Mira StuartThe medical profession has always been one of the most respected and highest-paying career paths in the world. In 2026, Medical Jobs in the USA are more lucrative than ever before.
With a growing physician shortage, an aging U.S. population, and rising healthcare demand, salaries across healthcare are climbing at record levels. Many doctors and specialized healthcare professionals now earn $300,000 to $900,000+ per year, with some top earners crossing into seven figures through private practice, bonuses, and locum tenens work.
But not all medical careers pay the same.
Some specialties require over a decade of training but offer unmatched financial rewards. Others provide excellent income with fewer years of education and better work-life balance.
If you are planning a healthcare career or looking to switch specialties, knowing which medical jobs in the USA pay the most can save you years of effort and hundreds of thousands of dollars in opportunity cost.
This in-depth guide covers:
- The highest paying medical jobs in the USA
- 2026 salary rankings
- Education and licensing requirements
- Best-paying states for doctors and healthcare workers
- High-paying non-doctor medical careers
- Visa options for foreign doctors
- ROI (return on investment) by specialty
This is your complete, data-driven roadmap to the most profitable healthcare careers in America.
How We Ranked the Highest Paying Medical Jobs in the U.S.
o ensure accuracy and real-world relevance, this ranking is based on multiple trusted sources, including:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- Medscape Physician Compensation Reports
- MGMA (Medical Group Management Association) salary surveys
- Hospital and healthcare system pay disclosures
- Private practice income benchmarks
Each career was evaluated using five major factors:
- Average and top-end salary
- Physician and specialist shortages
- Length and cost of training
- Private practice and bonus earning potential
- Long-term career stability and demand
Special focus was given to high-growth specialties in 2025–2026, including surgery, anesthesia, diagnostics, and procedural medicine.
Highest Paying Medical Jobs in the USA (2026 Rankings)
1. Neurosurgeon
Average Salary: $600,000 – $900,000+
Why It Pays So Much:
Neurosurgery is consistently ranked as the highest paying medical job in the USA. Neurosurgeons perform complex, high-risk surgeries on the brain, spine, and nervous system. The extreme difficulty, long training path, and life-or-death responsibility justify elite-level compensation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform brain and spinal cord surgeries
- Treat traumatic brain injuries
- Diagnose neurological disorders
- Manage post-operative recovery
Employment Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Medical degree (MD or DO)
- 7–8 year neurosurgery residency
- Board certification
Best-Paying States: California, Texas, New York, Florida
2. Orthopedic Surgeon
Average Salary: $500,000 – $800,000
Why It Pays So Much:
Orthopedic surgeons treat bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments. With aging populations, sports injuries, and joint replacements increasing, demand remains extremely high.
Private practice and high surgical volume can push earnings far beyond base salary.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform joint replacements
- Treat fractures and injuries
- Conduct spine and sports surgeries
- Interpret diagnostic imaging
Employment Requirements:
- Medical degree
- Orthopedic surgery residency
- Fellowship (optional but highly profitable)
- Board certification
Best-Paying States: Texas, California, Arizona, Florida
3. Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Average Salary: $450,000 – $750,000
Why It Pays So Much:
Cardiothoracic surgeons perform heart and lung surgeries, including bypass and valve replacement. The precision required and limited number of qualified specialists keep salaries high.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform heart bypass surgery
- Replace heart valves
- Treat lung diseases surgically
- Work with cardiac care teams
Employment Requirements:
- Medical degree
- Cardiothoracic surgery residency
- Board certification
Best-Paying States: New York, California, Ohio
4. Plastic Surgeon
Average Salary: $400,000 – $700,000+
Why It Pays So Much:
Plastic surgeons benefit from both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. Many cosmetic procedures are cash-based, meaning no insurance limits — creating massive earning potential.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform cosmetic surgery
- Reconstructive surgery
- Run private practices
- Conduct patient consultations
Employment Requirements:
- Medical degree
- Plastic surgery residency
- Board certification
Best-Paying States: California, Florida, New York
5. Anesthesiologist
Average Salary: $350,000 – $500,000
Why It Pays So Much:
Anesthesiologists manage sedation, pain control, and life support during surgery. Hospitals cannot operate without them, making this one of the most in-demand and stable medical jobs in the USA.
Key Responsibilities:
- Administer anesthesia
- Monitor vital signs
- Manage pain control
- Support surgical teams
Employment Requirements:
- Medical degree
- Anesthesiology residency
- Board certification
Best-Paying States: Texas, North Dakota, Wisconsin
6. Radiologist
Average Salary: $350,000 – $480,000
Why It Pays So Much:
Radiologists interpret X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds. Many now work remotely (teleradiology), allowing for higher volume and flexible schedules.
Key Responsibilities:
- Interpret medical imaging
- Diagnose conditions
- Consult with physicians
- Use AI-assisted imaging tools
Employment Requirements:
- Medical degree
- Radiology residency
- Board certification
Best-Paying States: California, Illinois, New York
7. Dermatologist
Average Salary: $300,000 – $500,000
Why It Pays So Much:
Dermatology offers one of the best income-to-lifestyle ratios in healthcare. Combining medical and cosmetic services creates steady, high-margin income.
Key Responsibilities:
- Treat skin conditions
- Perform cosmetic procedures
- Screen for skin cancer
- Run private clinics
Employment Requirements:
- Medical degree
- Dermatology residency
- Board certification
Best-Paying States: California, New York, Florida
8. Emergency Medicine Physician
Average Salary: $300,000 – $450,000
Why It Pays So Much:
Emergency physicians handle trauma, life-threatening injuries, and critical illness. High stress, night shifts, and unpredictable schedules push compensation higher.
Key Responsibilities:
- Treat emergencies and trauma
- Stabilize critical patients
- Diagnose acute conditions
- Coordinate emergency care
Employment Requirements:
- Medical degree
- Emergency medicine residency
- Board certification
Best-Paying States: Texas, Nevada, Arizona
9. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Average Salary: $350,000 – $700,000
Why It Pays So Much:
This specialty blends dentistry and surgery. High-paying reconstructive and cosmetic facial procedures make this one of the most profitable non-MD surgical careers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform jaw surgery
- Treat facial trauma
- Extract impacted teeth
- Conduct reconstructive surgery
Employment Requirements:
- Dental degree
- Surgical residency
- Board certification
Best-Paying States: California, Texas, New Jersey
10. Psychiatrist
Average Salary: $280,000 – $400,000
Why It Pays So Much:
Mental health demand has exploded. Severe psychiatrist shortages and the rise of telepsychiatry continue to push salaries higher.
Key Responsibilities:
- Diagnose mental health disorders
- Prescribe medication
- Provide therapy
- Conduct telehealth visits
Employment Requirements:
- Medical degree
- Psychiatry residency
- Board certification
Best-Paying States: California, New York, Massachusetts
Highest Paying Non-Doctor Medical Jobs in the USA (2026)
These careers offer six-figure incomes without becoming a physician.
1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Average Salary: $200,000 – $300,000
CRNAs administer anesthesia and often perform similar duties to anesthesiologists. Due to nationwide shortages, this is one of the highest ROI medical careers.
2. Physician Assistant (PA)
Average Salary: $140,000 – $200,000
PAs diagnose, treat, prescribe, and assist in surgery. Specialties like surgery and dermatology pay significantly more.
3. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Average Salary: $130,000 – $190,000
Many NPs practice independently and can run clinics in some states.
4. Healthcare Administrator / Medical Director
Average Salary: $150,000 – $300,000
Leadership and management roles offer strong earning potential without clinical work.
Visa Options for Foreign Doctors
Foreign-trained doctors can work legally in the United States, but must follow specific immigration and licensing pathways:
1. J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
The J-1 visa is the most common pathway for foreign doctors entering U.S. residency or fellowship programs. It allows physicians to complete accredited medical training in American hospitals.
After training, most doctors must return to their home country for two years unless they obtain a J-1 waiver, usually by working in underserved or rural areas facing physician shortages.
2. H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
The H-1B visa allows foreign doctors to work in the U.S. under employer sponsorship. It is commonly used by hospitals and healthcare systems and can lead to permanent residency.
Unlike the J-1 visa, it does not require a home-country return. Applicants must pass the USMLE and obtain state medical licensure before approval.
3. EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
The EB-2 NIW is a green card option for highly qualified doctors whose work benefits the U.S. healthcare system.
It does not require employer sponsorship and is ideal for physicians working in shortage areas or critical specialties.
Applicants must demonstrate advanced qualifications, professional impact, and a commitment to serving U.S. medical needs.
Best States for High-Paying Medical Jobs in the USA
Doctors earn more in states with:
- High cost of living
- Physician shortages
- Large populations
Top-paying states include:
- California
- Texas
- New York
- Florida
- Massachusetts
- Arizona
How to Qualify for High-Paying Medical Jobs in the USA
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Start with a pre-med or science-related bachelor’s degree. This provides the foundation in biology, chemistry, and anatomy needed for medical school admission. High grades and strong extracurriculars improve your chances at competitive programs.
2. Complete Medical School (MD or DO)
Enroll in an accredited medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Success here is critical for securing top residency positions.
3. Secure a Residency
Apply through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) to complete residency training in your chosen specialty. Competitive specialties like neurosurgery, cardiology, or orthopedic surgery often require exceptional performance and board scores.
4. Pursue Fellowship (Optional)
Fellowships offer subspecialty training, increasing both expertise and earning potential, particularly in surgical or highly specialized fields.
5. Obtain Licensure & Board Certification
Pass state medical licensing exams and obtain board certification in your specialty. Foreign doctors must pass USMLE exams and complete U.S.-accredited residency.
6. Choose High-Demand Locations & Practice Settings
Working in underserved areas, major metropolitan centers, or private practice significantly boosts salary, enabling doctors to earn $300,000+.
Frequently Asked Questions About High-Paying Medical Jobs in the USA
1. What is the highest paying medical job in the U.S.?
Neurosurgeons top the list, with salaries often reaching $600,000 to $900,000 per year, followed by orthopedic and cardiothoracic surgeons.
2. Can foreign doctors work in the USA?
Yes, foreign-trained physicians can work in the U.S. after passing the USMLE, completing a U.S.-accredited residency, obtaining state licensure, and securing a visa such as J-1, H-1B, or EB-2 NIW.
3. Which medical jobs offer the best work-life balance?
Dermatologists, psychiatrists, and radiologists typically have more predictable hours and less emergency work, providing a better lifestyle while still earning high salaries.
4. How long does it take to qualify for a high-paying medical job?
Most top-paying specialties require 11–16 years of education and training, including medical school, residency, and fellowship programs.
5. Which states pay the highest salaries?
California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Massachusetts are the top-paying states for most medical specialties due to demand and cost of living adjustments.
6. Do non-doctor medical jobs pay well?
Yes, roles like CRNAs, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and healthcare administrators can earn $120,000 to $300,000 annually.
7. Are medical salaries increasing in 2026?
Yes, physician shortages and healthcare demand are driving salary growth.
8. Can I switch specialties later in my career?
Yes, but additional residency or fellowship may be required.
9. Are private practices more profitable than hospitals?
Often yes, especially in specialties like plastic surgery or dermatology.
10. Which specialty offers the best ROI for training?
CRNAs, dermatologists, and anesthesiologists provide high salaries relative to training length.
Conclusion: Medical Jobs in the USA Offer Unmatched Earning Power
Medical jobs in the USA remain some of the highest-paying and most stable careers in the world.
From neurosurgeons earning close to $1 million per year, to CRNAs and physician assistants making $200,000+, healthcare offers multiple high-income paths.
With proper education, licensing, and smart specialty choice, 2026 presents unprecedented earning opportunities in American healthcare.
Mira Stuart