💵 Hematologist Salary in the USA (2025)
Salaries vary by experience, location, and specialization (especially if the doctor is also an oncologist):
-
Minimum/Starting Salary: $190,000 - $250,000 per year
-
Average Salary: $350,000 - $450,000 per year
-
Top Earners: $500,000 - $650,000+ per year (especially Hematologist-Oncologists or those in high-demand areas)
According to Medscape, hematologists and oncologists consistently rank among the top 10 highest-paid physician specialties in the U.S.
🔬 What Does a Hematologist Do?
A hematologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing blood disorders and diseases of the bone marrow, lymphatic system, and spleen. They handle both benign conditions like anemia or clotting disorders and malignant diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
Key responsibilities include:
-
Ordering and interpreting blood tests and biopsies
-
Managing blood cancers and transfusions
-
Coordinating chemotherapy or immunotherapy
-
Collaborating with oncologists, surgeons, and pathologists
-
Conducting bone marrow aspirations and transplants
-
Treating conditions like hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, and thrombosis
🎓 Education & Training Requirements
To become a hematologist, you'll need to commit to over a decade of intensive education and clinical training:
-
Bachelor’s Degree (4 years) – with pre-med coursework (biology, chemistry, physics)
-
Medical School (4 years) – leads to an M.D. or D.O. degree
-
Internal Medicine Residency (3 years) – foundational clinical training
-
Hematology Fellowship (2–3 years) – includes both clinical practice and research in blood-related disorders
Total time: 13–14 years post-high school
📜 Certification
After completing fellowship training, hematologists must obtain certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM):
-
Initial Certification: Requires passing a specialty exam in Hematology
-
Maintenance of Certification (MOC): Ongoing education and recertification every 10 years
Some physicians become dual-certified in Hematology and Oncology, which enhances job prospects and earnings.
🏛️ Licensing Requirements
All hematologists must:
-
Pass the USMLE (for MDs) or COMLEX-USA (for DOs) exams
-
Apply for a state medical license to legally practice medicine
-
Maintain good standing through continued medical education (CME)
📈 Job Outlook
The demand for hematologists remains high and growing, especially with:
-
Aging population and increasing cancer cases
-
Shortages in rural and underserved areas
-
Advances in immunotherapy and gene therapy
✅ Summary
| 📌 Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🩺 What They Do | Treat blood diseases, cancers, immune conditions |
| 💵 Salary Range | $190K - $650K+ annually |
| 🎓 Education | MD/DO + Residency + Hematology Fellowship |
| 🪪 Certification | ABIM Hematology Board Certification |
| 📜 Licensing | USMLE/COMLEX + State Medical License |