What They Do: Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses.
Work Environment: Many physicians and surgeons worked in physicians’ offices. Others worked in hospitals, in academia, or for the government.
How to Become One: Physicians and surgeons have demanding education and training requirements. Physicians typically need a bachelor's degree, a degree from a medical school, which takes 4 years to complete, and, depending on their specialty, 3 to 7 years in internship and residency programs.
Salary: Wages for physicians and surgeons are among the highest of all occupations, with a median wage equal to or greater than $208,000.
Job Outlook: Overall employment of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow 3 percent over the next ten years, slower than the average for all occupations.
Related Careers: Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of physicians and surgeons with similar occupations.
Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They often counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates.
There are two types of physicians, with similar degrees: M.D. (Medical Doctor) and D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Both use the same methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, but D.O.s place additional emphasis on the body's musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic (whole-person) patient care. D.O.s are most likely to be primary care physicians, although they can be found in all specialties.
Physicians and surgeons typically do the following:
Physicians and surgeons work in one or more specialties. The following are examples of types of physicians and surgeons:
Anesthesiologists focus on the care of surgical patients and pain relief. They administer drugs (anesthetics) that reduce or eliminate the sensation of pain during an operation or another medical procedure. During surgery, they are responsible for adjusting the amount of anesthetic as needed, and monitoring the patient's heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and breathing. They also work outside of the operating room, providing pain relief for patients in the intensive care unit, for women in labor and delivery of babies, and for patients who suffer from chronic pain. Anesthesiologists work with other physicians and surgeons to decide on treatments and procedures before, during, and after surgery.
Family and general physicians assess and treat a range of conditions that occur in everyday life. These conditions include sinus and respiratory infections to broken bones. Family and general physicians typically have regular, long-term patients.
General internists diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a range of problems that affect internal organ systems such as the stomach, kidneys, liver, and digestive tract. Internists use a variety of diagnostic techniques to treat patients through medication or hospitalization. They work mostly with adult patients.
General pediatricians provide care for infants, children, teenagers, and young adults. They specialize in diagnosing and treating problems specific to younger people. Most pediatricians treat common illnesses, minor injuries, and infectious diseases, and administer vaccinations. Some pediatricians specialize in pediatric surgery or serious medical conditions that commonly affect younger patients, such as autoimmune disorders or chronic ailments.
Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) provide care related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the female reproductive system. They treat and counsel women throughout their pregnancy and deliver babies. They also diagnose and treat health issues specific to women, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, hormonal disorders, and symptoms related to menopause.
Psychiatrists are primary mental health physicians. They diagnose and treat mental illnesses through a combination of personal counseling (psychotherapy), psychoanalysis, hospitalization, and medication. Psychotherapy involves regular discussions with patients about their problems. The psychiatrist helps them find solutions through changes in their behavioral patterns, explorations of their past experiences, or group and family therapy sessions. Psychoanalysis involves long-term psychotherapy and counseling for patients. Psychiatrists may prescribe medications to correct chemical imbalances that cause some mental illnesses.
Surgeons treat injuries, diseases, and deformities through operations. Using a variety of instruments, a surgeon corrects physical deformities, repairs bone and tissue after injuries, or performs preventive or elective surgeries on patients. Although a large number perform general surgery, many surgeons choose to specialize in a specific area. Specialties include orthopedic surgery (the treatment of the musculoskeletal system), neurological surgery (treatment of the brain and nervous system), cardiovascular surgery, and plastic or reconstructive surgery. Like other physicians, surgeons examine patients, perform and interpret diagnostic tests, and counsel patients on preventive healthcare. Some specialist physicians also perform surgery.
Physicians and surgeons may work in a number of other medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties. The following specialists are some of the most common examples:
Physicians in healthcare establishments work daily with other healthcare staff, such as registered nurses, other physicians, medical assistants, and medical records and health information technicians.
Some physicians may choose to work in fields that do not involve patient care, such as medical research or public policy.
Physicians and surgeons hold about 761,700 jobs. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up physicians and surgeons is distributed as follows:
| Physicians, all other | 280,800 |
| Family medicine physicians | 112,200 |
| General internal medicine physicians | 63,700 |
| Emergency medicine physicians | 39,500 |
| Pediatricians, general | 36,800 |
| Anesthesiologists | 34,100 |
| Radiologists | 32,400 |
| Surgeons, all other | 30,700 |
| Psychiatrists | 27,900 |
| Obstetricians and gynecologists | 23,600 |
| Cardiologists | 20,300 |
| Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric | 16,800 |
| Physicians, pathologists | 12,100 |
| Ophthalmologists, except pediatric | 12,000 |
| Dermatologists | 10,100 |
| Neurologists | 7,800 |
| Pediatric surgeons | 900 |
The largest employers of physicians and surgeons are as follows:
| Offices of physicians | 53% |
| Hospitals, state, local, and private | 25% |
| Self-employed workers | 6% |
| Federal government | 5% |
| Outpatient care centers | 4% |
Physicians and surgeons work in both clinical and nonclinical settings. Some examples of clinical settings are physicians' offices and hospitals, including academic hospitals associated with residency programs or schools of medicine. Nonclinical settings include government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and insurance companies.
In clinical settings, physicians may work as part of a group practice or healthcare organization. These arrangements allow them to coordinate patient care but give them less independence than solo practitioners have.
Physicians and surgeons may stand for long periods throughout the day. Other working conditions may vary by specialty. For example, surgeons and anesthesiologists usually work in a sterile environment and must follow protocol to maintain it during procedures.
Most physicians and surgeons work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week. Many physicians and surgeons work long shifts, which may include irregular and overnight hours or being on call. Physicians and surgeons may travel between their offices and the hospital to care for patients. While on call, a physician may need to address a patient’s concerns over the phone or make an emergency visit to another location, such as a nursing home.
Get the education you need: Find schools for Physicians and Surgeons near you!
Physicians and surgeons have demanding education and training requirements. Physicians typically need a bachelor's degree, a degree from a medical school, which takes 4 years to complete, and, depending on their specialty, 3 to 7 years in internship and residency programs.
Most applicants to medical school have at least a bachelor's degree, and many have advanced degrees. Although no specific major is required, students usually complete undergraduate work in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and English. Students also may take courses in the humanities and social sciences. In addition, some students volunteer at local hospitals or clinics to gain experience in a healthcare setting.
Medical schools are highly competitive. Most applicants must submit transcripts, scores from the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and letters of recommendation. Schools also consider an applicant's personality, leadership qualities, and participation in extracurricular activities. Most schools require applicants to interview with members of the admissions committee.
A few medical schools offer combined undergraduate and medical school programs that last 6 to 8 years.
Students spend most of the first 2 years of medical school in laboratories and classrooms, taking courses such as anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, psychology, medical ethics, and in the laws governing medicine. They also gain practical skills; learning to take medical histories, examine patients, and diagnose illnesses.
During their last 2 years, medical students work with patients under the supervision of experienced physicians in hospitals and clinics. Through rotations in internal medicine, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery, they gain experience in diagnosing and treating illnesses in a variety of areas.
After medical school, almost all graduates enter a residency program in their specialty of interest. A residency usually takes place in a hospital and varies in duration, generally lasting from 3 to 7 years, depending on the specialty.
All states require physicians and surgeons to be licensed; requirements vary by state. To qualify for a license, candidates must graduate from an accredited medical school and complete residency training in their specialty.
All physicians and surgeons also must pass a standardized national licensure exam. M.D.s take the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). D.O.s take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). For specific state information about licensing, contact your state's medical board.
Certification is not required for physicians and surgeons; however, it may increase their employment opportunities. M.D.s and D.O.s seeking board certification in a specialty may spend up to 7 years in residency training; the length of time varies with the specialty. To become board certified, candidates must complete a residency program and pass a specialty certification exam from a certifying board including the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), or the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS).
Communication skills. Physicians and surgeons need to be excellent communicators. They must communicate effectively with their patients and other healthcare support staff.
Compassion. Patients who are sick or injured may be in extreme pain or distress. Physicians and surgeons must treat patients and their families with compassion and understanding.
Detail oriented. Patients must receive appropriate treatment and medications. Physicians and surgeons must accurately monitor and record various pieces of information related to patient care.
Dexterity. Physicians and surgeons may work with very precise and sometimes sharp tools, and mistakes can have serious consequences.
Leadership skills. Physicians who work in their own practice must manage a staff of other professionals.
Organizational skills. Good recordkeeping and other organizational skills are critical in both medical and business settings.
Patience. Physicians and surgeons may work for long periods with patients who need special attention. Persons who fear medical treatment may require more patience.
Physical stamina. Physicians and surgeons should be comfortable lifting or turning disabled patients, or performing other physical tasks. Surgeons may spend a great deal of time bending over patients during surgery.
Problem-solving skills. Physicians and surgeons need to evaluate patients' symptoms and administer the appropriate treatments. They need to do this quickly if a patient's life is threatened.
Wages for physicians and surgeons are among the highest of all occupations, with a median wage equal to or greater than $208,000 per year. Median wages showing the differences in pay between types of physicians and surgeons are not available, but mean (average) annual wages for physicians and surgeons are as follows:
| Anesthesiologists | $331,190 |
| Obstetricians and gynecologists | $296,210 |
| Surgeons | $294,520 |
| Physicians and surgeons, all other | $255,110 |
| Psychiatrists | $249,760 |
| Internists, general | $242,190 |
| Family and general practitioners | $235,930 |
| Pediatricians, general | $198,420 |
Most physicians and surgeons work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week. Many physicians and surgeons work long shifts, which may include irregular and overnight hours or being on call. Physicians and surgeons may travel between their offices and the hospital to care for patients. While on call, a physician may need to address a patient’s concerns over the phone or make an emergency visit to another location, such as a nursing home.
Overall employment of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow 3 percent over the next ten years, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 23,800 openings for physicians and surgeons are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
See all medical jobs.
Projected employment of physicians and surgeons varies by occupation. Population growth and an increasing number of older adults, who have a higher likelihood than young people of experiencing health problems and of needing complex care, is expected to drive overall employment growth for physician and surgeons.
Growing demand for psychiatric care and improved access to mental health services will contribute to demand for psychiatrists.
As rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease increase, people will seek high levels of care that use the latest technologies, diagnostic tests, and therapies.
| Occupational Title | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||
| Physicians and surgeons | 761,700 | 783,100 | 3 | 21,400 |
| Physicians | 701,300 | 720,700 | 3 | 19,400 |
| Anesthesiologists | 34,100 | 34,500 | 1 | 400 |
| Cardiologists | 20,300 | 20,900 | 3 | 600 |
| Dermatologists | 10,100 | 10,400 | 3 | 300 |
| Emergency medicine physicians | 39,500 | 40,800 | 3 | 1,300 |
| Family medicine physicians | 112,200 | 115,900 | 3 | 3,700 |
| General internal medicine physicians | 63,700 | 65,000 | 2 | 1,300 |
| Neurologists | 7,800 | 8,000 | 3 | 200 |
| Obstetricians and gynecologists | 23,600 | 24,000 | 2 | 400 |
| Pediatricians, general | 36,800 | 37,200 | 1 | 400 |
| Physicians, pathologists | 12,100 | 12,600 | 4 | 500 |
| Psychiatrists | 27,900 | 30,300 | 9 | 2,400 |
| Radiologists | 32,400 | 33,600 | 4 | 1,200 |
| Physicians, all other | 280,800 | 287,500 | 2 | 6,700 |
| Surgeons | 60,400 | 62,400 | 3 | 2,000 |
| Ophthalmologists, except pediatric | 12,000 | 12,800 | 6 | 800 |
| Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric | 16,800 | 17,300 | 3 | 400 |
| Pediatric surgeons | 900 | 900 | 2 | 0 |
| Surgeons, all other | 30,700 | 31,500 | 3 | 800 |
For more information about physicians and surgeons, visit
American Osteopathic Association
For more information about various medical specialties, visit
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Board of Medical Specialties
American Board of Physician Specialties
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
For a list of medical schools and residency programs, as well as for general information on premedical education, financial aid, and medicine as a career, visit
Association of American Medical Colleges
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
For information about licensing, visit
A portion of the information on this page is used by permission of the U.S. Department of Labor.