Medical school is expensive and extremely difficult. Students have to endure long days in class sometimes with no sleep. The exams are really tough and rightly so, as there is no room for error in the medical world. After going through all the hard work, every medical student hopes that they will end up in a high-paying career. Here are the top 10 highest-paying physician specialties in 2022.
1. Neurosurgery
This is the highest-paying medical specialty. Neurosurgeons are experts in matters of the brain, spine, and nervous system. A neurologist or surgeon similar to Dr Timothy Steel can remove tumors, perform back surgeries and provide care for the brain to prevent infections after an injury. The average annual salary of a neurosurgeon is $638,801.
2. Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgeons offer medical aesthetic surgery that dermatologists can’t. Not all cosmetic surgery is done to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the body. Some of it could be reconstructive for example when a body part is damaged due to an injury. Plastic surgeons earn more than $576,000/year.
3. Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgeons work to prevent and treat disorders of the muscles, bones, ligaments, joints, and tendons. Their work involves setting broken bones, repairing injured tendons, and replacing damaged joints. Orthopedic surgeons make around $557,000/year.
4. Cardiology
The field of cardiology deals with treating the heart. They can open up the heart to insert pacemakers, defibrillators, or even repair damaged blood vessels. Cardiologists earn an annual salary of about $490,000.
5. Urology
Urologists focus on treating the urinary tracts and reproductive systems of both men and women. They also treat the kidney, bladder, and prostate. Urologists make about $461,000 per year.
6. Radiology
In the field of radiology, nuclear radiation is used for medical purposes. Diagnostic radiologists read and interpret ultrasounds, X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. The base pay of radiologists is an average annual salary of $434,090.
7. Anesthesiology
Anesthesiologists are responsible for ensuring patients are sedated during surgeries. During surgery, anesthesiologists monitor the patient’s blood pressure, pulse, and breathing for any sign of pain or stress. They then adjust the medication accordingly. Anesthesiologists make about $407,100 annually.
8. Gastroenterology
Gastroenterologists are specialists in digestive health. They work on not only the gut but also the associated organs like the pancreas and the liver. Physicians in gastroenterology earn an annual salary of $397,105.
9. Emergency Medicine
In this specialty, the focus is on the care of patients involved in accidents. Here physicians have to act fast. Any wrong move will result in loss of life or permanently disabled. Emergency medicine physicians must have strong clinical and technical skills. They can draw from these skills as they evaluate and plan for their patients’ care. ER physicians will earn an annual salary of $301,472.
10. Dermatology
The skin is the largest organ in the human body; therefore, it must get its own specialist. Dermatologists treat skin conditions like cancer, eczema, and acne. They are also involved in cosmetic procedures like laser surgery and Botox injections. Dermatologists earn an annual salary of $286,875.
If you want to make real money in the medical field, these are the professions you should consider. You’ll get to enjoy all those years of hard work in medical school.
AUTHORED BY:
Naomi Olson [Website • Twitter • Headshot]
I am a CFP (Certified Financial Planner).
I have a severe phobia of bridges and dirty balance sheets.
Hobbies: blogging, meditation, and loving Bull Market (my dog).
