### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Physicians and Surgeons Summary
                        
            
                                    
                                                                    
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			physicians and surgeons imagePhysicians examine patients; obtain medical histories; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests.							
						Quick Facts:     Physicians and Surgeons2023     Median Pay
            						This wage is equal to or greater than $239,200 per year or $115.00 per hour.Typical Entry-Level Education
                                    Doctoral or professional degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    Internship/residencyNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    816,900Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    3% (As fast as average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    24,600What Physicians and Surgeons Do
                                                
                        
                        
Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Physicians and surgeons work in both clinical and nonclinical settings. Clinical settings include physicians' offices and hospitals; nonclinical settings include government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and insurance companies.
            
                                                How to Become a Physician or Surgeon
                                                
                        
Physicians and surgeons typically need a bachelor’s degree as well as a medical degree, which takes an additional 4 years to complete. Depending on their specialty, they also need 3 to 9 years in internship and residency programs. Subspecialization includes additional training in a fellowship of 1 to 3 years.
            
                        Pay
                        
Wages for physicians and surgeons are among the highest of all occupations, with a median wage equal to or greater than $239,200 per year.
												                            																				    																							                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow							 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
						About 24,200 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.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for physicians and surgeons.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of physicians and surgeons with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about physicians and surgeons by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Physicians and Surgeons Do 
            

			Physicians and surgeonsPhysicians often work closely with other healthcare staff including physician assistants, registered nurses, and medical records and health information technicians.			
Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance. 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 work in all specialties.
Duties
Physicians and surgeons typically do the following:
Take a patient’s medical history and perform a physical exam
Document and update charts and patient information to show findings and treatments
Order tests and consultations for other physicians or healthcare staff to perform
Review test results to identify abnormal findings
Recommend, design, and implement a treatment plan
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 hygienePhysicians and surgeons focus on a particular type of practice. Within their area of focus, they also may specialize or subspecialize. The following are examples of types of physicians and surgeons:
***Anesthesiologists*** focus on the care of surgical patients and on pain relief. They administer drugs (anesthetics) that reduce or eliminate the sensation of pain during an operation or another medical procedure. During surgery, they adjust the amount of anesthetic as needed and monitor the patient's heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and breathing. They also provide pain relief for patients in intensive care, for women in labor, and for patients suffering from chronic pain.
***Cardiologists*** diagnose and treat diseases or conditions of the heart and blood vessels, such as valve problems, high blood pressure, and heart attacks. Cardiologists may work with adults or specialize in pediatrics (typically newborns through age 21). Although they treat many of the same disorders in either population, cardiologists in pediatric care focus on conditions that patients are born with rather than on those that develop later in life.
***Dermatologists*** provide care for diseases relating to the skin, hair, and nails. They treat patients who may have melanoma or other skin cancers. They may offer both medical and surgical dermatology services.
***Emergency medicine physicians*** treat patients in urgent medical situations. These physicians evaluate, care for, and stabilize patients whose illness or injury requires immediate attention. Unlike many other physicians, who often choose to specialize, most emergency medical physicians are generalists.
***Family medicine physicians*** are generalists who address health maintenance and assess and treat conditions that occur in everyday life. These conditions include sinus and respiratory infections, intestinal ailments, and broken bones. Family medicine physicians typically have regular, long-term patients, who may include all members of the same household.
***General internal medicine physicians*** diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a range of problems that affect internal organs and systems such as the stomach, kidneys, liver, and digestive tract. Internists use a variety of diagnostic techniques to treat patients through medication or hospitalization. Their patients are mostly adults. They may specialize, such as in gastroenterology or endocrinology.
***Neurologists*** diagnose and treat those with disorders of the brain and nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and epilepsy. These physicians may specialize in one or more conditions, or they may work as pediatric neurologists to diagnose and manage the care of children with autism, behavioral disorders, or other neurological conditions.
***Obstetricians and gynecologists**(OB/GYNs)*** provide care and counsel to women regarding pregnancy, childbirth, and the female reproductive system. They also diagnose and treat health issues specific to women, such as cervical cancer, ovarian cysts, and symptoms related to menopause.
***Ophthalmologists*** diagnose and treat conditions of the eye. Treatment may include surgery to correct vision problems or to prevent vision loss from glaucoma and other diseases. Ophthalmologists also may fit eyeglasses, prescribe contact lenses, and provide other vision services.
***Orthopedic surgeons*** diagnose and treat conditions of or injuries to the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They may specialize in certain areas of the body, such as the foot and ankle, or in a particular type of practice, such as sports medicine.
***Pathologists*** test body tissue, fluids, and organs and review test results to diagnose diseases. These physicians may choose specializations that include clinical pathology, which focuses on laboratory analysis of bodily fluids, and anatomical pathology, which focuses on examinations of tissue and other samples acquired through autopsy or surgery.
***Pediatricians*** provide care for infants, children, teenagers, and young adults. They specialize in diagnosing and treating problems specific to younger people. Most pediatricians administer vaccinations and treat common illnesses, minor injuries, and infectious diseases. Some pediatricians specialize in serious medical conditions that commonly affect younger patients, such as autoimmune disorders.
***Pediatric surgeons*** diagnose, treat, and manage a variety of disorders and diseases in fetuses, infants, children, and adolescents. These surgeons collaborate with physicians involved in a child’s medical care—including neonatologists, pediatricians, and family medicine physicians—to determine the best treatment options for the child.
***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 psychiatrists helping their clients change behavioral patterns and explore past experiences. Psychoanalysis involves long-term psychotherapy and counseling. Psychiatrists may prescribe medications to correct chemical imbalances that cause some mental illnesses.
***Radiologists*** review and interpret x rays and other medical images, such as ultrasounds, to diagnose injuries or diseases. They may specialize, such as in diagnostic radiology, which involves reviewing images and recommending treatment or additional testing, or in interventional radiology, which includes diagnosing patients and treating them with minimally invasive techniques.
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 choose to work in fields that do not involve patient care, such as medical research or public policy.
 Work Environment
			Physicians and surgeonsSurgeons and anesthesiologists usually work in a sterile environment and must follow protocol to maintain it during procedures.			

	    
				
	
	    	    		Physicians and surgeons held about 816,900 jobs in 2022. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up physicians and surgeons was distributed as follows:
    	    	
    	Physicians, all other
                330,900Family medicine physicians
                108,000General internal medicine physicians
                72,600Anesthesiologists
                40,000Pediatricians, general
                35,900Emergency medicine physicians
                31,300Radiologists
                31,200Psychiatrists
                28,600Surgeons, all other
                26,500Obstetricians and gynecologists
                22,900Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric
                19,400Cardiologists
                18,000Physicians, pathologists
                13,200Ophthalmologists, except pediatric
                12,800Dermatologists
                12,400Neurologists
                12,200Pediatric surgeons
                800Physicians 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.
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

			Physicians and surgeonsPhysicians and surgeons may work in a medical specialty, such as cardiology, dermatology, pathology, or radiology.			
Physicians and surgeons typically need a bachelor’s degree as well as a degree from a medical school, which takes an additional 4 years to complete. Depending on their specialty, they also need 3 to 9 years in internship and residency programs. Subspecialization includes additional training in a fellowship of 1 to 3 years.
Education
In addition to requiring a bachelor’s degree, physicians and surgeons typically need either a Medical Doctor (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. No specific undergraduate degree is required to enter an M.D. or D.O. program, but applicants to medical school usually have studied subjects such as biology, physical science, or healthcare and related fields.
Medical schools are highly competitive. Applicants usually must submit transcripts, scores from the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and letters of recommendation. Medical 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.
Some medical schools offer combined undergraduate and medical school programs that last 6 to 8 years. Schools may also offer combined graduate degrees, such as M.D.-Ph.D., M.D.-MBA, and M.D.-MPH.
Students spend the first phase of medical school in classrooms, small groups, and laboratories, 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 second phase of medical school, students work with patients under the supervision of experienced physicians in hospitals and clinics. They gain experience in diagnosing and treating illnesses through clerkships, or rotations, in a variety of areas, including internal medicine, pediatrics, and surgery.
Training
After medical school, almost all graduates enter a residency program in their specialty of interest. A residency usually takes place in a hospital or clinic and varies in duration, typically lasting from 3 to 9 years, depending on the specialty. Subspecialization, such as infectious diseases or hand surgery, includes additional training in a fellowship of 1 to 3 years.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
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.
Licensure requirements include passing standardized national exams. 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.
Board certification in a specialty 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 9 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 medical certifying board. Examples of certifying boards include the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and the American Board of Physician Specialties(ABPS).
Important Qualities
***Communication skills.*** Physicians and surgeons need to convey information effectively to their patients and to other healthcare workers. They also must be able to dictate or write reports that clearly describe a patient’s medical condition or procedure outcome.
***Compassion.*** Patients who are sick or injured may be in extreme pain or distress. Physicians and surgeons must treat patients and their families with understanding.
***Detail oriented.*** To ensure that patients receive appropriate treatment, including medication, physicians and surgeons must be precise in monitoring them and recording information related to their care.
***Dexterity.*** Physicians and surgeons must be agile and sure handed, especially when working with extremely sharp medical instruments.
***Leadership skills.*** Physicians and surgeons must coordinate with a team of other healthcare workers to manage patient care or direct medical procedures.
***Organizational skills.*** Good recordkeeping and other administrative skills are critical for physicians and surgeons in both medical and business settings.
***Patience.*** Physicians and surgeons must remain calm and tolerant when working with patients who need special attention, such as those who fear or ignore medical treatment.
***Physical stamina.*** Physicians and surgeons may spend many hours on their feet, including walking between patient visits or procedures. Surgeons may spend a great deal of time bending over patients during surgery.
***Problem-solving skills.*** Physicians and surgeons need to evaluate patients’ symptoms to determine appropriate treatment. In some situations, such as emergencies, they may need to analyze and resolve crises quickly.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                   Physicians and SurgeonsMedian annual wages, May 2023Physicians and surgeonsThis wage is equal to or greater than $239,200 per year.  Healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners$98,760  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	



		
	    	
	





			
Wages for physicians and surgeons are among the highest of all occupations, with a median wage equal to or greater than $239,200 per year. Median wages showing the differences in pay between types of physicians and surgeons are not available, but mean (average) annual wages for physicians and surgeons in May 2023 were as follows:
Pediatric Surgeons
$449,320Cardiologists
423,250Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
378,250Radiologists
353,960Surgeons, All Other
343,990Dermatologists
342,860Anesthesiologists
339,470Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
312,120Emergency Medicine Physicians
306,640Obstetricians and Gynecologists
278,660Neurologists
271,470Physicians, pathologists
270,560Psychiatrists
256,930Physicians, all other
248,640General internal medicine physicians
245,450Family medicine physicians
240,790Pediatricians, general
205,860Most 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

   
        
    
          
        
    
               Physicians and SurgeonsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners9%  Total, all occupations3%  Physicians and surgeons3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow				 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
			
			About 24,200 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). Population growth and an increasing number of older adults, who have a higher likelihood than young people of experiencing health problems and of needing complex care, are expected to drive overall employment growth for physician and surgeons.
Growing demand for psychiatric care and improved access to mental health services will contribute to a need for psychiatrists.
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.
			

                        Employment projections data for     physicians and surgeons, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Physicians and surgeons**
			—
			816,900
			841,500
			3
			24,600
			—**Physicians**
			29-1210
			757,400
			780,900
			3
			23,600
			Get data**Anesthesiologists**
			29-1211
			40,000
			41,100
			3
			1,000
			Get data**Cardiologists**
			29-1212
			18,000
			18,600
			3
			600
			Get data**Dermatologists**
			29-1213
			12,400
			12,800
			3
			400
			Get data**Emergency medicine physicians**
			29-1214
			31,300
			32,200
			3
			900
			Get data**Family medicine physicians**
			29-1215
			108,000
			112,000
			4
			4,000
			Get data**General internal medicine physicians**
			29-1216
			72,600
			74,400
			2
			1,800
			Get data**Neurologists**
			29-1217
			12,200
			12,500
			3
			400
			Get data**Obstetricians and gynecologists**
			29-1218
			22,900
			23,400
			2
			500
			Get data**Pediatricians, general**
			29-1221
			35,900
			36,200
			1
			300
			Get data**Physicians, pathologists**
			29-1222
			13,200
			13,900
			5
			600
			Get data**Psychiatrists**
			29-1223
			28,600
			30,500
			7
			1,900
			Get data**Radiologists**
			29-1224
			31,200
			32,400
			4
			1,100
			Get data**Physicians, all other**
			29-1229
			330,900
			341,000
			3
			10,000
			Get data**Surgeons**
			29-1240
			59,600
			60,600
			2
			1,000
			Get data**Ophthalmologists, except pediatric**
			29-1241
			12,800
			13,300
			4
			500
			Get data**Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric**
			29-1242
			19,400
			19,700
			2
			300
			Get data**Pediatric surgeons**
			29-1243
			800
			800
			1
			0
			Get data**Surgeons, all other**
			29-1249
			26,500
			26,800
			1
			200
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Anesthesiologists
					Cardiologists
					Dermatologists
					Emergency medicine physicians
					Family medicine physicians
					General internal medicine physicians
					Neurologists
					Obstetricians and gynecologists
					Ophthalmologists, except pediatric
					Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric
					Pediatric surgeons
					Pediatricians, general
					Physicians, all other
					Physicians, pathologists
					Psychiatrists
					Radiologists
					Surgeons, all other **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of physicians and surgeons. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Chiropractors**
            Chiropractors evaluate and treat patients' neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $76,530**Dentists**
            Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $170,910**Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners**
            Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare.
            Master's degree
            $129,480**Optometrists**
            Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system, including examining eyes and prescribing corrective lenses.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $131,860**Physician Assistants**
            Physician assistants examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician.
            Master's degree
            $130,020**Podiatrists**
            Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $141,650**Registered Nurses**
            Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions.
            Bachelor's degree
            $86,070**Veterinarians**
            Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to protect public health.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $119,100
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about physicians and surgeons, visit
American Medical Association
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 College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American College of Physicians
American College of Surgeons
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
Federation of State Medical Boards
National Board of Medical Examiners
National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners
United States Medical Licensing Examination
CareerOneStop
For a career video on anesthesiologists and other medical specialties, visit
Anesthesiologists
For a career video on family medicine physicians, visit
Family Medicine Physicians
For a career video on general internal medicine physicians, visit
General Internal Medicine Physicians
For a career video on obstetricians and gynecologists, visit
Obstetricians and Gynecologists
For a career video on orthopedic and other surgeons, visit
Orthopedic Surgeons
For a career video on pediatricians, visit
Pediatricians, General

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Allergists and ImmunologistsAnesthesiologistsCardiologistsDermatologistsEmergency Medicine PhysiciansFamily Medicine PhysiciansGeneral Internal Medicine PhysiciansHospitalistsNeurologistsObstetricians and GynecologistsOphthalmologists, Except PediatricOrthopedic Surgeons, Except PediatricPediatric SurgeonsPediatricians, GeneralPhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation PhysiciansPhysicians, All OtherPhysicians, PathologistsPreventive Medicine PhysiciansPsychiatristsRadiologistsSports Medicine PhysiciansSurgeons, All OtherUrologists
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physicians and Surgeons, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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