Doctors, also known as physicians, diagnose and treat patients who experience physical and psychological discomfort. Their daily duties vary based on the kind of practice they have and their specialty. In general, doctors meet with patients, listen to their issues and concerns, test their physical capacities, and evaluate their patients’ overall needs. They then diagnose pathologies and create treatment plans accordingly, including prescribing medications, ordering medical tests, and regulating diet. Doctors follow their patients’ progress over time, and schedule follow-up visits to track the effectiveness of the treatment and modify them if necessary.

General practitioners are physicians who treat a wide range of illnesses and provides preventative care to patients. But numerous kinds of physicians specialize in a particular area of medicine. For example, dermatologists focus on skin pathologies. Patients with heart issues see cardiologists. Neurologists diagnose and treat illnesses associated with the nervous system. A doctor may also specialize in a specific illness field, such as an oncologist (treats cancer) or a rheumatologist (administers to musculoskeletal diseases and autoimmune disorders), or administer to a target group; pediatricians treat children while geriatric specialists are experts in elderly care. Dentists, chiropractors, and veterinarians are also categorized within the vast sphere of doctors.

High Paying Doctor Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Doctor positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Anesthesiologist
Salary range: $400,000 - $400,000
An anesthesiologist keeps a patient safe, comfortable, and free of pain during surgery by administering a general or local anesthetic. They meet with the patient before surgery to make sure the patient is medically fit and suitably prepared to endure the planned procedure. During surgery, an anesthesiologist will monitor the patient’s level of anesthesia and vital signs, making any adjustments if necessary. They will recognize and intervene in any situations where there might be serious risks to the patient’s health related to the anesthesia. After surgery, the anesthesiologist ensures the patient is stable through the post-anesthesia care unit.
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Salary range: $382,500 - $400,000
A cardiothoracic surgeon specializes in the surgery of the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest. The title includes cardiac surgeons, cardiovascular surgeons, general thoracic surgeons, and congenital heart surgeons. As a cardiothoracic surgeon, you treat a variety of health conditions, such as blockages of the heart, atrial fibrillation, lung or esophageal cancer, or swallowing disorders such as achalasia through surgical means. You also perform heart and lung transplants when necessary.
Dermatologist
Salary range: $371,000 - $400,000
A dermatologist is a licensed doctor who specializes in the study of skin. They are experts in routine skin care as well as the prevention, diagnostics, and treatment of skin-related diseases and cancers. On a day-to-day basis, dermatologists meet with patients, listen to their complaints, examine skin irregularities, and take samples for testing. Minor procedures, such as wart or mole removal, may be performed on the spot, while longer, more invasive procedures are typically scheduled for a future appointment date. In addition to their skin expertise, dermatologists are also trained in the treatment of hair, nails, and mucous membranes (aka the lining inside of the mouth, nose, and eyelids). They diagnose and treat hair follicle irregularities, nail diseases, and mucous membrane infections by way of topical medications or more in-depth procedures. Dermatologists also assist patients with the appearance of their skin and nails by decreasing sun spots and scars, prescribing acne medication, and diminishing wrinkles and lines in the skin.
Radiologist
Salary range: $320,000 - $400,000
Radiologists are physicians utilize imaging techniques to diagnose and treat patients. These techniques include X-rays, computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, fusion imaging, and ultrasound. Radiologists treat a wide variety of injuries and illness, from broken bones to heart disease to cancer. Many of the imaging techniques use radiation; that is why radiologists have been specially trained to use these machines safely.
Cardiologist
Salary range: $354,000 - $400,000
A cardiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the cardiovascular system, which includes blood vessels and the heart. Cardiologists work with patients who have or who have suffered from heart attacks, heart murmurs, coronary heart disease and hypertension, and heart defects. On a daily basis, a cardiologist examines and meets with patients, requests and interprets tests, and treats diseases. Cardiologists may work in private practices or in hospitals.
Neurologist
Salary range: $320,500 - $400,000
A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the care of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Neurologists assist patients with neurological examinations, diagnostics, treatment and referrals and may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. On a day-to-day basis, a neurologist has many important job duties. First, they examine patients and investigate neurological disorders and conditions. Next, they give a prognosis and research treatment options. It is the job of a neurologist to communicate treatment methods and possible side effects to patients and their families. Throughout treatment, a neurologist will order tests, interpret results, amend treatments, and thoroughly document patient progress.
Transplant Surgeon
Salary range: $400,000 - $400,000
Transplant surgeons specialize in life-saving surgeries that involve transplanting an organ—such as a kidney, liver, pancreas, heart, or lung—into a patient who needs the organ to survive. As a transplant surgeon, your job duties include assessing patient health, planning for and conducting operations, and providing preoperative and postoperative care for organ recipients. Making sure that surgery patients receive compatible, healthy organs is one of your primary responsibilities.
Gastroenterologist
Salary range: $400,000 - $400,000
A gastroenterologist is a physician who focuses on the digestive system, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This doctor specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, and pancreas.
Oncologist
Salary range: $400,000 - $400,000
Oncologists monitor and patients diagnosed with cancer. When the patient is first referred an oncologist, the doctor runs a series of tests to confirm the presence of cancer and the stage of the disease’s development. The oncologist reviews all the symptoms and discusses treatment options, which may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination of all three. Once the patient and the medical team decide on a course of action, the oncologist follows the patient’s progress, helping to alleviate symptoms and side effects, and changing treatment options when the current plan does not show measurable improvement.
Pulmonologist
Salary range: $300,000 - $400,000
A pulmonologist treats and diagnoses respiratory disorders. Pulmonologists must understand asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, sleep apnea, and other respiratory conditions involving the lungs, chest, nose, and throat. As a pulmonologist, you may be required to prescribe medicine or examine a patient using a CT scan or breathing exercise. In this career, you are expected to advise patients on how to reduce the risk of getting a respiratory disease. A central part of your job is to promote pulmonary health. Other duties include practicing active listening and solving complex problems.
Preventive Medicine Physician
Salary range: $400,000 - $400,000
As a preventive medicine physician, your primary responsibilities include working to prevent disease and injury in various population groups. You are a medical doctor, typically with a specialty in one of three areas. Aerospace medicine focuses on research, clinical care, and general health and safety of those in air and space vehicles. Occupational medicine focuses on the chemical, biological, physical, and social environments for workers and the outcomes of these conditions. Public health and general preventive medicine focuses on promoting education and managing health communities at various levels. You use your general knowledge of preventive medicine to manage health care personnel, direct programs, and oversee health care operations.
Pain Management Physician
Salary range: $276,000 - $400,000
As a pain management physician, you provide treatment for patients who have chronic pain problems. Helping your patients control their pain improves their health and contributes to their overall quality of life. Aside from your in-depth medical knowledge, strong interpersonal skills and excellent bedside manners are crucial to building a successful career in pain management. Your job duties as a pain management physician include examining and diagnosing patients, prescribing pain management medicine, and maintaining detailed patient charts to document their medical histories. Your patients’ health and comfort are your primary responsibilities.
Urologist
Salary range: $374,000 - $400,000
A urologist is a doctor that provides medical care for patients that have issues with their urinary tract, bladder, or reproductive systems. There are currently seven sub-categories or specialties within the field of urology, including pediatrics, male infertility, and oncology. Urologists often order an analysis of a patient’s urine, then treat the patient based on these lab results. Some issues can be addressed with medicine while others may require surgery.
Critical Care Physician
Salary range: $260,500 - $400,000
A critical care physician is a doctor who specializes in treating patients with life-threatening ailments. As a critical care physician, your responsibilities and duties include overseeing the care of patients needing ICU (intensive care unit) level or emergency care. This need can be due to physical injury or disease, assuming that the condition is life-threatening. You provide diagnosis and treatment plans for the most critical patients in your hospital. Depending on your qualifications, you may specialize in a specific area of critical care medicine, such as pediatrics, surgery, or anesthesia.
Cosmetic Surgeon
Salary range: $112,500 - $400,000
A cosmetic surgeon corrects or enhances a patient’s appearance or physical features through surgical procedures. Typical surgeries include breast augmentation, nose reduction, or fat removal. Many patients undergo cosmetic surgery for medical reasons, due to trauma or illness, but some choose to change or improve parts of their bodies for aesthetic reasons. As a cosmetic surgeon, you meet with all of your patients to determine their needs and expectations, then make recommendations on which procedures would help them meet those needs.
Rheumatologist
Salary range: $274,000 - $353,500
As a rheumatologist, your responsibilities focus on the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases that affect the bones, joints, and surrounding muscles. As part of your duties, you may listen to patients describe symptoms, order tests to check for rheumatic disease, like rheumatoid arthritis or gout, evaluate test results, diagnose rheumatic diseases, and create a treatment plan for each patient. Rheumatologists also coordinate testing and treatments with primary care providers and other specialists. Some rheumatologists participate in clinical trials and research to continue learning about the cause and treatment of these diseases.
Medical Doctor
Salary range: $215,000 - $350,000
A medical doctor include provides health care services to patients or performs other duties related to research, health care administration, or public health care. As a physician who provides patient care, you examine patients, come up with a diagnosis, and provide treatment. Physicians can focus on a specialization, and they can develop their skills to provide services within that specific area of medicine. Your responsibilities depend on the area in which you work. Internal medicine doctors or general practitioners provide primary care, while surgeons and specialists use surgery, medication, and therapeutic techniques to treat specific health issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon
Salary range: $323,000 - $350,000
Orthopedic surgeons are medical professionals who specialize in the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, tendons, and skin. They examine, diagnose, and treat patients for diseases or injuries of this system.
Endocrinologist
Salary range: $213,000 - $350,000
Endocrinologists are doctors who specialize in diseases related to the glands of the endocrine system, such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and growth hormone deficiency. These diseases cause hormonal imbalances, and endocrinologists work with their patients to restore the body’s normal hormone levels. Patients suffer from various symptoms related to these illnesses, such as skin conditions and poor circulation, so the endocrinologist may treat these symptoms as well, or they may refer the patient to specialists for severe cases.
Nephrologist
Salary range: $250,000 - $338,000
A nephrologist works with patients dealing with kidney problems and kidney disease. When first seeing a patient, nephrologists order a series of tests to determine an accurate diagnosis, such as checking patient’s blood urine nitrogen (BUN) to creatinine ratio to ensure their kidneys are functioning correctly. Creatinine is a waste product made by muscles. The kidneys clean the blood, so a high level of creatinine indicates low kidney function. After analyzing the results, nephrologists create a treatment plan. For example, they may prescribe medication to control high blood pressure and suggest eating and lifestyle changes to protect kidney function. For patients with advanced kidney disease, nephrologists may require the patient to start dialysis several days a week. Patients who need surgery, such as those diagnosed with kidney cancer, may be referred to an oncologist or urologist for further treatment options.
Nuclear Medicine Physician
Salary range: $135,000 - $325,000
Nuclear medicine involves the use of radioactive materials in clinical research and medical treatment. A nuclear medicine physician uses imaging devices to perform diagnostic tests and administer therapy treatments that require the use of radiopharmaceuticals. These techniques are used most often to treat cancer. Safety is central to a nuclear medicine physician’s job; the radioactive materials that a nuclear medicine physician handles in imaging, surgery, therapy, and clinical research can be dangerous to people exposed to them outside of a controlled environment, and are strictly regulated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Telemedicine Physician
Salary range: $212,000 - $318,500
Telemedicine Physicians provide patient care remotely via phone or video-conferencing software. Generally, these services are not for emergencies, rather the Telemedicine Physician advises on low-risk and chronic medical concerns. Your daily responsibilities are equivalent to a traditional physician but are facilitated remotely. As such, Telemedicine Physicians meet with patients, provide diagnoses, recommend treatment plans, monitor medication changes, make referrals to medical specialists, and even write prescriptions. You are especially important for individuals with chronic conditions or those recovering from surgical procedures who may suffer from mobility issues or lack reliable transportation. When not working directly with patients, Telemedicine Physicians research the latest trends in their field and pursue professional development opportunities to keep their medical licenses current.
Psychiatrist
Salary range: $212,000 - $317,000
A Psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor trained in the field of mental health. They study human behavior and psychology; in practice, they diagnose and treat psychological and emotional disorders. On a daily basis, they meet with, listen to, and observe patients. From these interactions, a Psychiatrist develops treatment plans to help alleviate their client’s mental distress. Psychiatrists follow the same educational path as physicians and often treat patients with medications. Psychologists earn doctoral degrees and focus on behavioral treatments.
Hematologist
Salary range: $280,000 - $311,500
A hematologist is an internal medicine specialist who works with diseases of the blood or lymphatic system. As a physician, you have a variety of duties, such as diagnosing conditions, running tests on blood and other critical systems, providing advice to your patients about best options for dealing with any hematology-related diseases or conditions, and prescribing treatments and medicine. You collaborate with doctors and other medical professionals to provide the most comprehensive care and offer the best patient experience.
Pathologist
Salary range: $203,500 - $301,000
Pathologists study disease and the human body. They examine fluids and tissues in order to help diagnose and treat patients. Four examples of pathologist specialties are chemical pathology, hematology, the study of the blood. histopathology, the study of human tissue, and medical microbiology.

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