Top 10 Highest Paid Doctors in India: Salary & Specialties

Are you interested in identifying the most financially rewarding medical specialties in India? As the healthcare sector continues to evolve in 2025, gaining insight into the highest-paid doctors in India is increasingly vital for aspiring medical professionals, students, and practicing physicians contemplating a new specialization. With advancements in medical technology, growing demand for specialized care, and expanding opportunities within the private sector, remuneration for leading doctors is reaching unprecedented levels.

This authoritative guide provides an in-depth analysis of medical disciplines with the most significant earning potential, examining key factors influencing physician salaries, including specialization, experience, geographic location, and type of practice. Whether you are strategizing for NEET preparation, selecting a postgraduate medical course, or seeking information on the most lucrative areas within the medical profession, this resource offers precise and current insights to support well-informed career decisions in India’s dynamic healthcare environment.

Who are the Highest Paid Doctors in India?

The highest paid doctors in India often specialize in fields like neurosurgery, cardiology, and orthopedic surgery. Neurologists & Cardiologists are the highest-paid doctors in India as of 2025, with monthly salaries of approximately 2.5 Lakh.

Salary by Experience Level:

Doctor salaries increase significantly with experience:

Experience	Estimated Salary (INR/year)
0–5 Years	₹6 – ₹10 LPA
5–10 Years	₹12 – ₹25 LPA
10+ Years	₹30 – ₹80+ LPA

Government vs. Private Sector Salaries:

Understanding where you work matters just as much as what you specialize in.

Sector	Salary Range (INR/year)
Government	₹8–₹20 LPA
Private Hospitals	₹10–₹50 LPA or higher

Government roles offer better job security and benefits, while private hospitals offer faster salary growth and performance-based bonuses.

The location of the hospital where the doctors work will also affect the salary range. The table below lists the highest-paid doctors in India, sorted by location.

Ranking	Location of the hospital	Average Annual Salary
1	Delhi	Rs. 13.0 LPA
2	Mumbai	Rs. 8.0 LPA
3	Hyderabad	Rs. 6.2 LPA
4	Bangalore	Rs. 5.0 LPA
5	Kolkata	Rs. 4.8 LPA

Salary Source: Ambitionbox

MBBS vs. Specialist Salaries:

Your level of qualification greatly affects your earning potential.

Degree	Salary (INR/year)
MBBS	₹6–₹10 LPA
MD/MS/DNB	₹12–₹30 LPA
DM/MCH (Super Specialization)	₹25–₹80+ LPA

List of Top 10 Highest Paid Doctors in India

Here is a list of the 10 highest paid doctors in India with their job descriptions, career paths, education qualifications, skills required, and average salaries in India:

1. Neurologists

Neurology is the specialization that deals with the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. A neurologist evaluates neurological symptoms and treats the nervous system. Sometimes, the neurologist also recommends therapy. The importance of the brain makes neurologists one of India’s top 10 highest paid doctors.

• Job Description: The responsibilities include diagnosing and treating patients with neurological diseases.
  
• Career Path: After neurology, paths include neurosurgery, neuropsychiatry, clinical neurophysiology, neurocritical care, neuro-oncology, stroke specialist, academic research, or healthcare administration in neurology departments.
  
• Educational Qualification: MBBS, M.D. (Medicine or Pediatrics) or equivalent DNB course. After UG, a DM in Neurology, a one-year internship, and a residency in neurology.
  
• Skills Needed: Attention to detail, decision-making, remaining calm under pressure, and dexterity.
  
• Average Salary: Rs. 31 LPA.

Read More: Differences Between Neurologist and Neurosurgeon

2. Cardiologist

Cardiologists deal with blood vessels and heart diseases and are considered the highest-paid doctors in India. They specialize in cardiovascular systems and offer help in other specializations as necessary. For example, they can provide consultancy on a patient’s heart. Cardiologists also perform the most critical open-heart surgery, making them one of the highest-earning doctors in India.

• Job Description: The job responsibilities include diagnosing and treating patients with cardiovascular diseases and performing open-heart surgery to replace a heart valve.
  
• Career Path: To become a cardiologist, one typically completes a bachelor’s degree, followed by medical school, residency in internal medicine, and fellowship in cardiology. Certification through exams and licensure is required. Career paths include clinical practice, research, teaching, or hospital administration.
  
• Educational Qualification: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, MBBS degree (any one degree). After UG, a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in general medicine and a Doctorate of Medicine (DM) in cardiology.
  
• Skills Needed: Decision-making, emotional intelligence, time management, and attention to detail.
  
• Average Salary: Rs. 30 LPA.

Read More:

• BSc Cardiology: Course Details, Syllabus and Jobs
• How To Become A Cardiologist In India: A Comprehensive Guide

3. Oncologists

Oncology is a field that studies cancer and its treatment. Oncologists are responsible for conducting medical trials. They are third on the list of the highest-paid doctors in India. Through medical trials on test cases, they create an efficient treatment plan. They are also responsible for their patients from diagnosis to recovery. Oncologists always work with other specializations to provide better treatment.

• Job Description: An oncologist offers treatment for cancer-diagnosed patients. It involves chemotherapy and laser treatment, as per the type of cancer.
  
• Career Path: After oncology, consider roles like cancer research scientist, clinical trial investigator, medical director in healthcare administration, or consultant specializing in oncology.
  
• Educational Qualification: MBBS degree, Doctor of Medicine (MD) in general medicine. After UG, a Doctor of Medicine (DM) in oncology.
  
• Skills Needed: Accurate diagnostic skills, Interpersonal skills, Research skills, and Medical management skills.
  
• Average Salary: Rs. 28.3 LPA.

4. Pulmonologist

Pulmonologists are specialists who take care of the respiratory system. They deal with breathing issues that affect the chest cavity, such as treating asthma. The increase in air pollution levels leads to various cardiopulmonary problems. This prompts pulmonology as one of the highest-paid specialties in India.

• Job Description: A pulmonologist prevents, diagnoses, and treats patients with cardiopulmonary diseases.
  
• Career Path: After pulmonology, consider roles such as critical care specialist, sleep medicine physician, respiratory therapist educator, healthcare administrator, or medical researcher focusing on lung diseases.
  
• Educational Qualification: 5½ years MBBS degree and M.D. (Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine).
  
• Skills Needed: Communication, patience, Attention to detail, and practical assessment.
  
• Average Salary: Rs. 21.5 LPA.

5. ENT Specialist

An ENT Specialist cares for the patient’s nose, ears, and throat. They assess the patients for possible infections and provide relevant medication. They also perform surgeries as necessary and ensure proper recovery.

• Job Description: An ENT Specialist handles the medical conditions associated with ENT.
  
• Career Path: After ENT specialization, consider roles such as head and neck surgeon, facial plastic surgeon, allergy specialist, voice disorder specialist, academic researcher, healthcare administrator, or medical consultant in ENT practices.
  
• Educational Qualification: B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) Anatomy/ Biology/ENT/ M.B.B.S. (any one degree). After UG, an  M.Sc. (Master of Science) Otolaryngology or M.S. (Master of Surgery) Otolaryngology/ Otorhinolaryngology/ ENT. An M.D. (Master of Doctor) in Otolaryngology/ENT is applicable too.
  
• Skills Needed: Dexterity, good vision, eye-to-hand coordination, and organizational ability.
  
• Average Salary: Rs. 21 LPA.

6. General Surgeon

The general surgeon specializes in surgical procedures. They perform surgery with the help of other specializations. They specialize in a wide range of illnesses rather than focusing on a single human system.

• Job Description: General surgeons assess the patients to determine the need for surgery. And they perform surgery on patients if necessary.
  
• Career Path: Options include specializing in surgical subspecialties like vascular, colorectal, or trauma surgery, pursuing surgical oncology, academic surgery, healthcare administration, or medical consultancy in surgical practices.
  
• Educational Qualification: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, MBBS degree (any one degree). After UG, MS in general surgery, and a one-year internship program.
  
• Skills: Leadership, critical thinking, eye-hand coordination, and observation skills.
  
• Average Salary: Rs. 13 LPA.

7. Paediatricians

Paediatrics studies medical conditions associated with babies, children, and young adults. As infants grow, they experience fast physical changes. Therefore, we need pediatricians to maintain the health of all patients, from infants to young adults.

• Job Description: A pediatrician diagnoses and treats the medical conditions of infants, children, and young adults.
  
• Career Path: After pediatrics, consider pediatric subspecialties such as neonatology, pediatric cardiology, pediatric oncology, or pediatric gastroenterology. Other paths include pediatric surgery, pediatric neurology, academic pediatrics, healthcare administration, or global health initiatives focusing on child health.
  
• Educational Qualification: MBBS and M.D. in pediatrics.
  
• Skills Needed: Teamwork, patience, communication, empathy, and good with children.
  
• Average Salary: Rs. 12 LPA.

8. Psychiatrist

Psychiatry is a specialization of medicine that deals with mental illness. It offers treatment for emotional disorders and physical ailments associated with mental illness. Psychiatrists are doctors who practice psychiatry. The recent demand for treating mental illness makes psychiatrists one of the highest-paid doctors in India.

• Job Description: Psychiatrists check a patient for mental illness. They prescribe medications and conduct psychotherapy.
  
• Career Path: After psychiatry, paths include child and adolescent psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, or psychiatric research. Other options are psychiatric hospital administration, telepsychiatry, or consulting in mental health policy and advocacy.
  
• Educational Qualification: Pre-med or a degree in psychology, Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). After a master’s degree, a four-year psychiatry residency, and a year fellowship.
  
• Skills Needed: Communication, perception, logical Reasoning, and empathy.
  
• Average Salary: Rs. 10 LPA.

Read More:

• Key Differences Between Psychiatrists and Psychologists
• India’s Top 10 Highest Paid Doctors in 2025 & What They Do

9. General Physician

General physicians treat many common health issues, provide non-surgical treatment, and often heal injuries. They also offer consultations to patients referred by doctors of other specializations.

• Job Description: The job responsibilities involve conducting check-ups, diagnosing diseases, prescribing medications, and working with healthcare teams.
  
• Career Path: After general practice, paths include specializing in internal medicine, family medicine, emergency medicine, or occupational medicine—other options: healthcare administration, medical education, clinical research, telemedicine, or public health roles.
  
• Educational Qualification: 5.5 years MBBS degree and MD in general medicine.
  
• Skills Needed: Communication, patience, Attention to detail, and practical assessment.
  
• Average Salary: Rs. 7.8 LPA.

10. Dentists

A Dentist, also called a dental surgeon, promotes a patient’s oral health. They advise patients to follow specific routines and offer consultations on dental issues. Visiting a dentist will increase an individual’s oral health.

• Job Description: Dentists assess, diagnose, and treat dental issues. They perform surgeries to fill cavities and clean teeth.
  
• Career Path: After dentistry, consider specializing in orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, or pediatric dentistry. Other paths include academia, dental research, public health dentistry, dental administration, or dental consultancy.
  
• Educational Qualification: Bachelor of Dental Surgery or an MBBS degree. A year of compulsory internship is necessary.
  
• Skills Needed: Dexterity, good vision, eye-to-hand coordination, and organizational ability.
  
• Average Salary: Rs. 3.6 LPA.

Read More:

• How to Become a Dentist: Career in Dentistry
• BDS Course Guide

Essential Skills Required in Medical Career

1. Clinical Skills: The medical profession is a hands-on profession that encompasses physical examinations, medical procedures, and diagnoses based on medical tests.
2. Critical Thinking: When faced with complex medical issues, the physician must carefully analyze information and/or situations to make quick decisions.
3. Attention to Detail: It is essential to monitor relevant information closely concerning patients’ lab results, surgical procedures, or medication administration for patient safety and effective treatment.
4. Communication Skills: This could include empathy and active listening when communicating with patients and their families, as well as the ability to explain complex medical information clearly.

DigiNerve is revolutionizing medical education through its two platforms, DigiOne and DigiNEET. DigiOne is aimed at MBBS students in their early years of study and is delivered through expertly produced videos, quizzes, and mnemonics in all the core pre-clinical subjects. DigiNEET is aimed at postgraduates preparing for their entrance exams. It covers all 19 subjects in detail, including MCQs, mock tests, and GEMS flashcards. Whether strengthening your fundamentals or preparing for an exam, DigiNerve helps students learn smarter and confidently achieve success.

Salary Trends and Insights 

The medical profession in India is undergoing major changes in salary structures, shaped by economic trends, rising healthcare needs, and rapid technological progress.

1. Technological Advancements: Institutions adopting advanced medical technologies, especially in areas like cardiology, oncology, and neurosurgery, often provide higher pay to specialists with the right expertise.
2. Economic Factors: Inflation and cost-of-living adjustments lead to regular salary revisions in both public and private hospitals.
3. Healthcare Demand: With growing patient needs, hospitals offer competitive packages to attract and retain top medical talent.

Hospital-Wise Salary Comparison After Residency

Hospital	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai	₹8.4 lakhs
AIIMS, Delhi	₹9.8 lakhs
Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi	₹9.5 lakhs
Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon	₹10 lakhs
Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai	₹8.7 lakhs
Fortis Hospital, Bangalore	₹9.2 lakhs
Christian Medical College, Vellore	₹7.9 lakhs
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi	₹9.3 lakhs

Note: Salaries vary depending on specialization, experience, and hospital location.

Doctor Salaries in India by Degree Program

Category	Average Annual Salary (INR)
MBBS Graduates	₹4 – ₹7.5 lakhs
MD Physicians	₹9 – ₹30 lakhs
MS Surgeons	₹6 – ₹9 lakhs
Junior Residents	₹60,000 – ₹90,000 per month
Senior Doctors (Private)	Up to ₹18.4 lakhs

Doctor Salaries in India 2025 by Specialization

Specialization	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Cardiologist	₹15 – ₹60 lakhs
Neurologist	₹12 – ₹40 lakhs
Oncologist	₹20 – ₹70 lakhs
Pediatrician	₹8 – ₹30 lakhs
Orthopedic Surgeon	₹15 – ₹50 lakhs

Note: Salaries depend on experience, location, and whether doctors work in public or private healthcare settings.

Who has the Highest Salary in Medical Field?

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil is the richest doctor in India and the founder of VPS Healthcare, a global healthcare group. As a doctor specializing in radiology, he started his business in Abu Dhabi and expanded it throughout the Middle East, India, and Europe. With a net worth valued at over $3 billion, he changed the way private healthcare is delivered, and is well-known for his philanthropy. He is the ultimate example of the best wealth generation that can be achieved in the healthcare industry.

Conclusion

Examining India’s highest-paying medical careers highlights the substantial financial benefits and the significant dedication, advanced training, and expertise necessary to attain these elite roles. Specializations such as neurosurgery, cardiology, and orthopedics offer considerable earning potential; however, they require extensive education, practical experience, and a commitment to continuous professional development.

Recognizing that a high salary represents only one facet of a rewarding medical career is essential. Selecting a specialization aligned with your interests, strengths, and long-term objectives is essential for professional success and personal fulfillment. Staying informed about industry advancements, seeking mentorship, and actively engaging in ongoing skill enhancement will optimize your prospects within India’s dynamic healthcare sector. With appropriate preparation and a focused mindset, you can secure financial stability while making a profound difference in patient care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)