Core Insights - The average starting salary for physicians is $403,000, with orthopedic surgeons earning the highest at $576,000 and pediatricians the lowest at $258,000 [1][2][3] Salary Trends - Specialists, particularly orthopedic surgeons, gastroenterologists ($552,000), urologists ($521,000), radiologists ($500,000), and hematologists/oncologists ($490,000), command the highest starting salaries [2][3] - The average starting salary for otolaryngologists increased by 36% from $358,000 to $487,000, while cardiologists saw a 19% increase from $396,000 to $470,000, and hematologists/oncologists increased by 10% from $444,000 to $490,000 [4] Demand for Healthcare Professionals - There is a strong demand for specialists driven by the growing senior citizen population, leading to high starting salary offers [3] - The five specialties with the most demand are hematologists/oncologists, gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, and radiologists, although job prospects are abundant across all medical specialties [5][6] Nurse Practitioners (NPs) Salary Insights - The average starting salary for NPs is $180,000, reflecting a 9.6% increase from $164,000 in 2024 [5] Additional Compensation - Physicians are offered an average signing bonus of $38,315 (up 23% from $31,103), a relocation allowance of $12,619 (up 12% from $11,284), and a continuing medical education allowance of $4,073 (up 3% from $3,969) [6][7] - The combined average of signing bonuses, relocation, and CME allowances totals $58,854, in addition to the average starting salary of $403,000 [7] Report Overview - The data is based on a representative sample of 1,420 search engagements conducted by AMN Healthcare from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025 [8]