Cardiologists now earn more than radiologists or plastic surgeons
Cardiologists in the United States earn an average annual income of $575,000, according to a new report published by Medscape. That represents an increase of 10% compared to the previous year, when cardiologists received an annual income of $520,000.
The average annual income for all physicians increased just 3% during that same time, highlighting how positive these numbers are for the field of cardiology.
The 2026 Medscape Physician Compensation Report included survey responses from nearly 6,000 U.S. physicians representing dozens of different specialties. Data were provided from September to December 2025, and all compensation figures represent what that physician earned in 2025.
Overall, the average annual income for U.S. physicians in 2025 was $386,000. The average for all primary care physicians (PCPs) was $298,000, and the average for all specialists was $417,000.
With its annual income of $575,000, cardiology ranked No. 2 among all healthcare specialties. The only other specialty that averaged higher earnings in 2025 was orthopedics/orthopedic surgery ($611,000). Meanwhile, radiology came in at No. 3 ($571,000) and plastic surgery came in at No. 4 ($554,000).
“I absolutely am not surprised that orthopedics, cardiology and radiology are at the top of this list, based on the supply of practitioners nationally and demand for procedures,” Angie Caldwell, a Florida-based principal with PYA Accountants and Advisors, said within the report. “I think more medical students will go into these specialties and others, not only because of the compensationm, but based on the impact of research and technology on that specialty as well.”
In last year’s Medscape report, cardiology earned less than radiology or plastic surgery. Now, however, cardiologists appear to out earn physicians from those specialties.
Other quick takeaways from new compensation data:
- Cardiologists saw the most significant increase in compensation from 2024 to 2025
- Just 53% of physicians feel they are paid fairly
- Men still earn significantly more than women; this is true for both PCPs and specialists.
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The cardiologist shortage continues
It is common knowledge by now that the U.S. is in the middle of a substantial cardiologist shortage. Patients are living longer, which means they require more care, and older cardiologists are retiring at a rapid rate.
Could the increased earnings seen in this report help cardiology slowly move past this ongoing shortage? Only time will tell.
Michael has more than 19 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.