The average salary of a geriatrician in the U.S. as of 2026 is about $255,000 per year, with most earning between $230,000 and $280,000 depending on location, experience, and practice setting.
Who are the lowest paid doctors?
Pediatricians are among the lowest paid doctors, earning about $221,000 on average, followed closely by family medicine physicians at $236,000 and public health specialists at $237,000.
These numbers come from national averages, but they shift depending on where you practice and how long you’ve been at it. Public health roles often pay less because they focus on community care rather than individual billing opportunities. If you're drawn to these fields, think about whether the lower pay aligns with your passion for population health and lighter patient loads.
How much money does a geriatric doctor make?
A geriatrician in the U.S. earns an average salary of about $255,000 per year, with most making between $230,000 and $280,000 depending on location and practice type.
City-based geriatricians or those in academic medical centers usually land at the top of that range. For example, California geriatricians average $259,000, while rural doctors might bring in closer to $210,000. The hours can be grueling—especially in nursing homes—but the job offers deep patient relationships. Think about your lifestyle before committing to this income level.
How can a geriatrician make more money?
Geriatricians can increase earnings by pursuing value-based care models, adding procedural skills, or working in high-demand regions, which may qualify them for signing bonuses or loan repayment programs.
Joining a group practice that covers multiple nursing facilities can really boost your volume and revenue. Some doctors add telemedicine visits or geriatric home care services, which Medicare reimburses at higher rates. The National Health Service Corps also offers debt relief in exchange for service in underserved areas. Always read the fine print—some incentives require multi-year commitments. A financial advisor can help you make the most of these opportunities.
How long does it take to become a geriatric doctor?
Becoming a geriatrician typically takes 12 to 14 years of education and training after high school—4 years of undergraduate study, 4 years of medical school, 3 years of residency, and 1 to 2 years of fellowship in geriatric medicine.
After finishing internal or family medicine residency, you can apply directly to a geriatric fellowship. Some doctors go for dual board certification in both internal medicine and geriatrics to open up more job options. The timeline is set in stone by medical training rules, so don’t expect to speed it up. If this path interests you, prepare for the long haul and think about how to handle student debt along the way.
What is the salary of a dermatologist?
| Percentile | Salary | Location |
|---|
| 25th | $325,000 | U.S. |
| 50th (Median) | $395,000 | U.S. |
| 75th | $480,000 | U.S. |
| 90th | $550,000 | U.S. |
Dermatology sits at the top of the physician pay scale, thanks to procedures like Mohs surgery and cosmetic treatments. Location matters—a lot. Dermatologists in Los Angeles or New York often earn 20–30% more than the national average. But don’t forget about overhead: private practice owners can see 40–50% of revenue eaten up by costs. Net income might not match the gross numbers you see here. Always account for practice expenses when comparing salaries.
What is the purpose of a geriatric doctor?
Geriatric doctors specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing complex health conditions in older adults, often addressing multiple chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and dementia.
They focus on improving quality of life, cutting down hospitalizations, and coordinating care across specialists and caregivers. Because older adults process medications differently, these doctors prioritize safe prescribing and fall prevention. They also guide families through advance care planning and caregiver support. If you're caring for an aging loved one, a geriatrician can be a lifeline for navigating treatment options and long-term care decisions.
What is the hardest doctor to become?
Neurosurgery is widely considered the hardest specialty to become, requiring the longest training, most competitive residency matches, and the highest cognitive and technical demands.
Cardiothoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery, and radiation oncology aren’t far behind—all demand intense hands-on training and long hours. Neurosurgery residencies have a match rate under 5%, making them one of the most competitive fields. If you're aiming for a surgical specialty, brace yourself for a decade or more of training and high-pressure work. Only chase this path if you’re truly passionate and resilient.
Who are the happiest doctors?
Dermatologists report the highest job satisfaction, followed by anesthesiologists, ophthalmologists, and psychiatrists, according to Medscape’s 2025 survey.
These specialties often come with predictable hours, lower malpractice risk, and strong patient relationships. Dermatologists, in particular, enjoy a better work-life balance than many surgical fields thanks to procedural work. Psychiatrists build meaningful therapeutic relationships without the physical demands of primary care. But remember—job satisfaction is personal. Some thrive in high-stakes environments like emergency medicine. Think about what matters most to you before choosing a path.
What is the easiest doctor to become?
Family Medicine is often considered the easiest doctor specialty to enter, with the lowest average USMLE Step 1 score (215.5) and the shortest residency (3 years).
Psychiatry and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation also have relatively lower barriers to entry, with Step 1 scores around 223 and 224 respectively. These fields offer more residency spots, making them more accessible—especially for international medical graduates. But “easier” doesn’t mean less important. Family doctors provide essential, lifelong care and can earn solid middle-class incomes. If you want to start practicing quickly with manageable debt, these are strong options.
Can doctors make millions?
Yes—about 500 U.S. physicians earned over $1 million in 2025, mostly specialists like orthopedic surgeons, cardiologists, and radiologists in private practice or high-volume clinics.
These top earners often own their practices or work in lucrative subspecialties where profit margins can exceed 30%. Even employed physicians can hit seven figures in competitive markets or with performance bonuses. But the reality? Most doctors earn between $200,000 and $400,000 annually. Breaking the million-dollar mark usually takes exceptional skill, business savvy, or a high-volume procedural practice. At these income levels, tax planning and asset protection become non-negotiable—talk to a financial advisor early.
Do doctors really make a lot of money?
Yes—U.S. doctors earn well above the national average, with median salaries between $280,000 and $340,000 in 2026, per Doximity and Medscape data.
Even primary care physicians, often labeled as lower earners, make about $250,000 on average—far outpacing the U.S. median household income of ~$75,000. Specialists like orthopedic surgeons or radiologists can clear $500,000. But net earnings? That’s a different story. After taxes, malpractice insurance, and practice overhead, many doctors take home closer to $150,000 to $250,000. Don’t just look at the gross numbers—consider debt repayment, retirement savings, and the full financial picture before deciding if doctors “make a lot.”
Can psychiatrists make millions?
Rarely—most psychiatrists earn between $250,000 and $320,000 annually, with only about 5% reaching net worths above $5 million.
Psychiatry doesn’t rake in the cash like procedural or surgical fields, but top earners find ways to boost income. Private practice combined with telepsychiatry, consultation, or addiction treatment services can push earnings higher. Some build niche practices in child or geriatric psychiatry, commanding premium rates. In high-cost states like California or New York, psychiatrists earn 20–30% more than the national average. To increase income, consider group therapy, concierge services, or partnerships with primary care clinics. Even with lower earnings, psychiatry offers strong work-life balance and meaningful patient impact.
Is there a shortage of geriatricians?
Yes—as of 2026, there is a national shortage of geriatricians, with projections estimating a 10,000 to 25,000 provider gap by 2030.
The U.S. is aging fast—10,000 Americans turn 65 every single day. Yet only about 7,400 physicians are certified in geriatric medicine, and many are nearing retirement. Rural and underserved urban areas feel the pinch the most. This imbalance means strong job security and potential signing bonuses for new geriatricians. If elder care speaks to you, this field offers both financial stability and a chance to make a real difference. Programs like the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program even provide training grants to help close the gap.
Is geriatric medicine a specialty?
Yes—geriatric medicine is an accredited medical specialty recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
After finishing internal or family medicine residency, doctors can pursue a 1- to 2-year geriatric fellowship to earn board certification. This specialty zeroes in on the unique healthcare needs of adults 65 and older, from polypharmacy to cognitive decline and functional independence. Geriatricians often work in interdisciplinary teams with nurses, social workers, and pharmacists. The field is growing fast thanks to the aging population, opening doors in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings.
Is a geriatrician a medical doctor?
Yes—a geriatrician is a licensed medical doctor (MD or DO) who has completed additional training in geriatric medicine.
After medical school, they complete a residency in internal or family medicine and may go on to a geriatric fellowship. Board certification requires passing exams from the American Board of Internal Medicine or the American Osteopathic Board of Family Medicine. Some also get certified by the American Board of Geriatric Medicine. This training ensures they can handle the complex, multi-system health issues common in older adults. Always double-check a doctor’s credentials through state medical boards or the ABMS Certification Matters tool before trusting them with your care.
