Top 10 Highest Paid Doctors in India: Specialties & Salaries (2025)

In India, a doctor is considered one of the highest-paid professionals, offering not only financial security but also the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on society. The earning potential of doctors varies significantly based on specialization, experience, training, and the healthcare sector they work in.

India’s healthcare industry is undergoing rapid expansion, projected to grow from ₹30.7 lakh crore ($370 billion) in 2022 to over ₹50.7 lakh crore ($610 billion) by 2026. This surge is fueled by rising demand for high-quality, specialized medical services and advanced healthcare infrastructure.

Among the top earners in the medical field are specialists in complex and high-responsibility domains. Medical specializations such as neurosurgery, cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, urology, radiology, and plastic surgery offer some of the most lucrative career paths. These specialties require advanced expertise and often involve critical decision-making in patient care, making them both professionally and financially rewarding.

Certain disciplines particularly stand out – neurosurgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons, and orthopedic surgeons consistently top the salary charts. Other well-compensated fields include cardiology, plastic surgery, and gastroenterology. However, earnings can vary widely depending on experience, geographic location, and whether one practices in the public or private sector.

Do you know which doctor earns the most in India? Let’s explore the highest-paying medical specializations in the country.

Who are the Highest Paid Doctors in India?

Want to know which doctor has the highest salary in India per Annum? Below is the list of India’s highest-paid doctors in terms of their specializations and salary ranges.

Rank	Specialization	Average Salary (Rs. LPA)	Responsibilities
1	Neurologist	31 LPA	Diagnosing and treating nervous system disorders, including brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
2	Cardiologist	30 LPA	Diagnosing and treating heart conditions, performing angiograms, and advising on heart health.
3	Oncologist	28.3 LPA	Diagnosing, treating, and managing cancer patients’ care and treatment plans.
4	Pulmonologist	21.5 LPA	Diagnosing and treating lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, and pneumonia, and managing respiratory health.
5	ENT Specialist	21 LPA	Diagnosing and treating ear, nose, and throat conditions, including allergies, infections, and hearing problems.
6	General Surgeon	13 LPA	Performing surgeries, diagnosing conditions, and providing pre- and post-operative care.
7	Pediatrician	12 LPA	Diagnosing and managing medical conditions in infants, children, and adolescents, and providing preventive care.
8	Psychiatrist	10 LPA	Diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health disorders through therapy and medications.
9	General Physician	7.8 LPA	Diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of medical conditions and providing preventive care.
10	Dentist	3.6 LPA	Diagnosing, treating, and preventing teeth, gums, and mouth diseases.

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.

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

Doctors in many specialties contributing to India’s economic development, including neurology, cardiology, orthopedics, and oncology, have some of the highest salaries in the world. Due to the complexity and very nature of what they do, doctors in these specialties are compensated as specialists along a continuum of training with many years of preparation and measured worth, in addition to developing their role with time and ongoing effort. As the healthcare sector grows, the demand for skilled specialists will likely expand exponentially, making career paths in these specialty areas professionally rewarding and financially lucrative for aspiring medical practitioners.

There are a few steps to becoming one of the highest-paid medical professionals in India, including specialization, experience, and being in the right city, hospital, or sector. The healthcare field has continued to grow exponentially over the years and now is great time to grow your career in a medical field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)