How much does a doctor make?
a year · about $128 an hour
A typical doctor in the United States makes $265,930 a year, about $128 an hour, about 5.2× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
In a clinical role, a doctor reviews charts and test results, examines patients, and decides what tests or treatment they need. The doctor explains the plan, updates records, and coordinates with other health workers.
Did you know? Some U.S. physicians work in medical research or public policy instead of treating patients.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $69,170 and $452,360How do you become one?
In the United States, students usually earn a bachelor's degree, take the MCAT, then complete four years of medical school for an MD or DO. They complete a specialty residency for about 3–9 years, pass licensing exams, and get a state medical license.
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, a doctor's pay can differ with specialty, extra training or certification, and experience. Employer and location matter too, as can hours worked and overnight or on-call shifts.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in North Dakota ($454,550), lowest in District of Columbia ($77,430).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $69,170 | $265,930 | $452,360 | about 343,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $454,550 | about 740 |
| Montana | $438,850 | about 580 |
| Maine | $419,410 | about 1,000 |
| Wisconsin | $391,740 | about 6,000 |
| Minnesota | $367,320 | about 5,000 |
Official definition: All physicians not listed separately.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes291229.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.fsmb.org/siteassets/usmle-step3/pdfs/pathway-to-licensure.pdf
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1229.00
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY