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.