Steps 1/2.
- Residency: 5–8 yrs (neurosurg 7; urology 5–6).
- Fellowship: 1–3 yrs (ortho spine, cardio EP).
- Tips: Target top programs; research/pubs boost match (68.7% urology low).
Highest salary residencies: Neurosurgery, orthopedics, urology.
Pros & Cons: High-Pay Specialties vs. Work-Life Balance
High pay demands tradeoffs (52–57 hrs/wk, stress).
| Specialty | Pros | Cons | Salary | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dermatology | $508K + great balance | Moderate competition | High | Best |
| Neurosurgery | $788K+ demand | 7+ yr residency, long hrs | Top | Poor |
| Orthopedics | $839K procedures | 57 hrs/wk, physical | Top | Fair |
Pros: Debt payoff, prestige. Cons: Burnout, 11–15 yrs training.
2026 Salary Trends & Data Sources (Medscape, BLS, Projections)
Projections: 3–5% rise (aging pop boosts urology/cardio/oncology). Sources conflict--Medscape/Doximity lower nonsurgeons; Physicians Thrive surgical highs ($749K–$959K neurosurg).
BLS/Medscape: Peds surgery $450K; Doximity ortho focus. Locums/rural trends amplify.
FAQ
What is the highest paying medical specialty in 2026?
Neurosurgery ($788K–$959K median).
Neurosurgeon average salary US 2026 projections?
$788K nationwide; $959K West (Physicians Thrive).
Private practice vs hospital doctor pay differences?
Private partners 30–50% more (e.g., gastro $600K–$800K vs. $400K–$500K).
Locum tenens highest paying doctor gigs?
Ortho subs $500+/hr; anesth $275–$325/hr; 110–160% radiology premium.
Orthopedic surgeon vs neurosurgeon salary 2026?
Ortho $839K edges neurosurg $788K median, but neurosurg highs hit $959K.
Best paying medical residency paths for high salary?
Neurosurgery (7 yrs), orthopedics (5 yrs), urology (5–6 yrs; <2% match).
Rural vs urban doctor salary 2026?
Rural 10–30% higher premiums (urology/gastro shortages).