Legal + Compensation

Physicians are earning more year over year than ever — but this does not necessarily mean they are happier about their pay than ever before.

Mississippi is the highest-paying state for primary care physicians and nonsurgical specialists, according to the Medical Group Management Association's "Provider Compensation and Productivity Data Report."

Out of 50 major metropolitan areas analyzed, eight had double-digit increases in the average salary among physicians in each area, according to Doximity's "Physician Compensation Report" for 2024, published May 23. 

The highest-paid physicians are most commonly surgical specialists and those treating primarily adult patients, according to Doximity's "Physician Compensation Report" for 2024, published May 23. 

Hematologists saw the greatest average salary growth among physicians in 2023, according to Doximity's "Physician Compensation Report" for 2024, published May 23. 

States in the central regions of the U.S. are typically higher-paying for physicians, according to Medscape's "Physician Compensation Report" for 2024.

Many healthcare providers were hopeful that Congress would reconsider its proposed Medicare reimbursement rates for 2024; however, recent updates by the agency have dashed the hopes of some clinicians.

Orthopedics is the highest-paying physician specialty, according to Medscape's "Physician Compensation Report 2024."

North Dakota is the highest-paying state for physicians. 

CMS finalized a slight cut in Medicare Advantage benchmark payments for 2025, according to a final rate notice published April 1.