Physicians take top six spots on US salary survey

Physicians accounted for eight of the top 15 highest-paying jobs, with most earning more than $300,000 a year, according to a report from LinkedIn.

The report, based on data gleaned from more than two million LinkedIn members in the United States, also found that healthcare is the only top-five paying industry with a greater proportion of women. The average salary for a medical doctor is $161,200, which is more than $80,000 higher than the average salaries of people with a four-year degree.

Physicians occupy the top six highest-paying jobs on the list, and eight of the top 15 spots. The total median compensation in the LinkedIn report includes median cash bonuses, which can vary from $25,000 to $90,000 based upon specialty. 

The list includes:

1. Orthopedic surgeon, $450,000
2. Cardiologist, $382,000
3. Radiologist, $374,000
4. Plastic surgeon, $350,000
5. Anesthesiologist, $350,000
6. Emergency surgeon, $314,000

Ophthalmologists and medical directors were 14th and 15th on the list, respectively, with each reporting median compensation of $250,000.

Source: HealthLeaders