How Much Do Doctors Make?

 Those looking into the medical profession often ask, "How much do doctors make?" The answer varies with the specialty, the area of the country and the volume of patients. Some specialities have a far higher average income than others. Whether the doctor is in private practice or working for a hospital also affects how much doctors make. Doctors also make higher salaries as they gain more years of experience. Of all of the specialties and regions, the average amount that doctors make is about $151,000. Despite the recession, jobs in the medical field continue to grow at a rate of 14 percent and doctors continue to command high salaries in all regions. While these are the averages salaries that doctors make, the higher end of each profession may be as high as double the average salary.

A general practice physician is generally the lowest-paid specialty. These doctors average an annual salary of almost $119,000. A family physician earns an average salary of about $141,000 per year, and an internal medical doctor makes $146,000. Obstetricians, emergency room doctors and plastic surgeons are in the middle tier of doctor salaries. An OB/GYN earns an average annual salary of $180,000. Emergency room doctors make $181,000.  Plastic surgeons average an annual salary of almost $204,000.

Among the higher-income specialties are those that involve elective procedures and surgery specialties that are vital to patients' lives. Dermatologists make an average salary of $308,000. Neurosurgeons, vital and highly trained doctors, make $541,000. Anesthesiologists earn $311,000 per year. The average cardiologist earns $403,000 per year.