Highest Paying Medical Jobs in the US 2026: Rankings, Salaries & Career Paths
Discover the top-paying physician specialties, non-physician roles, and 2026 projections backed by BLS data, Doximity reports, and salary trends. Whether you're a med school applicant eyeing $500K+ earnings or a healthcare pro seeking no-MD paths without residency, this guide delivers quick answers on education, growth outlooks, and high-salary strategies.
Quick Answer: The Best Paying Medical Job in 2026
Neurosurgery tops the list as the highest paying medical job in the US for 2026, with average annual earnings of $749,140 (Doximity via TAG MedStaffing). Orthopedic surgery follows closely at $679,517, while pediatric surgery averages $450,810+ (Indeed/SUSOM). These roles demand extensive training but offer unmatched compensation due to high demand from an aging population and complex procedures.
Here's a snapshot of the top 5 with 2026 projections:
| Rank | Job | Average Salary (2026 Projection) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neurosurgeon | $749,140 | Doximity/TAG MedStaffing |
| 2 | Orthopedic Surgeon | $679,517 | Doximity |
| 3 | General Thoracic Surgeon | $689,969 | Doximity |
| 4 | Pediatric Surgeon | $450,810+ | Indeed/SUSOM |
| 5 | Cardiologist | $587,360 | Doximity |
These figures reflect procedural volume, location, and experience, with private practice boosting top earners to $1M+ (UpGrad).
Key Takeaways: Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Jobs 2026
For quick scanners, here's the aggregated top 10 from Doximity, BLS, and Salary.com, projecting 3-5% growth from aging demographics and tech advancements:
- #1 Neurosurgeon: $600K-$900K+ (Doximity/Salary.com)
- #2 Orthopedic Surgeon: $679K (Doximity)
- #3 Cardiologist: $587K (Doximity)
- #4 Anesthesiologist: $523K (Doximity/BLS trends)
- #5 Gastroenterologist: $538K (Doximity)
- #6 Vascular Surgeon: $576K (Doximity)
- #7 Radiologist: $350K-$500K (LpainhandSalary)
- #8 General Thoracic Surgeon: $690K (Doximity)
- #9 Dermatologist: $508K (MedSchoolInsiders)
- #10 CRNA (non-physician): $223K (BLS/Research.com)
Demand surges 5-23% through 2032 (BLS), especially in surgery due to Boomer retirements.
Highest Paying Physician Specialties in the US 2026
Physician roles require MD/DO plus 3-7 year residencies (up to 15 years total), but deliver elite pay. Data from Doximity and MedSchoolInsiders show surgical fields dominating.
Neurosurgeon ($519K-$872K, Salary.com; $749K Doximity)
Neurosurgeons handle brain/spine surgeries, earning $600K-$900K mid-career. Entry: $250K-$350K post-residency; top private practice: $1.5M (UpGrad). 7-year residency yields high rewards amid shortages.
Orthopedic Surgeon ($679K)
Joint/replacement experts top charts at $679K (Doximity), driven by sports injuries and arthritis.
Cardiologist ($357K-$587K, AUAmed/Liv; Doximity)
Heart specialists average $587K, with interventional/EP subspecialties hitting $500K-$800K in large systems (All Star). Pediatric: $199K (lower volume).
Radiologist ($350K-$500K)
Imaging pros earn steady pay; interventional: $472K+ (LpainhandSalary). BLS projects 3.6% growth.
Anesthesiologist (BLS Trends: $523K)
Pain/surgery managers reconcile BLS ($200K+ medians) with Doximity highs via private practice bonuses.
Surgeon Specialty Salaries Comparison 2026
| Specialty | Avg Salary | Training (Years Post-Med School) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neurosurgery | $749K | 7 | Highest pay | 15+ years training |
| Orthopedics | $679K | 5 | High demand | Physical toll |
| Plastics | $500K+ | 6 | Work-life balance | Competition |
| Pediatrics | $450K+ | 5-6 | Fulfilling | Lower pay vs adults |
| Thoracic | $690K | 6-8 | Volume | On-call intensity |
(Source: TAG MedStaffing/Doximity; pros: elite earnings; cons: burnout risk.)
Best Paying Non-Physician Medical Careers 2026 (No MD Required)
Accessible via master's/certifications (2-4 years), these hit $100K-$223K.
CRNA ($223K, BLS; vs Physician)
Nurse anesthetists rival MDs post-2-3 year programs.
Nurse Practitioner Specialties (e.g., AGACNP/NNP: $129K+)
Outpatient: $137K (BLS/NPdegrees).
Physician Assistant (Top States: $100K+)
$100K median (Nexford); Toledo/Spokane excel (PA Life).
Pharmacist ($137K BLS)
$137K median; entry $104K (Research.com).
Medical Director/CEO ($137K+)
Hospital managers: $137K (BLS/Research.com).
Mini case: CRNA earns physician-level without residency (WorldHealth.net).
CRNA Salary vs Physician 2026: Pros & Cons Comparison
| Role | Salary | Training | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRNA | $223K | 2-3 yrs post-BSN | Shorter path | Ceiling vs MD |
| Anesthesiologist | $523K | 4 yrs residency | Higher max | 12+ years total |
Reconciles BLS/CRNA data with Doximity highs; shorter path wins for work-life.
Top Paying Healthcare Jobs Requiring No Residency or College Degree 2026
Entry via <2-year certs (NYSMDA/Nexford):
Radiologic Tech Assistant
High-stakes imaging support; ARRT cert.
Dental Hygienist ($99K)
Sonographer ($106K)
Certifications yield six figures fast.
Salary Trends & Projections for 2026 (By Location, Experience, Setting)
Top States/Cities for PAs
Toledo (salary/home parity), Spokane ($380K homes, no state tax; PA Life).
Experience Levels
Neurosurgeon: Entry $250K vs mid $75K/month (UpGrad).
Hospital vs Private
Cardiologists: $500K-$800K systems (All Star); BLS growth 3-23% for NPs/managers.
How to Land a Top-Paying Medical Job in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose specialty: No-residency like PharmD ($137K).
- Get certified: ARRT/CPhT (under 2 yrs).
- Gain experience: Rotations.
- Target high-pay states: Spokane/Toledo.
- Negotiate: Locum tenens +20-30% (All Star).
Mini case: Spokane PA builds wealth via low costs (PA Life).
Challenges & Realities of High-Paying Medical Careers
High pay vs realities: 50% burnout (Statista/CCRPS), on-call fatigue. Non-clinical pharma execs: $200K-$400K alternative.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| $500K+ earnings | 15-yr training |
| Job security (BLS growth) | 49-58% burnout |
FAQ
Is neurosurgery still the highest paying medical job in 2026?
Yes, $749K average (Doximity).
CRNA salary vs anesthesiologist in 2026?
CRNA $223K (shorter training) vs $523K (higher ceiling; BLS/Doximity).
What are the best paying non-physician medical careers 2026?
CRNA $223K, NP $129K+, PA $100K+, Pharmacist $137K (BLS/Research.com).
Top paying healthcare jobs without MD or residency?
Pharmacist $137K, Dentist $160K-$200K, NP $110K-$130K (WorldHealth.net).
How much do cardiologists earn in the US 2026?
$357K-$587K average; up to $800K in systems (Doximity/All Star).
Highest paid nurse practitioner specialties 2026?
AGACNP/NNP $129K+ in outpatient (BLS/NPdegrees).