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Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Jobs in India in 2025

By upGrad

Updated on Jul 18, 2025 | 9 min read | 932.45K+ views

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Do You Know? The Indian Union Government has allocated INR 99,859 crore to the healthcare sector for FY 26,  an increase of 9.8% from the previous financial year.

With healthcare demand growing rapidly, roles like neurosurgeons and cardiologists now rank among the highest-paid jobs in the medical field in India, offering both financial stability and professional prestige.

In fact, India’s health-tech sector is expected to touch USD 21.3 billion by the end of 2025, further boosting opportunities across top-paying medical careers.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 highest paying medical jobs in India in 2025. The average pay for each position, the qualifications needed, and the best medical programs to pursue these careers will all be covered.

This guide will assist you in learning about the highest-paying jobs in the medical field, regardless of whether you're a student or a healthcare professional seeking to advance your career.

Strengthen your career with one of our top-rated MBA programs. Gain leadership, management, and strategic skills to thrive in the evolving medical field.

What are the Top Highest Paying Medical Jobs in India?

India's growing healthcare sector has opened the door to many highest paying medical jobs, offering both strong income and job security. Specialized medical courses, years of training, and proficiency in managing complex cases are necessary for these positions.

Many of the highest-paid jobs in the medical field in India, from surgery to diagnostics, are well-respected and in high demand in both private practices and hospitals.

Looking to move beyond clinical roles? An MBA can help you lead in healthcare, manage hospitals, or grow in health-tech with essential business skills. Here are some of our top MBA programs to consider:

Here’s a list of the top 10 highest paying medical jobs in India, along with their average annual salaries and key responsibilities:

Medical Job Role

Average Annual Salary (INR)

Key Duties

Neurosurgeon INR 8L

Perform surgeries on the brain, spine, and nerves.

Diagnose neurological disorders.

Cardiologist INR 24.6L

Treat heart conditions

Perform angioplasty, ECGs, and heart surgeries.

Orthopedic Surgeon INR 16L

Treat injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system

Perform joint replacements.

Oncologist INR 7.2L

Diagnose and treat cancer patients

Manage chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Gastroenterologist INR 4L

Treat digestive system issues

Perform endoscopy and related procedures.

Dermatologist INR 11L

Treat skin, hair, and nail disorders

Provide cosmetic treatments.

Radiologist INR 25L

Interpret X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans

Assist in diagnosis and treatment planning.

General Surgeon INR 16.5L

Perform routine and emergency surgeries

Manage post-operative care.

Psychiatrist INR 10L

Diagnose and treat mental health issues

Provide therapy and medication.

ENT Specialist INR 16.2L

Treat ear, nose, and throat conditions.

Perform minor surgeries and diagnostics.

Sourced By: Ambitionbox & Indeed

Note: The average annual salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary as per the experience, employer, and location.

Let’s discuss all these best medical jobs in detail now.

1. Neurosurgeon

Neurosurgeons specialize in diagnosing and surgically treating disorders related to the brain, spine, and nervous system. They deal with conditions like brain tumors, spinal cord injuries, and aneurysms.

Qualifications to become a Neurosurgeon:

  • MBBS (5.5 years including internship)
  • MS in General Surgery (3 years)
  • MCh in Neurosurgery (3 years)
  • Training in:
    • Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology
    • Microsurgical techniques
    • Surgical management of cranial and spinal disorders
    • Intensive care and post-operative management

A neurosurgeon is just one exciting example of high-paying medical career. Dive deeper into the top highest-paying jobs in the world and discover the amazing opportunities waiting for you!

2. Cardiologist 

Cardiologists diagnose and treat diseases related to the heart and blood vessels, including heart attacks, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmias. They perform procedures like angioplasty and echocardiograms.

Qualifications to become a Cardiologist:

  • MBBS (5.5 years including internship)
  • MD in General Medicine (3 years)
  • DM in Cardiology (3 years)
  • Specialized training in:
    • Electrocardiography and echocardiography
    • Cardiac catheterization and angiography
    • Management of heart failure and arrhythmias

Also Read: Best Medical Courses & Certifications Online

3. Orthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic surgeons treat injuries and disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They perform surgeries such as knee replacements, spinal surgery, and fracture repairs.

Qualifications to become an Orthopedic Surgeon:

  • MBBS (5.5 years including internship)
  • MS in Orthopedics (3 years)
  • Training in:
    • Fracture fixation techniques
    • Joint replacement surgeries
    • Sports injuries and arthroscopic surgery
    • Musculoskeletal imaging and rehabilitation

4. Oncologist

Oncologists focus on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer using chemotherapy, radiation, and other therapies. They work closely with surgeons and radiologists.

Qualifications to become an Oncologist:

  • MBBS (5.5 years including internship)
  • MD in General Medicine (3 years)
  • DM in Medical Oncology (3 years) or MD in Radiotherapy
  • Specialized training in:
    • Cancer diagnostics and staging
    • Chemotherapy and targeted therapy
    • Radiation therapy planning
    • Palliative and supportive care

5. Gastroenterologist

Gastroenterologists manage conditions of the digestive system, including the stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines, and esophagus. They often perform procedures like endoscopy and colonoscopy.

Qualifications to become a Gastroenterologist:

  • MBBS (5.5 years including internship)
  • MD in General Medicine (3 years)
  • DM in Gastroenterology (3 years)
  • Training in:
    • Diagnostic endoscopy and colonoscopy
    • Management of liver diseases
    • Gastrointestinal bleeding and inflammation
    • Nutritional and metabolic disorders

Related Article: Exploring the Best Courses in the Medical Field

6. Dermatologist

Did you know? In India, 106 government colleges offer medical courses in dermatology. In fact, there are almost 455 seats in PG dermatology courses in government colleges. 

Dermatologists diagnose and treat skin, hair, and nail disorders. They also perform cosmetic procedures like Botox, chemical peels, and laser treatments.

Qualifications to become a Dermatologist:

  • MBBS (5.5 years including internship)
  • MD in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy (3 years)
  • Training in:
    • Diagnosis and management of skin diseases
    • Cosmetic dermatology and laser therapy
    • Dermatopathology
    • Allergy testing and treatment

If you’re looking beyond dermatology and have a background in pharmacy, this guide on jobs after B Pharmacy is a must-read!

7. Radiologist

Radiologists use imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to diagnose and sometimes treat diseases. They work closely with other specialists for an accurate diagnosis.

Qualifications to become a Radiologist:

  • MBBS (5.5 years including internship)
  • MD in Radiology (3 years)
  • Training in:
    • Diagnostic imaging and interpretation
    • Interventional radiology procedures
    • Radiation safety and patient care
    • Cross-sectional imaging techniques

Also Read: Top 16 Healthcare Jobs in India

8. General Surgeon

General surgeons perform a wide range of surgeries, including appendectomies, hernia repairs, and gallbladder removals. They play a vital role in emergency and elective surgeries.

Qualifications to become a General Surgeon:

  • MBBS (5.5 years including internship)
  • MS in General Surgery (3 years)
  • Training in:
    • Preoperative and postoperative patient care
    • Abdominal and soft tissue surgeries
    • Surgical techniques and infection control
    • Basic laparoscopic procedures

9. Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental illnesses through therapy and medications. They work with patients suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

Qualifications to become a Psychiatrist:

  • MBBS (5.5 years including internship)
  • MD in Psychiatry (3 years)
  • Training in:
    • Psychotherapy and behavioral therapy
    • Psychopharmacology
    • Diagnosis of psychiatric disorders
    • Substance abuse and rehabilitation

Interested in exploring high-paying roles in mental health? Discover the top psychology jobs in India that offer great pay.

10. ENT Specialist

ENT specialists treat conditions related to the ear, nose, and throat. They handle problems such as sinusitis, hearing loss, and tonsillitis, and often perform surgeries.

Qualifications to become an ENT Specialist:

  • MBBS (5.5 years including internship)
  • MS in ENT (3 years)
  • Training in:
    • Audiology and voice disorders
    • Endoscopic sinus surgery
    • Ear and throat surgeries
    • Head and neck diagnostics and management

What are the Most Essential Skills Required by Medical Professionals?

Professionals in the medical field require more than just technical knowledge to succeed. Having the correct set of skills is essential to providing high-quality care and establishing a long-term career. 

The following are the most important skills for people expecting to succeed in the highest paying jobs in the medical field:

Master's Degree12 Months

Ranked #2 in Executive Education

PG Certification6-10.5 Months

1. Communication Skills:

  • With clear communication, you can ensure effective interaction with patients, families, and healthcare teams, leading to better care outcomes.
  • Communication also helps in explaining diagnoses, treatment options, and instructions, and improving patient understanding and compliance

Check out our Communication Courses designed to take your communication ability to the next level!

2. Time Management:

  • Efficient time management allows medical professionals to handle multiple patients and tasks without compromising care quality
  • With proper scheduling and prioritization, you can reduce stress and prevent burnout, ensuring the timely delivery of medical services

Also Read: 15 Ways to Improve Time Management Skills

3. Attention to Detail: 

  • Precision in diagnosis, treatment plans, and medication administration reduces the risk of errors and enhances patient safety
  • Attention to detail ensures that vital information is not overlooked, leading to more accurate patient assessments

4. Critical thinking: 

  • Critical thinking enables you to assess complex situations and make informed decisions quickly
  • It helps in diagnosing conditions, solving medical problems, and adapting treatment plans based on patient needs

5. Adaptability: 

  • Adaptability helps medical professionals respond effectively to changes in patient conditions, new medical technologies, or shifting workplace environments
  • Being adaptable ensures a high level of performance in dynamic and often unpredictable healthcare settings

6. Leadership: 

  • Leadership skills are crucial for managing medical teams and ensuring cohesive and effective collaboration in patient care.
  • With strong leadership, you can promote patient safety and trust, and also foster a positive work culture.

Conclusion 

In this article, we looked at some of the highest paying medical jobs in India. With a rapidly growing healthcare sector, increased healthcare access, and innovations in the way the medical industry functions, India is set to experience an increasing demand for medical professionals.

Being one of the most lucrative and in-demand career industries in India, the medical industry includes doctors, surgeons, healthcare administrators, pharmacists, staff nurses, and many other professionals in its purview.

Want to pursue a rewarding career in the medical field but not sure where to start? Book a free counseling session with our experts today and get personalized guidance to choose the right path for your future!

You may also check our range of free courses from different industry-relevant domains

Elevate your leadership and strategic thinking with our popular management courses, designed to shape you into a dynamic and effective leader in today's competitive business world.

Discover actionable insights and expert strategies in our top management articles, crafted to inspire and empower your journey to leadership excellence.

References:
https://www.expresshealthcare.in/news/decoding-union-budget-2025-key-takeaways-for-healthcare-sector/447938/
https://in.indeed.com/career/neurosurgeon/salaries
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/cardiologist-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/orthopedic-surgeon-salary
https://in.indeed.com/career/oncologist/salaries
https://in.indeed.com/career/gastroenterologist/salaries
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/dermatologist-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/radiologist-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/general-surgeon-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/psychiatrist-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/ent-specialist-salary

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is the highest paid field in medicine in India?

2. Which doctor earns 50 lakhs per month?

3. What is the salary of a NEET doctor per month?

4. Who is the highest paid doctor in India?

5. How long does it take to become a doctor in India?

6. How to become a surgeon in India?

7. What are the top medical institutions in India?

8. How can I become a neurosurgeon in India?

9. What is the career scope in medical research in India?

10. What is the future of the medical profession in India?

11. Which medical job pays the most?

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