Top 10 Highest Paying Countries for Doctors in 2025

Kritika Pandey

7 min read

Updated On Aug 5, 2025

Top 10 Highest Paying Countries for Doctors in 2025

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Top 10 Highest-Paying Countries for Doctors in 2025 Overview
1. Switzerland
2. United States
3. Luxembourg
4. Bermuda
5. Australia
6. Iceland
7. Denmark
8. Germany
9. UAE
10. Canada
Elevate Your Doctor Career with GetGIS Assistance

The list of the top 10 highest paying countries for doctors in 2025 cannot be complete without the United States, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. If you have spent years becoming a doctor, it is only fair to land a job that rewards you well. Whether you are a specialist or general practitioner, the gap in physician salaries across the world might surprise you. Some countries even offer better tax benefits and work-life balance while offering a high salary. So, if you are ready to make a career move, here’s what you need to know.

Top 10 Highest-Paying Countries for Doctors in 2025 Overview

In 2025, Switzerland, the United States, and Luxembourg are offering average annual salaries exceeding USD 240,000, while other nations like Australia, Iceland, and Canada remain competitive with robust pay scales. Here is the overview of countries for the top 10 highest-paying countries for doctors, along with their average annual salary:

Rank	Country	Average Annual Salary (USD)
1	Switzerland	264,055-388,600
2	United States	261,226-316,000
3	Luxembourg	241,761
4	Bermuda	232,467
5	Australia	201,744
6	Iceland	192,373
7	Denmark	189,770
8	Germany	183,000
9	UAE	180,000
10	Canada	174,087

1. Switzerland

Among all the countries, Switzerland tops the list not just for doctors but also for other healthcare-related professionals. The country is known for its highly developed healthcare system and high standards of living. The only thing you would need is a Swiss work permit, which is easy once you meet all the requirements. Moreover, many training programs are available for healthcare professionals to familiarise themselves with the work culture in Switzerland after moving in.

Switzerland's focus on continuous professional development makes it an attractive destination for medical practitioners looking to enhance their skills while earning top-tier salaries. Overall, Switzerland is a perfect work destination with many opportunities for doctors from India.

Experience Level	Annual Salary (CHF)	Notes
Entry-level	110,000 - 154,768	Typical for junior doctors; some sources cite up to CHF 130,000.
Experienced	140,000 - 200,000+	Most experienced, employed specialists can exceed CHF 140,000.
Highly Specialized	200,000 - 500,000+	Employed medical specialists average CHF 200,000; top earners higher.
Self-employed Specialist	320,000 - 640,000	Average CHF 320,000; peaks up to CHF 640,000 for top self-employed

2. United States

The US has consistently been ranking high in major fields like neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons, earning upwards of USD 400,000 annually. The high salaries are driven by a private healthcare system, high patient volume, and strong demand for specialised medical care.

Experience Level	Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-level (Resident)	60,000-75,000	Typical for doctors in residency training.
Entry-level (General)	165,000-185,000	For new MD/MBBS holders starting practice.
Experienced (General)	230,000-250,000	Average for practicing physicians varies by speciality and location.
Highly Experienced	250,000 - 340,000	Senior doctors, specialists, or those with advanced degrees.
Top Range (Specialist)	400,000 - 1,000,000+	Neurosurgeons, cardiologists, and top specialists; neurosurgeons can exceed $800,000

Also Read: US Healthcare System: Crucial Guide for Immigrants in 2025

3. Luxembourg

Luxembourg is third on our list of highest-paying countries for doctors. It is among the wealthiest countries in Europe, with a thriving healthcare sector. Additionally, Luxembourg is home to some of the most prestigious medical universities, which clearly means you get the opportunity to pursue higher medical studies.

Experience Level	Annual Salary (EUR)	Other Factors
Entry-level (0-2 yrs)	79,600 - 87,760	Recent graduates, junior doctors.
Early Career (2-5 yrs)	119,020
Mid Career (5-10 yrs)	154,700
Experienced (10-15 yrs)	187,300
Senior (15-20 yrs)	205,700
Top Range (20+ yrs)	214,000 - 228,000+	Highly experienced specialists can earn at the upper end.
Average (All Levels)	151,800	National average across all experience levels

4. Bermuda

Coming in at number 4 is Bermuda, an attractive destination for doctors offering opportunities in primary care and specialist roles, with competitive, tax-free salaries. The average base pay for doctors is around $159,000-$160,000, with total compensation (including bonuses) typically reaching $234,000-$240,000 per year

Experience Level	Annual Salary (BMD/USD)	Other Factors
Entry-level	160,000 - 200,000	Junior doctors and general practitioners are at the lower end of the range.
Average (General/Family Doctor)	234,115 - 240,589	Most doctors fall within this range; it includes the average bonus.
Experienced/Specialist	240,000 - 270,000+	Highly experienced or specialised physicians.
Top Range	270,000 - 320,000	Senior consultants, in-demand specialists, or those with private practices.

5. Australia

Australia is an enduring favourite for doctors going to work overseas for several reasons. From increasing job opportunities for doctors and higher salaries to simple immigration processes and high quality of life, there are many reasons why the migration of healthcare workers to the United States is gaining huge momentum.

Over the last few years, a growing number of hospitals and healthcare companies in the US have started hiring doctors from all over the world. That being said, getting a job overseas as a doctor is fairly easy if you have the required skills, qualifications, and expertise.

Experience Level	Annual Salary (USD)	Other Factors
Entry-level	130,000 - 185,000	Most fresh medical graduates start around $130,000; new MD/MBBS holders can earn up to $185,000 depending on specialty and location.
Experienced	220,000 - 270,000+	Physicians with experience and specialization typically earn over $220,000; some specialists start at $250,000 or more.
Top Range	290,000 - 400,000+	Highly experienced specialists and surgeons can earn $290,000 to $400,000+; neurosurgeons and top specialists may exceed $800,000.

6. Iceland

In Iceland, entry-level doctors usually earn between USD 130,000 and USD 185,000 annually, with more fresh medical graduates starting at the lower end of this range and new MD/MBBS holders reaching higher figures depending on speciality and location. As doctors gain experience, their earnings increase significantly, with experienced physicians making USD 220,000 to $270,000, particularly in specialised fields where starting salaries can exceed USD 250,000.

Experience Level	Annual Salary (USD)	Other Factors
Entry-level	130,000 - 185,000	Most fresh medical graduates start around $130,000; new MD/MBBS holders can earn up to $185,000 depending on speciality and location.
Experienced	220,000 - 270,000	Physicians with experience and specialization typically earn over $220,000; some specialists start at $250,000 or more.
Top Range	290,000 - 400,000+	Highly experienced specialists and surgeons can earn $290,000 to $400,000+; neurosurgeons and top specialists may exceed $400,000, though outliers above this are rare in Iceland

Also Read: Nurse Salary in Australia in 2025

7. Denmark

In Denmark, physician salaries are offered based on factors like experience, specialisation, and sector.

Entry-level doctors earn between USD 85,000 and USD 110,000, with newly qualified physicians starting at the lower end and those in specialised fields or urban hospitals earning more. With experience, salary increases get a hike, with mid-career doctors making USD 140,000 to USD 190,000, particularly in high-demand specialities.

Experience Level	Annual Salary (USD)	Other Factors
Entry-level	85,000 - 110,000	Most newly qualified doctors start at the lower end; salary varies by speciality, location, and public/private sector.
Experienced	140,000-190,000	Physicians with several years of experience and specialisation typically earn in this range.
Top Range	200,000-250,000+	Highly experienced specialists and consultants can earn $200,000 to $250,000 or more; outliers possible in rare cases

8. Germany

In Germany, entry-level doctors with less than one year of experience typically earn around USD 67,000, increasing slightly to USD 71,000 after one to two years.

As doctors gain experience, salaries also rise; those with 3-5 years of practice earn around USD 87,000, while physicians with 6-10 years of experience earn approximately USD 111,000.

Experience Level	Annual Salary (USD)	Other Factors
Entry-level	67,000 - 72,000	Doctors with less than 1 year of experience typically earn €62,000 (~$67,000); 1-2 years: €65,250 (~$71,000).
Experienced	87,000 - 111,000	3-5 years: €80,500 (~$87,000); 6-10 years: €102,000 ($111,000).
Top Range	133,000+	More than 10 years: €121,750 ($133,000) annually.
Average Salary	155,531	Average across all doctors and specialties in Germany

9. UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers competitive salaries for doctors, as the earnings vary based on factors like experience and whether the sector they work in is public or private.

In the UAE, Expatriate physicians, who make up a large portion of the medical workforce, often receive tax-free incomes along with benefits such as housing allowances, health insurance, and education allowances for dependents.

Experience Level	Annual Salary (AED)	Annual Salary (USD)	Other Factors
Entry-level	156,000 - 432,000	42,500 - 117,700	Most new MBBS/MD holders; salaries vary by specialty, sector, and location. Abu Dhabi and Dubai ranges overlap.
Experienced	480,000 - 1,080,000	130,700 - 294,000	Experienced GPs and specialists; GPs average around AED 484,440/year in Dubai. Consultants and specialists earn more.
Top Range	984,000 - 1,320,000+	268,000 - 360,000+	Senior consultants, top specialists, and surgeons; some super-specialists may exceed AED 1.3 million/year.
Specialist Doctor	599,400	163,200	Average for specialist doctors in Dubai.
Average Salary	683,856 - 773,616	186,200 - 210,800	Average for all doctors in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, based on recent job market data.

10. Canada

Canada is also an ideal destination if you want to be a doctor. In Canada, the salary of a doctor varies widely depending on, obviously, experience and also province, with doctors earning some of the highest incomes in the country. Besides, Canada’s healthcare system supports values, collaboration, and innovation, providing doctors with the liberty of utilising research and technology.

Experience Level	Annual Salary (CAD)	Annual Salary (USD)	Other Factors
Entry-level	146,700 - 165,000	107,000 - 120,000	0-2 years; entry-level doctors employed by hospitals start at the lower end.
Early Career	163,800 - 218,100	120,000 - 160,000	2-5 years; salary increases with experience and may vary by province and practice setting.
Mid-career	218,100 - 325,300	160,000 - 240,000	5-10 years; includes most general practitioners and some specialists.
Experienced	325,300 - 430,500	240,000-320,000	10-20 years; experienced and specialized doctors, including some consultants.
Top Range	430,500 - 800,000+	320,000 - 600,000+	Senior specialists and surgeons (e.g., neurosurgeons, cardiologists, ophthalmologists).
Average Salary	200,000 - 340,000	150,000 - 255,000	Average across all doctors and specialties in Canada.

Also Read: Healthcare System in Canada: Guide for Indian Immigrants

Elevate Your Doctor Career with GetGIS Assistance

Whether you are looking for an exciting new adventure or simply want to earn a good salary, be sure to check out our list of the top 10 highest-paying countries for Doctors. And, if you want to work as the highest-paid doctors in the world, GetGIS could be your assistance partner.

Our dedicated immigration experts specialise in helping navigate visa processes, licensing requirements, and job placements in top-paying countries like Canada, the U.S., Australia, and more. From securing the right work permits to connecting you with leading healthcare employers, we provide end-to-end support for a seamless transition.

Our immigration experts can help you immigrate to the country that is most suitable for you and can even help you get a job! Book a free consultation today and work in your dream country!

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