While MD (Doctor of Medicine) physicians tend to earn higher salaries overall, the determining factor for a physician's income is primarily their chosen medical specialty, rather than whether they hold a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) or MD degree.
Understanding Physician Salaries: Degree vs. Specialty
A physician's salary depends significantly more on their chosen specialty than on the specific medical degree they possess. MD physicians are often more likely to achieve higher salaries on average. This general trend exists because a greater proportion of allopathic (MD) medical school graduates tend to specialize in and pursue some of the most lucrative fields in medicine.
Both DO and MD degrees qualify individuals to become fully licensed physicians who can practice in all specialties, perform surgeries, and prescribe medications. The core medical training is largely similar, and both paths lead to equally competent and respected professionals.
Why Specialty Matters Most
The medical field offers a wide range of specialties, each with different demands, responsibilities, and, consequently, compensation levels. High-paying specialties typically involve complex procedures, advanced training, and high demand.
Common examples of high-earning medical specialties include:
- Surgical Specialties: Orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, and general surgery.
- Procedure-Oriented Specialties: Anesthesiology, cardiology (interventional), radiology, and gastroenterology.
- Other High-Demand Specialties: Oncology, dermatology, and emergency medicine.
In contrast, primary care specialties like family medicine, pediatrics, and general internal medicine, while critically important, generally have lower average salaries. This difference in specialization choices is the main driver behind any observed salary discrepancies between MDs and DOs on a broad scale. If a DO and an MD enter the same specialty and work in similar settings, their earning potential is largely comparable.
Illustrative Average Physician Salaries by Specialty
The following table provides illustrative average salaries for various medical specialties. It demonstrates how compensation is linked to the specialty itself, rather than solely the physician's degree type.
| Specialty | Average Salary (Example) | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Orthopedic Surgery | $624,000 | High earnings regardless of degree type |
| Anesthesiology | $472,000 | High earnings regardless of degree type |
| Cardiology | $507,000 | Similar potential for both DOs and MDs |
| Radiology | $494,000 | Similar potential for both DOs and MDs |
| Family Medicine | $255,000 | Similar for primary care regardless of degree |
| Pediatrics | $251,000 | Similar for primary care regardless of degree |
Note: These figures are average examples and can vary significantly based on geographic location, years of experience, practice setting, and specific sub-specialization. Data is illustrative based on recent physician compensation reports. For more detailed salary information, reputable sources like the Medscape Physician Compensation Report or Doximity Physician Compensation Report provide comprehensive insights.
Factors Beyond Degree Influencing Income
Several other crucial factors, beyond the type of medical degree, significantly influence a physician's income:
- Specialization: As highlighted, this is the primary determinant.
- Geographic Location: Salaries can vary widely by state, city, and whether the practice is in an urban, suburban, or rural area due to demand and cost of living differences.
- Years of Experience: Physicians typically earn more as they gain experience and establish their practice.
- Practice Type: Compensation can differ between hospital-employed physicians, those in private practice, academic medicine, or government roles.
- Work Hours and Patient Volume: More demanding schedules or higher patient volumes can lead to increased earnings.
- Negotiation Skills: A physician's ability to negotiate their compensation package plays a role.
In conclusion, while MDs may show a statistical edge in overall earnings, this is largely a reflection of specialty choice trends. Both DOs and MDs are highly qualified physicians with the potential to earn substantial incomes, with the specific medical field they enter being the most significant factor.
