This might sound crazy… but this is true!
Physicians hold prestige as one of the highest paying jobs in the USA, alongside a few others.
Typically, they are paid depending on their skills and expertise.
However You should note that the USMLE exam is an essential criterion for practising as a physician in the USA. The USMLE, or United States Medical Licensing Exam, is required in the USA to obtain the medical licence.
A healthcare professional, or a doctor, is responsible for patient health and well-being. They diagnose, treat and prevent diseases, illnesses and injuries that may be chronic, long term or life-threatening emergencies.
The hospital, clinic, health centre, university or research centre may offer employment for a physician. The role of anesthesiologists, OBGYNs, family and general physicians, paediatricians and surgeons can be highly specialised.
Okay all that is fine, how much are they paid?
Let’s find out!
| Physician Specialties | Average Annual Compensation (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Plastic Surgery | 3,58,07,265 |
| Cardiology | 2,74,13,675 |
| Orthopaedics and Orthopedic Surgery | 4,43,50,864 |
| Urology | 3,44,53,771 |
| Radiology | 3,77,01,190 |
| Otolaryngology | 3,40,88,239 |
| Gastroenterology | 3,44,87,735 |
| Dermatology | 3,14,91,886 |
| Oncology | 2,77,71,797 |
| Ophthalmology | 2,68,28,123 |
| Anesthesiology | 3,53,46,166 |
| General Surgery | 3,58,12,343 |
| Critical Care | 3,21,33,711 |
| Pulmonary Medicine | 2,47,05,355 |
| Emergency Medicine | 3,04,26,339 |
| Nephrology | 2,27,60,816 |
| Pathology | 2,52,11,323 |
| Paediatrics | 1,41,91,743 |
| Family Medicine | 2,33,87,741 |
| Public Health and Preventive Medicine | 1,54,48,089 |
| Diabetes and Endocrinology | 2,10,52,862 |
| Infectious Disease | 2,02,81,174 |
| Internal Medicine | 1,99,69,751 |
| Allergy and Immunology | 2,29,86,746 |
| Psychiatry | 2,07,71,825 |
| Rheumatology | 2,08,70,554 |
| Neurology | 2,33,42,122 |
| Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation | 2,13,99,997 |
*Note- All the above salaries are approximate figures per existing data and are subject to change. Your salary will vary based on factors like the company you work for, its location, and the type of business it is. The income numbers provided are based on ‘per annum salary’ and are meant to give you a general idea and can vary.
Benefits & Scope of Working as a Physician in the USA
The top benefits of working as a physician in the USA are –
- A Physician’s Salary in the USA is higher, with an average salary of 2,91,36,030 INR (Glassdoor).
- According to the same, there are 1.8 million jobs available every year. Hence, the scope of individuals willing to work as a physician is wide open.
- The unemployment rate is 0.7% for physician jobs.
- According to the Bureau of Labour, there is a projected growth of 7.7% employment for physicians from 2020 to 2030.
Job Satisfaction
Doctors experience great fulfillment in using their medical knowledge and skills to improve the lives of their patients.
Becoming a doctor will afford you an opportunity to specialize in whatever area of medicine you consider most appealing and personally rewarding.
For example, general practitioners treat many different ailments and they enjoy high status in their community. Surgeons diagnose complex conditions, perform intricate operations, and develop cutting-edge surgical techniques, which is intellectually challenging work. Psychiatrists find gratification in diagnosing and treating debilitating mental-health conditions.
Discovering your niche in medicine can lead you to a job perfectly suited to your interests and skills.
Compassionate doctor consulting with a patient in a well-equipped U.S. clinic, symbolizing the prestigious and rewarding career of U.S. physicians.
Opportunity to Help Others
Many doctors go into medicine to help others recover from illness and lead healthier lifestyles that can promote quality of life and longevity.
Doctors continually seek new methods and medications to treat patients and improve overall functioning. If you feel passionate about providing care to those in greatest need, you may consider volunteering for humanitarian organizations in the United States or abroad.
For example, Doctors Without Borders seeks qualified physicians to live and work in developing countries around the world for weeks or months at a time. Medical care is provided in disaster areas, refugee camps, and conflict zones. A small stipend is provided along with benefits such as insurance, annual vacation, and student loan forgiveness eligibility.
Excellent Employee Benefits
Many doctors go into medicine to help others recover from illness and lead healthier lifestyles that can promote quality of life and longevity.
Doctors continually seek new methods and medications to treat patients and improve overall functioning. If you feel passionate about providing care to those in greatest need, you may consider volunteering for humanitarian organizations in the United States or abroad.
For example, Doctors Without Borders seeks qualified physicians to live and work in developing countries around the world for weeks or months at a time. Medical care is provided in disaster areas, refugee camps, and conflict zones. A small stipend is provided along with benefits such as insurance, annual vacation, and student loan forgiveness eligibility.
Social Status
As mentioned above, doctors are respected members of their community, which elevates their self-esteem and makes them feel valued.
Historically speaking, physicians are the cornerstone of healthy, functioning societies, and are one of the oldest professions on Earth.
In fact, of the most respected groups in the U.S., when it comes down to it, doctors, like military service members, are far and away more revered than musicians, athletes, or Hollywood celebrities — even if most of us only know Dr. Oz by name.
Is Becoming a Doctor Worth It?
To become a doctor takes vast amounts of time, energy, and money. The rigorous process of becoming a doctor eliminates many who attempt it.
But for those who have the passion and drive, it can be one of the most rewarding careers.
Understanding precisely what goes into getting your degree will help you better choose if it’s the right path for you.
It’s a high-cost, high-reward career, driven by passionate and caring people.
What are the requirements to practice as a physician in the USA?
To practice as a physician in the USA, one must pass the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Exam) to obtain a medical license.
What is the average salary for primary care physicians in the USA?
The average salary for a primary care physician in the USA is approximately 291,36,030 INR per year, though this can vary based on location, experience, and workplace.
What are the employment prospects for physicians in the USA?
The USA offers robust job prospects for physicians, with an unemployment rate of only 0.7% and a projected employment growth of 7.7% from 2020 to 2030.
How can becoming a doctor in the USA be personally rewarding?
Doctors in the USA find great fulfillment in improving patient health through diverse specialties. They can also contribute globally via organizations like Doctors Without Borders.
What are the additional benefits of being a physician in the USA?
Besides competitive salaries, physicians enjoy excellent employee benefits, social status, and opportunities for humanitarian work, enhancing both professional and personal life.
