Physicians and Surgeons
Career, Salary and Education Information
What They Do: Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses.
Work Environment: Many physicians and surgeons worked in physicians’ offices. Others worked in hospitals, in academia, or for the government.
How to Become One: Physicians and surgeons have demanding education and training requirements. Physicians typically need a bachelor's degree, a degree from a medical school, which takes 4 years to complete, and, depending on their specialty, 3 to 7 years in internship and residency programs.
Salary: The median annual wage for physicians and surgeons was $275,930 in May 2025.
Job Outlook: Overall employment of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Related Careers: Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of physicians and surgeons with similar occupations.
Following is everything you need to know about a career as a physician or surgeon with lots of details. As a first step, take a look at some of the following jobs, which are real jobs with real employers. You will be able to see the very real job career requirements for employers who are actively hiring. The link will open in a new tab so that you can come back to this page to continue reading about the career:
Top 3 Physician Jobs
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Family Medicine Physician - Dallas, TX
- GO Staffing
- Dallas,TX
Great opportunity for an Infectious Disease or Family Practice/Internal Medicine Physician to join a growing multispecialty group in central Dallas, TX. Board Certified or Board Eligible Infectious Disease/Family Practice/Internal Med...
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Hospitalist Physician (MD/DO)
- CompHealth
- Dallas,TX
Texas Hospitalist Position in Community North of Dallas Whether you are searching for a position in your area or in another state, we have professionals to help you achieve your goals through our relationships with facilities nationwide - in rural...
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NO CALL | Private Practice | Clinical Director | Dallas Texas
- RosmanSearch
- Dallas,TX
Founding Gastroenterologist / Clinical Director An established group private practice is seeking an experienced, Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Gastroenterologist to join its new Dallas, Texas location as a...
Top 3 Surgeon Jobs
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Surgical Tech
- USPI
- Dallas,TX
$7,500 Sign-On Bonus! North Central Surgical Center is a highly successful, Baylor Scott & White affiliated hospital located in Dallas, TX. We partner with the very best team members and medical staff in the area. We are a surgical focused hospital...
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Hospitalist & Leadership Opportunites I No On-Call Duty| 20+ Days Off Per Month| Significant Rate Increase
- OB Hospitalist Group
- Dallas,TX
Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Dallas, Texas *OB/GYN Hospitalist Opportunities* *Site Director Opportunity* The Opportunity: Since opening its doors in...
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Surgical First Assist
- Medical City Lewisville
- Lewisville,TX
Experience the HCA Healthcare difference where colleagues are trusted, valued members of our healthcare team. Grow your career with an organization committed to delivering respectful, compassionate care, and where the unique and intrinsic worth of...
What Physicians and Surgeons Do[About this section] [To Top]
Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They often counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates.
There are two types of physicians, with similar degrees: M.D. (Medical Doctor) and D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Both use the same methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, but D.O.s place additional emphasis on the body's musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic (whole-person) patient care. D.O.s are most likely to be primary care physicians, although they can be found in all specialties.
Duties of Physicians and Surgeons
Physicians and surgeons typically do the following:
- Take a patient's medical history
- Update charts and patient information to show current findings and treatments
- Order tests for nurses or other healthcare staff to perform
- Review test results to identify any abnormal findings
- Recommend and design a plan of treatment
- Address concerns or answer questions that patients have about their health and well-being
- Help patients take care of their health by discussing topics such as proper nutrition and hygiene
Physicians and surgeons work in one or more specialties. The following are examples of types of physicians and surgeons:
Anesthesiologists focus on the care of surgical patients and pain relief. They administer drugs (anesthetics) that reduce or eliminate the sensation of pain during an operation or another medical procedure. During surgery, they are responsible for adjusting the amount of anesthetic as needed, and monitoring the patient's heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and breathing. They also work outside of the operating room, providing pain relief for patients in the intensive care unit, for women in labor and delivery of babies, and for patients who suffer from chronic pain. Anesthesiologists work with other physicians and surgeons to decide on treatments and procedures before, during, and after surgery.
Family and general physicians assess and treat a range of conditions that occur in everyday life. These conditions include sinus and respiratory infections to broken bones. Family and general physicians typically have regular, long-term patients.
General internists diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a range of problems that affect internal organ systems such as the stomach, kidneys, liver, and digestive tract. Internists use a variety of diagnostic techniques to treat patients through medication or hospitalization. They work mostly with adult patients.
General pediatricians provide care for infants, children, teenagers, and young adults. They specialize in diagnosing and treating problems specific to younger people. Most pediatricians treat common illnesses, minor injuries, and infectious diseases, and administer vaccinations. Some pediatricians specialize in pediatric surgery or serious medical conditions that commonly affect younger patients, such as autoimmune disorders or chronic ailments.
Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) provide care related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the female reproductive system. They treat and counsel women throughout their pregnancy and deliver babies. They also diagnose and treat health issues specific to women, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, hormonal disorders, and symptoms related to menopause.
Psychiatrists are primary mental health physicians. They diagnose and treat mental illnesses through a combination of personal counseling (psychotherapy), psychoanalysis, hospitalization, and medication. Psychotherapy involves regular discussions with patients about their problems. The psychiatrist helps them find solutions through changes in their behavioral patterns, explorations of their past experiences, or group and family therapy sessions. Psychoanalysis involves long-term psychotherapy and counseling for patients. Psychiatrists may prescribe medications to correct chemical imbalances that cause some mental illnesses.
Surgeons treat injuries, diseases, and deformities through operations. Using a variety of instruments, a surgeon corrects physical deformities, repairs bone and tissue after injuries, or performs preventive or elective surgeries on patients. Although a large number perform general surgery, many surgeons choose to specialize in a specific area. Specialties include orthopedic surgery (the treatment of the musculoskeletal system), neurological surgery (treatment of the brain and nervous system), cardiovascular surgery, and plastic or reconstructive surgery. Like other physicians, surgeons examine patients, perform and interpret diagnostic tests, and counsel patients on preventive healthcare. Some specialist physicians also perform surgery.
Physicians and surgeons may work in a number of other medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties. The following specialists are some of the most common examples:
- Allergists (specialists in diagnosing and treating hay fever or other allergies)
- Cardiologists (heart specialists)
- Dermatologists (skin specialists)
- Gastroenterologists (digestive system specialists)
- Ophthalmologists (eye specialists)
- Pathologists (specialists who study body tissue to see if it is normal or abnormal)
- Radiologists (specialists who review and interpret x rays and other images and deliver radiation treatments for cancer and other illnesses)
Physicians in healthcare establishments work daily with other healthcare staff, such as registered nurses, other physicians, medical assistants, and medical records and health information technicians.
Some physicians may choose to work in fields that do not involve patient care, such as medical research or public policy.
Work Environment for Physicians and Surgeons[About this section] [To Top]
Physicians and surgeons hold about 761,700 jobs. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up physicians and surgeons is distributed as follows:
| Physicians, all other | 280,800 |
| Family medicine physicians | 112,200 |
| General internal medicine physicians | 63,700 |
| Emergency medicine physicians | 39,500 |
| Pediatricians, general | 36,800 |
| Anesthesiologists | 34,100 |
| Radiologists | 32,400 |
| Surgeons, all other | 30,700 |
| Psychiatrists | 27,900 |
| Obstetricians and gynecologists | 23,600 |
| Cardiologists | 20,300 |
| Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric | 16,800 |
| Physicians, pathologists | 12,100 |
| Ophthalmologists, except pediatric | 12,000 |
| Dermatologists | 10,100 |
| Neurologists | 7,800 |
| Pediatric surgeons | 900 |
The largest employers of physicians and surgeons are as follows:
| Offices of physicians | 53% |
| Hospitals, state, local, and private | 25% |
| Self-employed workers | 6% |
| Federal government | 5% |
| Outpatient care centers | 4% |
Physicians and surgeons work in both clinical and nonclinical settings. Some examples of clinical settings are physicians' offices and hospitals, including academic hospitals associated with residency programs or schools of medicine. Nonclinical settings include government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and insurance companies.
In clinical settings, physicians may work as part of a group practice or healthcare organization. These arrangements allow them to coordinate patient care but give them less independence than solo practitioners have.
Physicians and surgeons may stand for long periods throughout the day. Other working conditions may vary by specialty. For example, surgeons and anesthesiologists usually work in a sterile environment and must follow protocol to maintain it during procedures.
Physician and Surgeon Work Schedules
Most physicians and surgeons work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week. Many physicians and surgeons work long shifts, which may include irregular and overnight hours or being on call. Physicians and surgeons may travel between their offices and the hospital to care for patients. While on call, a physician may need to address a patient’s concerns over the phone or make an emergency visit to another location, such as a nursing home.
How to Become a Physician or Surgeon[About this section] [To Top]
Get the education you need: Find schools for Physicians and Surgeons near you!
Physicians and surgeons have demanding education and training requirements. Physicians typically need a bachelor's degree, a degree from a medical school, which takes 4 years to complete, and, depending on their specialty, 3 to 7 years in internship and residency programs.
Education for Physicians and Surgeons
Most applicants to medical school have at least a bachelor's degree, and many have advanced degrees. Although no specific major is required, students usually complete undergraduate work in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and English. Students also may take courses in the humanities and social sciences. In addition, some students volunteer at local hospitals or clinics to gain experience in a healthcare setting.
Medical schools are highly competitive. Most applicants must submit transcripts, scores from the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and letters of recommendation. Schools also consider an applicant's personality, leadership qualities, and participation in extracurricular activities. Most schools require applicants to interview with members of the admissions committee.
A few medical schools offer combined undergraduate and medical school programs that last 6 to 8 years.
Students spend most of the first 2 years of medical school in laboratories and classrooms, taking courses such as anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, psychology, medical ethics, and in the laws governing medicine. They also gain practical skills; learning to take medical histories, examine patients, and diagnose illnesses.
During their last 2 years, medical students work with patients under the supervision of experienced physicians in hospitals and clinics. Through rotations in internal medicine, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery, they gain experience in diagnosing and treating illnesses in a variety of areas.
Physician and Surgeon Training
After medical school, almost all graduates enter a residency program in their specialty of interest. A residency usually takes place in a hospital and varies in duration, generally lasting from 3 to 7 years, depending on the specialty.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Physicians and Surgeons
All states require physicians and surgeons to be licensed; requirements vary by state. To qualify for a license, candidates must graduate from an accredited medical school and complete residency training in their specialty.
All physicians and surgeons also must pass a standardized national licensure exam. M.D.s take the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). D.O.s take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). For specific state information about licensing, contact your state's medical board.
Certification is not required for physicians and surgeons; however, it may increase their employment opportunities. M.D.s and D.O.s seeking board certification in a specialty may spend up to 7 years in residency training; the length of time varies with the specialty. To become board certified, candidates must complete a residency program and pass a specialty certification exam from a certifying board including the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), or the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS).
Important Qualities for Physicians and Surgeons
Communication skills. Physicians and surgeons need to be excellent communicators. They must communicate effectively with their patients and other healthcare support staff.
Compassion. Patients who are sick or injured may be in extreme pain or distress. Physicians and surgeons must treat patients and their families with compassion and understanding.
Detail oriented. Patients must receive appropriate treatment and medications. Physicians and surgeons must accurately monitor and record various pieces of information related to patient care.
Dexterity. Physicians and surgeons may work with very precise and sometimes sharp tools, and mistakes can have serious consequences.
Leadership skills. Physicians who work in their own practice must manage a staff of other professionals.
Organizational skills. Good recordkeeping and other organizational skills are critical in both medical and business settings.
Patience. Physicians and surgeons may work for long periods with patients who need special attention. Persons who fear medical treatment may require more patience.
Physical stamina. Physicians and surgeons should be comfortable lifting or turning disabled patients, or performing other physical tasks. Surgeons may spend a great deal of time bending over patients during surgery.
Problem-solving skills. Physicians and surgeons need to evaluate patients' symptoms and administer the appropriate treatments. They need to do this quickly if a patient's life is threatened.
Physician and Surgeon Salaries[About this section] [More salary/earnings info] [To Top]
Salary and job outlook data updated October 2026 from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (May 2025 wages, 2025-35 employment projections).
The median annual wage for physicians and surgeons was $275,930 in May 2025. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $76,560, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $488,320.
Median annual wages for physicians and surgeons in May 2025 were as follows:
| Pediatric surgeons | $559,030 |
| Cardiologists | $496,010 |
| Radiologists | $420,860 |
| Surgeons, all other | $414,010 |
| Anesthesiologists | $391,490 |
| Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric | $358,550 |
| Emergency medicine physicians | $335,550 |
| Dermatologists | $328,730 |
| Physicians, pathologists | $312,400 |
| Ophthalmologists, except pediatric | $300,080 |
| Obstetricians and gynecologists | $292,910 |
| Psychiatrists | $281,870 |
| Physicians, all other | $265,930 |
| General internal medicine physicians | $256,560 |
| Neurologists | $248,560 |
| Family medicine physicians | $244,180 |
| Pediatricians, general | $210,040 |
Most physicians and surgeons work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week. Many physicians and surgeons work long shifts, which may include irregular and overnight hours or being on call. Physicians and surgeons may travel between their offices and the hospital to care for patients. While on call, a physician may need to address a patient’s concerns over the phone or make an emergency visit to another location, such as a nursing home.
Job Outlook for Physicians and Surgeons[About this section] [To Top]
Overall employment of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 22,100 openings for physicians and surgeons are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
Projected employment of physicians and surgeons varies by occupation (see table). An increasing number of older adults, who are more likely than younger people to experience health problems and to need complex care, is expected to drive overall employment growth for physicians and surgeons.
In addition, increasing rates of chronic illnesses—such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease—will result in continued reliance on physicians and surgeons by large numbers of people seeking medical care.
Growing demand for psychiatric care and improved access to mental health services will support job growth for psychiatrists. Meanwhile, the expected decline in the child population may constrain demand for pediatricians and pediatric surgeons.
| Occupational Title | Employment, 2025 | Projected Employment, 2035 | Change, 2025-35 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||
| Physicians and surgeons | 862,800 | 894,100 | 4 | 31,300 |
| Physicians | 808,800 | 837,900 | 4 | 29,100 |
| Anesthesiologists | 41,500 | 43,000 | 4 | 1,500 |
| Cardiologists | 18,500 | 19,400 | 5 | 900 |
| Dermatologists | 12,200 | 13,000 | 7 | 800 |
| Emergency medicine physicians | 34,900 | 36,100 | 3 | 1,100 |
| Family medicine physicians | 114,300 | 118,000 | 3 | 3,700 |
| General internal medicine physicians | 73,100 | 76,000 | 4 | 2,900 |
| Neurologists | 11,400 | 12,100 | 6 | 700 |
| Obstetricians and gynecologists | 22,800 | 23,200 | 2 | 400 |
| Pediatricians, general | 42,200 | 42,900 | 1 | 600 |
| Physicians, pathologists | 11,800 | 12,400 | 5 | 600 |
| Psychiatrists | 30,000 | 32,100 | 7 | 2,100 |
| Radiologists | 28,700 | 29,600 | 3 | 1,000 |
| Physicians, all other | 367,400 | 380,100 | 3 | 12,600 |
| Surgeons | 54,000 | 56,200 | 4 | 2,200 |
| Ophthalmologists, except pediatric | 9,700 | 10,200 | 5 | 400 |
| Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric | 15,500 | 16,100 | 4 | 600 |
| Pediatric surgeons | 1,300 | 1,300 | 2 | 0 |
| Surgeons, all other | 27,500 | 28,600 | 4 | 1,100 |
More Physician and Surgeon Information[About this section] [To Top]
For more information about physicians and surgeons, visit
American Osteopathic Association
For more information about various medical specialties, visit
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Board of Medical Specialties
American Board of Physician Specialties
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
For a list of medical schools and residency programs, as well as for general information on premedical education, financial aid, and medicine as a career, visit
Association of American Medical Colleges
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
For information about licensing, visit
A portion of the information on this page is used by permission of the U.S. Department of Labor.