Radiologist Salary (2025): How to Earn $500K+ Reading Scans

 

💵 Salary Range (USA, 2025)

  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): ~$353,000 - $403,000/year

  • Median: ~$458,600/year (range $403k - $526k)

  • Maximum (90th percentile / top earners): ~$526,000 - $588,000+, with locum tenens or interventional roles reaching $650,000+

Pay varies by location and subspecialty: California and D.C. average ~$500k+; San Francisco radiologists make ~$573k; Boston ~$511k; New York ~$531k.

🔍 What They Do

Radiologists are medical doctors who interpret medical imaging—X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and nuclear medicine—to diagnose and treat diseases. They may also perform interventional procedures (e.g., guided biopsies, angioplasty) and collaborate with other physicians to design patient care plans.

🎓 Education & Training 

  1. Bachelor’s degree (4 years) in sciences—biology, chemistry, physics

  2. Medical school (MD or DO; 4 years)

  3. Internship (1 year)

  4. Radiology residency (4–5 years)

  5. Optional fellowships (1–2 years) in subspecialties like interventional, neuroradiology, pediatric radiology

🕒 Total training: ~13–15 years after high school.

📜 Certification

  • Board-certified via ABR (American Board of Radiology) after residency—includes written Core Exam and oral Certifying Exam

  • Subspecialty certifications (e.g., IR, neuroradiology) available post-fellowship

  • Maintenance of Certification (MOC): Regular CME and periodic exams per ABR/ABMS guidelines

🏛️ Licensing

  • State medical license required in all 50 states—via USMLE (MD) or COMLEX (DO) Steps 1–3

  • Board certification isn’t legally required but is essential for hospital privileges, insurance contracts, and professional reputation .

📈 Career Outlook

  • Growing demand due to advanced imaging, aging population, and diagnostic need 

  • Work-life balance varies; diagnostic radiologists may enjoy daytime schedules, while interventional specialists have on-call responsibilities 

  • Locum tenens work can offer flexibility and higher compensation (~$500k - $650k) .

✅ Final Takeaway

Radiology is a high-impact and high-reward medical specialty:

  • Salary: $353k entry, $458k median, $526k+ top earners

  • Training: ~13–15 years (college, med school, residency, optional fellowship)

  • Certification: ABR board exams + subspecialty MOC

  • Licensing: USMLE/COMLEX + state medical license

With the latest imaging advancements, radiologists play a pivotal role in diagnosis and intervention—and enjoy strong compensation and career stability.

Is Cardiology Worth It? 2025 Salary, Fellowship Challenges & Board Certification

 

💵 Salary Range (USA, 2025)

  • Minimum (Entry-level, fellows/new attendings): approx $280,000 - $360,000/year 

  • Median/Average: between $450,000 - $550,000, with many sources citing ~$492,000

  • Maximum (Experienced/Interventional): up to $600,000 - $700,000+, top 10% reaching $723,000+

State variation: California, Washington DC, New York often pay above average (~$540k+); lower pay in less populous states (e.g., Arkansas ~$444k).

🩺 What They Do

Cardiologists are physicians specialized in diagnosing, treating, and preventing heart and circulatory system conditions. They manage disorders like high blood pressure, arrhythmias, heart failure, plaque buildup, and perform procedures such as echocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, stress tests, and manage chronic cardiovascular disease .

🎓 Education & Training

  1. Bachelor’s degree (4 years) – pre-med courses

  2. Medical school (MD or DO; 4 years) – including core clinical rotations 

  3. Internal Medicine Residency (3 years)

  4. Cardiology Fellowship (3 years) – may include additional subspecialization (e.g., interventional, electrophysiology)

🕒 Total training time: ~14 years post-high school

📜 Certification

  • Board certification via ABIM (American Board of Internal Medicine):

    • Step 1: Internal Medicine certification

    • Step 2: Cardiology subspecialty exam

  • Subspecialty boards: Invasive, interventional, electrophysiology, heart failure, etc.

  • Continuing certification involves MOC cycles requiring CME credits and periodic assessment .

🏛️ Licensing

  • Medical license required in all states—via USMLE (MD) or COMLEX (DO) Steps 1–3.

  • Board certification isn't mandatory to practice but is essential for hospital privileges and insurance credentialing.

📈 Career Outlook & Lifestyle

  • The demand for cardiologists continues to grow due to aging populations and cardiovascular disease prevalence.

  • Work calendars often include 60+ hour weeks, including rounds, procedures, on-call shifts.

  • Job satisfaction is high; roles offer diverse practice environments—hospital, clinic, research, teaching.

✅ Final Takeaway

Cardiology blends high earning potential with impactful patient care.

  • Salary: $280k - $360k at start; median ~$450k - 550k; top roles $600k+

  • Training: ~14 years — bachelor’s + med school + residency + fellowship

  • Certification: ABIM internal medicine and cardiology boards; subspecialties optional

  • Licensing: USMLE/COMLEX + state license; board cert for hospital/insurance access

If you're passionate about heart health and advanced diagnostics, cardiology offers a prestigious and rewarding medical career.

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon: Role, Salary, Training & Credentials (2025)

 

💵 Annual Salary (USA, 2025)

  • Entry-Level (0–5 yrs): $200,000 - $300,000

  • Mid-Level (5–10 yrs): $300,000 - $600,000

  • Senior (>10 yrs): $600,000 - $1,000,000+; private practice can reach $800k - $1.2M 

  • U.S. News Median (2023): $239,200 

  • Industry Peak Earnings:

    • Private practice: $621k - $819k 

    • Academic: $541k - $734k

    • Hospital: $501k - $683k 

Regional variation:
Top markets—Detroit ($384k), Charlotte ($372k), Boston (~$359k); states like NC, MA, SD also pay above $300k

 

👨‍⚕️ What They Do

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are dental specialists who perform intricate surgical procedures on the mouth, jaws, face, and neck, including:

  • Wisdom teeth extractions

  • Jaw realignment (orthognathic surgery)

  • Dental implants and bone grafting

  • Facial trauma reconstruction (fractures, lacerations)

  • Treatment of cleft lip/palate and oral cancers

  • Administering general anesthesia in-office or hospital environments 

They may work in trauma centers, private practice, hospitals, or academic settings.

🎓 Education & Training

  1. Undergraduate degree (~4 years)

  2. Dental school – DDS or DMD (~4 years)

  3. Residency in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery – 4–6 years; may include an optional medical degree (MD/DO) during residency 

  4. Optional Fellowship – 1–2 years (e.g. craniofacial, cosmetic, oncology) 

Total training time: 12–14 years post-high school

📜 Certification

  • American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS): Board certification requires completion of accredited residency and passing written and oral exams 

  • Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) is common for dual-degree practitioners 

  • Continuing education and periodic recertification are required.

🏛️ Licensing

  • Dental license (DDS/DMD) required in all states

  • Medical license required if an MD/DO degree was earned

  • Anesthesia privileges typically granted post-residency

  • Certification isn’t legally required but essential for hospital privileges, insurance, and maintaining practice credentials 

📈 Career Outlook & Prospects

  • Job growth: ~3–10% over the next decade 

  • Practitioner satisfaction: Private practice surgeons often work 30–50 hr weeks and earn mid-6 to low-7 figures 

  • Work settings vary: private practice, trauma centers, hospitals, academia, research

✅ Summary Table

CriteriaDetail
RoleSurgical treatment of oral/facial issues, anesthesia, implants
Salary$200k - $300k (start); $300k - $600k (mid); up to $1.2M+
Training4 yr undergrad + 4 yr dental + 4–6 yr residency (+ optional MD/fellowship)
CertificationsABOMS board certification; optional FACS
LicensingDental (+ medical if MD); anesthesia privileges common

From Med School to Nose Jobs: The 2025 Plastic Surgeon Career Blueprint

 

💵 Salary Range (USA, 2025)

  • Entry-Level Minimum: ~$328,000 (25th percentile); can be as low as $225,000 - $290,000 depending on source 

  • Average Salary:
    - ZipRecruiter reports avg $356,489; entry-level similar (~$356K) 

    • PayScale reports ~$340,771 

    • Marit lists avg total comp of $546,531 

  • Maximum / Top Earners: Up to $400,000 - $550,000+, especially in high-cost or high-demand markets

✨ What They Do

Plastic surgeons perform both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures to restore or enhance the form and function of the body. Common tasks include:

  • Reconstructive surgeries for birth defects, injuries, burns, or disease

  • Cosmetic procedures such as facelifts, rhinoplasties, liposuction, and breast augmentation

  • Patient consultations, surgical planning, and aftercare

  • Managing complications and coordinating multidisciplinary treatment plans 

🎓 Education & Training

  1. Bachelor’s Degree (4 years, pre-medical sciences)

  2. Medical School (MD or DO) – 4 years

  3. Residency in Integrated Plastic Surgery – ~6 years, or 3 years general surgery + 3 years plastic surgery 

  4. Optional Fellowship – 1+ years in subspecialties (hand, craniofacial, microvascular, aesthetic) 

Total training time: 14–15 years post–high school.

📜 Certification

  • Board Certification:

    • Through the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)—an ABMS member board

    • Requires accredited residency + written and oral exams 

  • Other credentials:

    • American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) for cosmetic fellowship graduates

Maintaining certification requires ongoing continuing education (10–50 CME hrs/year) .

🏛️ Licensing

  • Medical licensure is mandatory in all U.S. states.

  • Surgeons must pass the USMLE (MD) or COMLEX-USA (DO) exams (Steps 1–3), and complete residency.

  • Board certification, while voluntary, is essential for hospital privileges and credentialing.

📈 Career Outlook

  • Plastic surgery is among the top-earning specialties, ranking 4th with average incomes over $500K.

  • Demand includes cosmetic procedures and reconstructive work post-trauma or cancer.

  • Successful surgeons in private practice or high-cost areas can earn well over $400,000-$550,000, with potential for even more based on specialization and location.

✅ Final Takeaway

Becoming a Plastic Surgeon requires dedication, with ~14–15 years of education and training—including a long residency path. But the rewards are significant:

  • Salary: ~$328K entry level, $350K - $550K average, topping $600K+

  • Role: Expert in reconstructive and aesthetic procedures

  • Certification: Board certification (ABPS/ABCS) and continuing education

  • Licensing: USMLE/COMLEX + state medical and board certification

If you’re passionate about surgery, aesthetics, and making a tangible impact on patients’ lives, this specialty offers unparalleled opportunity.

Orthopedic Surgeon: Career Guide (2025) – Salary, Education & Certification


💵 Salary Range (USA, 2025)

  • Minimum (entry-level): ~$148,000 - $217,000/year

  • Median: ~$556,800 - $612,200 average; ~$385,900 typical 

  • Maximum (experienced/subspecialists): $700,000 - $1,300,000+ — especially in private or high-demand markets

  • ZipRecruiter data: Average hourly $158 (~$329,000 annual), with 75th - 90th percentile between $350K - $400K+ 

  • High-paying regions: California, Minnesota, Virginia, New Hampshire 

     

🔎 What They Do

Orthopedic surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues—including bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and nerves. Their work ranges from ACL repairs and joint replacements to spinal surgeries and fracture management. Orthopedic surgeons also provide non-surgical care, such as physical therapy plans and pain management strategies .

🎓 Education & Training Path

  1. Bachelor’s degree (4 years, pre-med focus) 

  2. Medical school (MD/DO) – 4 years

  3. Orthopedic surgery residency – 5 years in an ACGME-accredited program 

  4. Optional fellowship (1–2 years) for subspecialties (sports med, spine, pediatric, hand surgery)

📚 Total training time: ~13–14 years

📜 Certification

  • Board certification via ABOS (American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery): requires accredited residency and passing written & oral exams 

  • Osteopathic alternative: Board of Certification in Orthopedic Surgery via ABPS 

  • Requires ongoing Maintenance of Certification (MOC) with continuing education

🏛️ Licensing

  • Medical license: mandatory in all 50 states—requires passing USMLE (MD) or COMLEX (DO) Steps 1–3 

  • Board certification is voluntary but expected for hospital privileges and insurance recognition

📈 Career Outlook & Notes

  • Orthopedic surgeons are among the highest-paid physicians in the U.S. 

  • Hours range from 50–70+ per week, including surgeries, clinic, and call duties 

  • Subspecialties often command higher rates—and surgeons in private practice may earn significantly more

✅ Summary

  • Role: Treat injuries/disorders of the musculoskeletal system with surgical and non-surgical approaches

  • Salary: $148k entry, $556k average, up to $1.3M+ in elite markets

  • Education: ~13–14 years (college, med school, residency, optional fellowship)

  • Certification: ABOS or ABPS board certification + MOC

  • Licensing: USMLE/COMLEX + state medical licensure

Becoming an orthopedic surgeon requires dedication, but offers clinical influence, surgical variety, and top-tier rewards.

Is Thoracic Surgery Worth It? 2025 Salary, Education Costs & Residency Truths


💵 Annual Salary in the USA

Data from various reliable sources shows significant variation based on experience and geography:

  • Minimum (10th percentile): ~$217,000/year 

  • Median: ~$397,000 - $437,000/year 

  • Average reported: $810,900/year (Society of Thoracic Surgeons); $511,630/year (primary thoracic surgery) 

  • Maximum (Top earners): $550,000 - $880,000+ in specialized or high-cost regions 

  • Hourly perspective: Median wage roughly $137/hr, with 90th percentile ~ $174/hr ($362k/year)

🎯 What They Do

Thoracic Surgeons—also known as Cardiothoracic Surgeons—are specialized surgeons who operate on the organs inside the chest, including the heart, lungs, esophagus, and major blood vessels. Their typical duties include:

  • Performing open or minimally invasive surgeries for coronary artery disease, valve repair/replacement, lung resections, and esophageal disorders

  • Managing trauma or congenital anomalies in thoracic structures

  • Conducting preoperative evaluations and postoperative care

  • Collaborating with cardiac teams to treat complex cases like heart transplant or ventricular assist device implantation 

🎓 Education & Training Path

  1. Bachelor’s degree (4 years, pre-med emphasis)

  2. Medical school (MD/DO) – 4 years

  3. General surgery residency – 5 years

  4. Thoracic surgery fellowship or integrated pathway – 2–3 years (total of 7–8 years in thoracic training) 

Total post-undergraduate training: 13–15 years

📜 Certification

  • American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS): Achieved via completing accredited training, passing written/oral exams 

  • Maintenance of Certification (MOC): Involves continuing education and CME (150 hours every 5 years) 

  • Fellowship with the American College of Surgeons (FACS) is an additional credential demonstrating professional excellence

🏛️ Licensing

  • Medical license required in every U.S. state

  • Exams: USMLE (MD) or COMLEX (DO) Steps 1–3 

  • Board certification is not legally mandatory but essential for hospital privileges and insurance participation

📈 Job Outlook & Career Insights

  • Compensation places Thoracic Surgeons among the highest in medicine—regular top-earners listed among top 3 surgical specialties 

  • Geographic variance: Highest pay often in regions like Minnesota, California, Virginia, and New Hampshire 

  • Work intensity: Involves demanding schedules, emergency surgeries, and high stakes, but also offers immense clinical impact and financial reward

✅ Final Takeaway

Becoming a Thoracic Surgeon demands over 13 years of rigorous training with specialization in chest and cardiac surgeries.

  • Salary: $217k at entry, typical $400k - $810k, with top earners exceeding $800k

  • Training: 4 years college + 4 med school + 7–8 years residency/fellowship

  • Certification: ABTS board certification and MOC; optional FACS

  • Licensing: State medical license via USMLE/COMLEX
    It’s a path that combines professional prestige, surgical expertise, and exceptional financial opportunity.

Becoming a Neurosurgeon in 2025: Salary, Training & Career Path Explained

 

💵 Annual Salary Range (USA)

  • Minimum: ~$125,000 - $180,000/year (early-career, residency graduates)

  • Median: ~$455,000 - $524,000 (varies by source) 

  • Maximum: $800,000 - $1,200,000+ for experienced or subspecialized surgeons 

City and setting impact:

  • MGMA reports median compensation ≈ $963,000; highest in California, Virginia, South Carolina 

  • ZipRecruiter: typical range $250,000 - $400,000; top earners $400,000+

  • Glassdoor estimates: $422,000 - $745,000 annually 

🎯 What They Do

Neurosurgeons are highly trained physician‑surgeons specializing in the surgical treatment of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and vascular system. They diagnose and operate on conditions like brain tumors, spinal disorders, traumatic injuries, stroke complications, and congenital anomalies. Techniques include open craniotomy, micro‑surgery, endoscopy, stereotactic radiosurgery, and spinal fusion.

🎓 Education & Training Path

  1. Undergraduate degree (4 years, pre‑med emphasis)

  2. Medical school (MD or DO, 4 years)

  3. Neurosurgery residency (7 years, ACGME-accredited; total ~15 years including school) 

  4. Optional fellowship (1–2 years) in subspecialties (e.g., pediatric, spinal, neuro-oncology)

📜 Certification

  • American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS): board certification following residency, written and oral exams 

  • AOA offers similar osteopathic certification via the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery 

  • Certification recognized by ABMS, ensuring professional competence and ongoing education

🏛️ Licensing

  • Medical license required in all U.S. states — achieved via USMLE (MD) or COMLEX (DO) steps 1–3 

  • Board certification not mandatory to practice but essential for hospital privileges and insurance credentialing

  • Continuing board maintenance: CME and recertification over career

📈 Career Outlook & Growth

  • Lucrative and elite: Neurosurgeons rank highest among physicians in compensation 

  • Geographic variances: Highest earnings in private practice and region-specific demand areas

  • Workload: Long hours, on‑call responsibilities; work-life balance varies with specialty and practice setting

✅ Final Takeaway

Becoming a Neurosurgeon demands 15+ years of education and training, involving:

  • High-stakes surgical care

  • Lifelong certification and licensure commitments

  • Salaries from $125k–$180k at entry to $800k–$1.2M+ at senior levels

This profession ranks among the most medically impactful, financially rewarding, and highly respected in medicine. Ideal for those prepared to commit to demanding yet deeply meaningful work.

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