The USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) is an essential exam for anyone who wishes to practice medicine in the United States. After successfully passing the USMLE, medical professionals can begin their residency and eventually secure full-time employment as licensed physicians. Many aspiring doctors are curious about the salary they can expect after passing the USMLE. So, what is the salary after USMLE? While the salary varies based on multiple factors such as specialty, location, and experience, the financial rewards can be significant. In this blog, we will explore the salary during residency, salary after USMLE as a fully licensed physician, and other financial aspects such as bonuses and additional income.
A Comprehensive Guide to Medical Salaries in the U.S. After Certification
After passing the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination), doctors typically embark on their journey as medical residents in the U.S. Residency programs offer hands-on training and are a crucial step in building a medical career. What is the salary after USMLE? It largely depends on several factors, including the medical specialty, location, and work setting.
Salary During Residency: The Early Years
Salary During Residency typically refers to the earnings of medical professionals during their years of training in hospitals. For most residents, the salary begins at around $50,000 to $60,000 (₹4,150,000 to ₹4,980,000) per year, depending on the location of the residency program. What is the salary after USMLE during residency can also vary based on the program’s prestige and geographical location. Generally, the salary during these years is relatively low compared to what an attending physician earns, but it steadily increases each year of residency.
- First-Year Residents – Starting salaries for first-year residents generally range from $50,000 to $60,000 (₹4,150,000 to ₹4,980,000). These figures are subject to the location and specialty.
- Second-Year Residents – By the second year, a resident may earn between $55,000 to $65,000 (₹4,565,000 to ₹5,395,000) annually.
- Senior Residents – Senior residents in their fourth or fifth year can expect to make anywhere from $60,000 to $75,000 (₹4,980,000 to ₹6,225,000).
While the salary after passing USMLE during residency isn’t high, it’s an essential part of the path toward becoming a fully licensed physician with higher earning potential.
Salary After USMLE for Licensed Physicians
Once a doctor completes their residency and becomes an attending physician, their salary can see a significant boost. The average salary of attending physicians can vary widely, but it generally ranges from $150,000 to $400,000 (₹12,450,000 to ₹33,200,000) per year, depending on the specialty.
What is the salary after USMLE as a fully licensed physician is impacted by the following factors:
- Specialty – Surgeons and cardiologists, for example, can earn higher salaries compared to general practitioners.
- Location – Cities with a higher cost of living may offer higher salaries.
- Experience – Doctors with more experience can command higher salaries.
A specialist in a field like orthopedics or dermatology can often earn a significantly higher salary than general practitioners, making specialty choices a critical factor in determining long-term earnings.
Bonuses and Additional Income
In addition to the base salary, doctors can earn substantial bonuses and additional income. These may include:
- Signing Bonuses – Some employers offer signing bonuses to attract highly qualified candidates.
- Performance Bonuses – Doctors can receive bonuses based on the number of patients treated, surgeries performed, or overall hospital performance.
- Overtime – If a doctor works extra hours or weekends, they may be entitled to additional pay for those hours.
As a physician becomes more established in their career, additional forms of income such as consulting, speaking engagements, or even involvement in academic research can increase their earnings.
Long-Term Earning Potential and Career Growth
The salary after USMLE continues to grow as doctors move through their careers. Doctors have the opportunity to earn more as they gain experience and take on more responsibilities. For those in private practice vs. hospital employment, the financial landscape can differ. What is the salary after USMLE? It varies depending on factors like specialization, location, and the type of employment, with private practice potentially offering higher earnings compared to hospital employment.
- Private Practice: Doctors who own or manage their private practices can earn more, but they must also cover overhead costs.
- Hospital Employment: Salaries in hospitals may be slightly lower but come with benefits like job stability and healthcare coverage.
- Academic Medicine and Research: While salaries in academic roles may be lower than in private practice, doctors who engage in research or teach can still earn competitive wages, especially with tenure.
Additional Benefits
In addition to their salaries, doctors often enjoy additional benefits such as:
- Health Insurance – Most employers provide extensive health coverage.
- Retirement Plans – Doctors are often eligible for retirement plans like 401(k)s, with matching contributions.
- Paid Time Off – Medical professionals often enjoy generous vacation and sick leave policies.
These benefits can make a significant difference in the overall compensation package for doctors after passing the USMLE.
Medical Doctor Salary in USA Highlights
- Salary During Residency: $50,000 – $65,000 (₹4,150,000 to ₹5,395,000) annually
- Salary after USMLE as Fully Licensed Physician: $200,000 – $400,000 (₹16,600,000 to ₹33,200,000) annually, depending on specialty and location
- Bonuses and Additional Income: Performance-based bonuses, profit sharing, relocation bonuses
- Long-Term Earnings: Significant growth potential, especially in private practice and specialized fields
- Additional Benefits: Health insurance, retirement contributions, malpractice insurance, CME funding
Top 10 Highest-Paid Doctors in USA 2025
Some of the highest-paying medical specialties include:
- Orthopedic Surgeons
- Cardiologists
- Dermatologists
- Anesthesiologists
- Plastic Surgeons
- Radiologists
- Neurosurgeons
- Gastroenterologists
- Oncologists
- Ophthalmologists
Each of these specialties offers higher-than-average salaries for doctors, providing ample earning opportunities after passing the USMLE.
How Much Does a USMLE Doctor Earn?
- Starting Salary: $50,000 – $65,000 (₹4,150,000 to ₹5,395,000) during residency
- Post-Residency Salary: $200,000 – $400,000 (₹16,600,000 to ₹33,200,000)
- Specialty-based Variations: Surgeons and specialists earn more than general practitioners
- Bonuses: Performance-based and patient volume bonuses
- Long-Term Earnings: Private practice offers higher earning potential, but at higher risk
Conclusion
In conclusion, what is the salary after USMLE varies widely depending on the stage of a medical career. During residency, doctors earn a modest salary that increases as they progress to fully licensed physician roles. With the right specialty and experience, physicians can enjoy significant financial rewards, with salaries often surpassing $200,000 (₹16,600,000) annually. Additional income from bonuses, private practice, and academic work can further enhance earning potential. The USMLE opens doors to a rewarding career in medicine, both financially and professionally.
