Doctors' annual salaries in the United States vary widely depending on their specialty, experience, and work setting.

• On average, doctors make about $352,000 to $376,000 per year across all specialties as of 2024-2025 data

• Specialists tend to earn more, averaging around $382,000 to $394,000 annually, while primary care physicians earn less, roughly $265,000 to $281,000 per year

• Highest-paid specialties include orthopedic surgery (starting around $550,000), urology ($510,000), gastroenterology ($485,000), radiology ($470,000), and anesthesiology ($460,000)

• Salaries also depend on employment setting, with doctors in single-specialty groups earning around $461,000 and those in urgent care centers earning closer to $288,000 annually

• Geographic location impacts pay, with urban areas generally offering higher salaries but rural areas sometimes providing incentives to attract doctors

• Entry-level or academic positions may pay less, ranging from about $180,000 to $284,000 depending on responsibilities and setting

In summary, a typical doctor in the U.S. can expect to make between $250,000 and $400,000 per year, with specialists and surgeons earning toward the higher end of that range, and primary care doctors earning toward the lower end