Doctors' annual earnings vary widely depending on their specialty, experience, and country of practice.

United States

• The average annual salary for primary care physicians is about $277,000, while specialists earn on average $394,000 per year

• Across all specialties, the overall average physician salary is approximately $352,000 to $376,000 per year in 2025, with specialists generally earning more than non-specialists

• Highest-paid specialties include orthopedics, cardiology, and plastic surgery, with orthopedics averaging around $558,000 annually

• Lowest-paid specialties include diabetes and endocrinology, with salaries around $256,000

• Salaries also vary by employment setting, with doctors in single-specialty groups earning around $461,000, while those in urgent care centers earn about $288,000 per year

Germany

• Doctors' salaries depend on their position and experience. Assistant doctors start around €48,000 to €55,000 annually, while specialists earn between €65,000 and €85,000 per year in hospitals

• Head physicians can earn between €100,000 and €280,000 annually

• Doctors who run their own clinics can earn significantly more, for example, radiologists may earn up to €850,000, while general practitioners earn around €227,000 per year

• According to the 2024 Stepstone Salary Report, the average annual salary for doctors in Germany is approximately €94,750

In summary, doctors in the US make on average between $277,000 and $394,000 annually depending on specialty, with some specialties earning significantly more. In Germany, hospital-based doctors earn less on average, but those with private practices can earn comparable or higher incomes, with averages around €95,000 but potentially much higher for specialists with private clinics