Doctors remain the backbone of our society, bearing the weight of diagnosing illnesses, administering treatments, performing surgeries, and advancing medical research. Their relentless commitment and expertise have shone brightly during the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The medical profession, renowned for its prestige, also boasts a reputation for financial rewards. It’s vital to acknowledge that the compensation for doctors in India can vary significantly, influenced by several factors including years of experience, specialized field, and geographical location. Both aspiring medical practitioners and those seeking insights into the financial aspects of this esteemed vocation should gain insight into the current landscape of doctor salaries in India.
This article endeavors to provide a comprehensive glimpse into doctor salaries in India while shedding light on the typical incomes associated with various medical specialties. By scrutinizing these compensation trends, we aim to uncover the financial prospects that doctors can anticipate across different specialties and regions of the country.
Doctor’s Salary – Overview
Doctors in India, owing to their proficiency in the medical realm, command significant respect and financial compensation. Families across India often aspire for their children to pursue careers that demand specialized education, such as engineering or medicine. The average income for medical professionals embarking on their careers with an MBBS degree in 2024 hovers around INR 5.04 lakhs annually.
However, as doctors accumulate experience, their income potential increases substantially. Seasoned physicians in India can expect to earn anywhere between INR 12.5 to 18.4 lakhs annually, with doctors in private hospitals potentially earning well over INR 1 lakh per month.
For doctors in India holding an MBBS degree and possessing 4-5 years of experience, the typical salary range falls between INR 4 lakhs to 7.50 lakhs. After garnering 5 to 7 years of experience, doctors with advanced degrees like MS or MD can earn up to INR 10 lakhs per annum. Surgeons, gynecologists, and prosthodontists are recognized as the highest-paid physicians in India, commanding average annual salaries of INR 1.91 crore, INR 1.77 crore, and INR 1.67 crore, respectively, in various medical specialties.
Average Salary of Doctor in India
The average annual income across various roles and positions stands at approximately Rs 9.6 lakhs in 2024. Specialist doctors lead the earnings chart, boasting an average annual salary of Rs 18.4 lakhs. Non-medical professionals such as solution architects, product engineering specialists, and blockchain technology experts closely trail behind, with earnings ranging from Rs 15.1 lakhs to Rs 14.6 lakhs.
According to recent surveys, Bangalore takes the lead as the highest-paying city in India, with the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries renowned for offering attractive compensation packages to professionals.
Doctor salaries can significantly fluctuate based on the city. For instance, in Mumbai, doctors can earn anywhere from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 3 lakhs per month, with government hospitals typically offering lower salaries starting at Rs. 25,000 per month for MBBS doctors, while the private sector offers a range of Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000.
MS/MD Doctor Salary in India
To comprehend the salary of a licensed MD or MS in 2024, it’s imperative to grasp the distinctions between these medical professions.
Recent reports affirm that physicians and medical professionals continue to command the highest salaries in India due to the increasing demand for specialists and research and development expertise.
Salary of Doctor in India – Based on the Hospital they work!
Across India’s expansive landscape, a vast network of healthcare institutions caters to the diverse population. These healthcare establishments, spread across multiple states and cities, tend to the healthcare needs of millions of people, ranging from bustling urban centers to remote rural areas. The presence of such an extensive healthcare infrastructure underscores the concerted efforts to ensure accessible healthcare services nationwide.
Below is a table showcasing the average annual salaries of doctors in various hospitals across India in 2024 –
| Name of the Hospitals | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai | 8.4 L |
| Sankara Netralaya, Chennai | 9 L |
| Fortis Hospital, Kolkata | 9.5 L |
| AIIMS, Delhi | 9.8 L |
| Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi | 11 L |
| Christian Medical College, Vellore | 12 L |
| PGIMER, Chandigarh | 12.3 L |
| Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai | 13.4 L |
| JIPMER, Pondicherry | 14.4 L |
| Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai | 18 L |
Doctor Salary in India – Based on their Specialization!
| Specializations | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Cardiologist | Rs. 14.70 LPA |
| Dentists | Rs. 7.7 LPA |
| ENT Specialist | Rs. 9.6 LPA |
| General Physician | Rs. 7.10 LPA |
| Neurologists | Rs. 11.64 LPA |
| Oncologists | Rs. 9.45 LPA |
| Pediatricians | Rs. 9.60 LPA |
| Psychiatrists | Rs. 15.51 LPA |
The table given below depicts the salaries of the doctors in their respective field of specialization.
Salary of Doctor in India – Based on their qualification!
In 2024, doctor incomes in India can differ significantly based on their qualifications, spanning undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Here’s a broad overview:
- Undergraduate (MBBS) Degree:
- Starting Salary (Government Sector): Around Rs. 25,000 per month.
- Starting Salary (Private Sector): Range of Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000 per month.
- Postgraduate (MD/MS) Degree:
- Salary Range: Varied based on specialization, experience, and sector (government or private).
- MD/MS-qualified doctors in the private sector generally earn higher salaries compared to the government sector.
However the table given below presents in detail, the salary of doctor in India based on their qualification
Salary of Doctor in India – Based on the Cities they work in!
The average pay of doctors in India can vary significantly across different cities due to factors such as regional cost of living, healthcare infrastructure, and demand for medical services.
In 2024, here’s an overview of average doctor salaries in some major Indian cities:
| Name of the Cities | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Bangalore | Rs. 13.92 lakh |
| Delhi | Rs. 16.83 lakh |
| Hyderabad | Rs. 18.8 lakh |
| Kolkata | Rs. 14 lakh |
| Mumbai | Rs. 25.3 lakh |
FAQs about Doctor Salaries in India in 2024:
Q: What is the typical starting salary for doctors in India with an MBBS degree in 2024?
A: In India, doctors commencing their careers with an MBBS degree can typically expect starting salaries ranging from 4 lakhs to 7.50 lakhs annually.
Q: How much can doctors with an MD/MS degree earn in India in 2024?
A: Doctors with an MD/MS degree in India can earn varying salaries based on their specialization, experience, and sector. Salaries can start from around Rs. 4 lakhs and go up to Rs. 18 lakhs or more per annum.
Q: Which cities in India offer higher salaries for doctors in 2024?
A: Cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata are known to offer higher salaries to doctors. Average pay can range from Rs. 4 lakhs to Rs. 35 lakhs per annum, depending on various factors.
Q: Do doctors in the private sector earn more than those in the government sector in 2024?
A: Generally, doctors in the private sector tend to earn higher salaries compared to their counterparts in the government sector in India. However, salary variations can be influenced by factors like location, specialization, and years of experience.
Q: Which medical specialties enjoy the highest salaries in India in 2024?
A: Surgeons, gynecologists, and prosthodontists are among the medical specialties with the highest average salaries in India. Their annual earnings can range from around Rs. 1.67 crore to Rs. 1.91 crore.
Q: Are there significant salary differences for doctors between metropolitan cities and rural areas in India in 2024?
A: Yes, there are notable salary discrepancies for doctors between metropolitan cities and rural areas in India. Salaries in metropolitan areas tend to be higher due to factors such as a higher cost of living and greater demand for medical services.
Conclusion
In summary, the compensation for doctors in India, as of 2024, displays significant variation influenced by factors including education, specialization, experience, location, and the type of healthcare institution. Depending on the city and other contextual factors, physicians in India can earn annual incomes ranging from Rs. 4 lakhs to Rs. 35 lakhs.
Specialist doctors with postgraduate degrees typically enjoy higher earnings, particularly in the private sector. It’s essential to note that these figures represent rough averages, and remuneration for specific roles can vary significantly.
The increasing demand for specialized physicians and professionals with research and development expertise continues to impact higher earnings in these sectors. Overall, medical salaries in India remain competitive, underscoring the significance attributed to the knowledge and services provided by doctors in the healthcare sector.
