How Much Do MD Doctors Really Earn in 2026?
Ever wondered what a doctor’s paycheck looks like these days? MD physicians in the U.S. pull in impressive salaries, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. The national median hovers around $425,000–$450,000 total compensation in 2026, blending base pay, bonuses, and incentives.
That’s backed by surveys from thousands of docs—think Doximity and Medscape reports showing 97% receive $75K average bonuses tied to productivity. But primary care lags at $230K–$300K, while surgeons soar past $500K–$800K. Let’s dive in.
What Drives MD Salary Differences?
Salaries swing wildly based on a few big factors. Specialty rules the roost: Orthopedics averages $564K–$795K per MGMA data, dwarfing pediatrics at $225K–$265K.
Experience adds rocket fuel—entry-level post-residency? $190K–$250K. Hit 10+ years? $400K–$600K+. Location matters too: Wisconsin tops at $397K, Maryland bottoms at $306K. Private practice crushes hospital gigs by 20–30%.
Which MD Specialties Pay the Most?
Curious about the cash kings? Here’s a data-backed breakdown from 2026 surveys (Medscape, SalaryDr). Surgical fields dominate, with 90th percentile earners hitting $1M+ in orthopedics.
| Specialty | Median Salary | Range (25th–90th %) | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orthopedic Surgery | $564K–$795K | $550K–$1.1M | Tops charts; high-volume procedures |
| Plastic Surgery | $544K–$625K | $450K–$800K | Elective work boosts bonuses |
| Cardiology | $490K–$550K | $400K–$700K | Interventional subspecialties shine |
| Neurosurgery | $616K–$789K | $500K+ | Longest training, highest risk/reward |
| Dermatology | $419K–$454K | $350K–$600K | Lifestyle + cosmetics = steady pay |
| Family Medicine | $231K–$281K | $200K–$400K | Volume-based; rural premiums help |
| Internal Medicine | $234K–$294K | $220K–$350K | Hospitalists earn 20% more |
| Pediatrics | $225K–$265K | $200K–$300K | Subspecialties (e.g., cardiology) double it |
Analysis: Procedural specialties outpace cognitive ones by 2x on average, per Doximity’s 10,000+ respondent data. But primaries offer better work-life balance.
How Does MD’s Salary Grow with Experience?
When does the real money kick in? Post-residency, pay explodes from $65K resident stipend to $200K+ starting. Then it climbs steadily.
| Experience | Years Post-Residency | Avg. All Specialties | Primary Care Ex. | Ortho Ex. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0–3 | $190K–$250K | $200K–$230K | $400K–$500K |
| Mid | 4–9 | $250K–$350K | $250K–$300K | $550K–$650K |
| Senior | 10+ | $400K–$600K+ | $300K–$400K | $650K–$900K+ |
Key stat: Salaries double every 10 years for most, fueled by RVUs and partnerships. Sermo’s 2025–26 analysis of thousands shows specialists gain 100%+ vs. primaries’ 80%.
What Salary Trends Show from 2024–2026?
Has pay kept up with inflation? Yes, but modestly—2.9%–3.7% annual growth, per Doximity/Medscape.
| Year | Median Salary | YoY Growth | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $374K | +2.9%–3.7% | PCP +3.6%; slowed post-COVID boom |
| 2025 | $385K–$410K | +3.2%–4.9% | Primary +5.7%; RVUs up |
| 2026 | $425K–$450K | +3–5% | Specialists +5–8%; shortages fuel it |
Insight: Oncology/cardiology surged 10–18% in 2024; gender gap lingers at 26%. Aging boomers ensure steady rises.
Where Do MD Salaries Vary Most by Location?
State pay reflects demand and COL. Wisconsin ($397K) and Indiana ($372K) lead; Maryland ($306K) trails.
Private > hospital by 20%; bonuses make up 20–30% of total. BLS confirms median >$239K base.
Ready to Maximize Your MD Earnings?
Data screams opportunity in high-demand spots like ortho or rural primaries. But crunch your numbers: debt, lifestyle, COL. Tools like Doximity predict 5–7% growth ahead.
For your sites, layer these tables with “MD salary [specialty/state] 2026” keywords—stats from Medscape/Doximity boost E-E-A-T. Drop a specialty or state for custom breakdowns!
