Highest Paying Medical Jobs in India in 2025

By upGrad

Updated on Sep 22, 2025 | 10 min read | 934.63K+ views

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Did You Know? 
The government has allocated ₹2,445 crore under the PLI scheme for the pharmaceutical industry. In fact, the sector has witnessed a 191% jump in budgetary allocation, from ₹34,286 crore in FY14-15 to now! 

Being the most populated country in the world leads India to be amongst the largest healthcare sectors in the world. India’s healthcare sector was valued at 638 billion USD in 2025 and is expected to witness further growth. 

Since ages , medical professions in India have been regarded with high repute and status. Through cultural values of respect and high acclaim, medical professions in India have always been viewed with a progressive eye and a way to advance in life. 

India’s large and complex medical industry demands skilled medical professionals across the country to meet the medical needs of a gigantic population. Additionally, with the onset of tech inculcation, the medical industry is also witnessing innovations and deeper technology utilization. 

In this text, we will highlight some of the highest paying medical jobs in India and shed light on the factors affecting these salary trends, as well as skills for medical professionals. Keep reading to explore detailed insights! 

 However, if you are interested in building a career in healthcare management, you may check out upGrad’s Healthcare Management Courses! 

List of Highest Paying Jobs in Medical Field in India 

Medical jobs can be quite lucrative as you gain experience, develop a specialization, and establish yourself as a valuable medical professional in the organization you are working in. 

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

Refer to the table below for the average annual salary of the highest paying medical jobs in India: 

MEDICAL JOB 

AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY in ₹

Cardiologist  24.3 lakhs 
Orthopedic surgeon  15.9 lakhs 
Surgeon  15.7 lakhs 
Oncologist  15 lakhs 
Dermatologist  11.8 lakhs 
Anesthesiologist  22.1 lakhs 
Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN)  12 lakhs 
Pediatrician  15.5 lakhs 
Psychiatrists  10 lakhs 
Ophthalmologist  13.3 lakhs 
Orthodontist  7.2 lakhs 
Plastic Surgeon  20 lakhs 
Gastroenterologist  28.8 lakhs 
Emergency Medicine Physician  12 lakhs 
Pulmonologist  21.5 lakhs 
Urologist  18.3 lakhs 
Internal medicine physician  12 lakhs 
Rheumatologist  20 lakhs 
Medical Directors   49.2 lakhs  
Nephrologist  33.8 lakhs 
ENT Specialist  16.2 lakhs 
Endocrinologist  23.9 lakhs 

Source: AmitionBox, Glassdoor 

Also Read: Pursuing a Career in Hospital Administration? Here’s How to Do It! 

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities of the Highest Paying Jobs in the Medical Field in India 

The highest paying jobs in the medical field in India demand advanced education, years of training, and specialized expertise. From cardiologists to oncologists, these roles are among the highest paying medical jobs in India, offering not just financial rewards but also a chance to make a deep impact on patients’ lives. 

So, let's just explore each role and its key responsibilities one by one. 

1. Cardiologist 

  • Role: Treats and diagnoses heart-related diseases. 

  • Average Salary: ₹24.3 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MD in Medicine → DM in Cardiology. 

  • Demand: High, due to increasing heart and lifestyle diseases in India. 

2. Orthopedic Surgeon 

  • Role: Specializes in bone, joint, and musculoskeletal surgeries. 

  • Average Salary: ₹15.9 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MS in Orthopedics. 

  • Demand: Growing cases of accidents, fractures, and sports injuries drive demand. 

3. Surgeon (General) 

  • Role: Performs a variety of surgical procedures across the human body. 

  • Average Salary: ₹15.7 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MS in General Surgery. 

  • Demand: Consistently high in both government and private hospitals. 

4. Oncologist 

  • Role: Provides cancer diagnosis and treatment. 

  • Average Salary: ₹15 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MD/MS → DM in Oncology. 

  • Demand: Increasing cancer cases in India raise career prospects. 

5. Dermatologist 

  • Role: Treats skin, hair, and cosmetic conditions. 

  • Average Salary: ₹11.8 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MD in Dermatology. 

  • Demand: Rising demand for cosmetic dermatology and skincare. 

6. Anesthesiologist 

  • Role: Administers anesthesia during surgeries and monitors patients. 

  • Average Salary: ₹22.1 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MD in Anesthesiology. 

  • Demand: Essential role in every surgical and emergency setting. 

7. Obstetrician & Gynecologist (OBGYN) 

  • Role: Specializes in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. 

  • Average Salary: ₹12 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MD/MS in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 

  • Demand: Always in demand, especially in maternal healthcare.

8. Pediatrician 

  • Role: Provides medical care to infants, children, and adolescents. 

  • Average Salary: ₹15.5 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MD in Pediatrics. 

  • Demand: Rising healthcare awareness for children makes this a stable field. 

9. Psychiatrist 

  • Role: Focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. 

  • Average Salary: ₹10 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MD in Psychiatry. 

  • Demand: Increasing awareness about mental health in India boosts demand. 

10. Ophthalmologist 

  • Role: Specializes in eye care and vision correction. 

  • Average Salary: ₹13.3 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MS/MD in Ophthalmology. 

  • Demand: Cataract and vision-related problems ensure steady demand. 

11. Orthodontist 

  • Role: Deals with teeth alignment and jaw correction. 

  • Average Salary: ₹7.2 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: BDS → MDS in Orthodontics. 

  • Demand: Growing popularity of cosmetic dental treatments. 

12. Plastic Surgeon 

  • Role: Performs reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries. 

  • Average Salary: ₹20 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MS in General Surgery → M.Ch. in Plastic Surgery. 

  • Demand: Increasing demand for aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries. 

13. Gastroenterologist 

  • Role: Treats digestive system and gastrointestinal issues. 

  • Average Salary: ₹28.8 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MD in Medicine → DM in Gastroenterology. 

  • Demand: High, due to lifestyle and dietary-related health problems. 

14. Emergency Medicine Physician 

  • Role: Provides immediate treatment for critical injuries and emergencies. 

  • Average Salary: ₹12 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MD in Emergency Medicine. 

  • Demand: Growing number of emergency cases across hospitals.

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15. Pulmonologist 

  • Role: Specializes in lung and respiratory system care. 

  • Average Salary: ₹21.5 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MD in Medicine → DM in Pulmonology. 

  • Demand: Rising cases of asthma, TB, and respiratory illnesses. 

16. Urologist 

  • Role: Treats urinary tract and male reproductive system conditions. 

  • Average Salary: ₹18.3 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MS in General Surgery → M.Ch. in Urology. 

  • Demand: High due to increasing lifestyle and kidney-related issues. 

17. Internal Medicine Physician 

  • Role: Provides preventive and curative care for adults. 

  • Average Salary: ₹12 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MD in Internal Medicine. 

  • Demand: Consistently required in hospitals and clinics. 

18. Rheumatologist 

  • Role: Specializes in autoimmune diseases and arthritis treatment. 

  • Average Salary: ₹20 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MD in Medicine → DM in Rheumatology. 

  • Demand: Rising cases of joint and autoimmune disorders. 

19. Medical Director 

  • Role: Oversees hospital operations and ensures healthcare standards. 

  • Average Salary:  49.2 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS/MD with years of hospital management experience. 

  • Demand: Senior leadership roles in hospitals and healthcare chains. 

20. Nephrologist 

  • Role: Treats kidney-related conditions and dialysis management. 

  • Average Salary: ₹33.8 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MD in Medicine → DM in Nephrology. 

  • Demand: Increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease. 

21. ENT Specialist 

  • Role: Focuses on ear, nose, and throat treatments. 

  • Average Salary: ₹16.2 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MS in ENT. 

  • Demand: High due to ENT-related infections and surgeries. 

22. Endocrinologist 

  • Role: Specializes in hormonal and metabolic disorders. 

  • Average Salary: ₹23.9 lakhs annually. 

  • Qualifications: MBBS → MD in Medicine → DM in Endocrinology. 

  • Demand: Rising cases of diabetes and thyroid disorders in India. 

Also Read: Career Options in Medical without NEET. 

Skills You Need for High-Paying Medical Careers 

To build a successful career in the highest paying jobs in medical field in India, doctors and healthcare professionals need more than just degrees. These roles demand a unique mix of knowledge, critical thinking, and people skills.

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. 

Factors Affecting Salaries in the Medical Field in India? 

The demand for medical services, location, expertise, experience, and the type of healthcare institution are some of the key factors that influence salaries in the highest paying jobs in medical field in India. Being aware of these elements helps medical professionals negotiate better pay and shape their career path effectively. 

  • Specialization: Surgical fields typically pay more than general practice. 
  • Experience: Senior consultants and surgeons earn higher salaries. 
  • Location: Doctors in metro cities earn more compared to those in smaller towns. 
  • Type of Employer: Private hospitals and corporate setups pay more than government institutions. 
  • Reputation: Well-established doctors with private practice often earn far more than salaried roles. 

Also Read: Public Health Careers in India

How to Build a Career in the Indian Medical Field 

  1. Clear NEET-UG to begin MBBS. 

  2. Pursue MBBS and decide on specialization. 

  3. Clear NEET-PG for MD/MS or equivalent. 

  4. Super-specialize in high-demand fields (e.g., MCh, DM). 

  5. Gain clinical exposure and research experience. 

  6. Continuously upskill through fellowships, certifications, and new technologies. 

Conclusion 

In this text, 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. 

However, if you 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which doctor earns the highest salary in India?

Neurosurgeons are among the top earners, making them one of the highest paying jobs in medical field in India, with average annual salaries ranging from ₹25–35 lakhs. 

2. Do government doctors earn more than private doctors in India?

No. Private doctors, especially specialists, generally earn more, making private practice some of the highest paying medical jobs in India. Government roles offer stability, pensions, and other benefits.

3. What is the salary of a general MBBS doctor in India?

Fresh MBBS graduates earn around ₹5–8 lakhs annually. With specialization and experience, doctors can move into highest paying jobs in India in medical field. 

4. Which specialization is best in medicine in India?

Top-paying and in-demand specializations include neurosurgery, cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics, all among the highest paying jobs in medical field in India. 

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

Becoming a neurosurgeon requires about 12–14 years, including MBBS, MS, and MCh. This pathway leads to one of the highest paying medical jobs in India. 

6. Can medical professionals earn well abroad compared to India?

Yes, salaries abroad are higher in general, but India’s private healthcare growth offers many highest paying jobs in India in medical field.

7. Is pediatrics a good career in India?

Yes. Pediatrics is a respected field with increasing demand, offering stable incomes and potential to reach some of the highest paying medical jobs in India over time. 

8. What is the scope of psychiatry in India?

Psychiatry is growing due to rising mental health awareness. Salaries are improving, making it a promising field among highest paying jobs in medical field in India. 

9. How much does a cardiologist earn in India per month?

Cardiologists earn around ₹1.5–2.5 lakhs per month, making cardiology one of the highest paying medical jobs in India.

10. What are the top medical institutions in India?

Top medical institutions in India include the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Christian Medical College (CMC), and King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital. These institutes offer world-class education and training in various medical specialties. 

11. What is the starting salary of a surgeon in India?

A fresh general surgeon earns around ₹8–10 lakhs per year. With experience and specialization, surgeons enter the league of highest paying jobs in medical field in India. 

12. Are ophthalmologists in demand in India?

Yes. Rising eye health issues make ophthalmology a sought-after specialization, offering some of the highest paying medical jobs in India. 

13. What are the best super-specializations after MBBS?

Top super-specializations include cardiology, neurosurgery, gastroenterology, and oncology—all among the highest paying jobs in medical field in India. 

14. Do doctors in India get performance bonuses?

Yes, many private hospitals provide incentives and bonuses based on performance, enhancing earnings for those in highest paying medical jobs in India.

15. Can medical professionals open their own clinics?

Yes. Owning a private clinic or hospital can significantly boost income, making entrepreneurship one of the highest paying jobs in India in medical field. 

16. Are women doctors earning as much as male doctors in India?

While pay gaps exist in some cases, women specialists increasingly earn equally or more, particularly in the highest paying medical jobs in India. 

17. Which is better: MD or MS in terms of salary?

Surgical fields (MS) often offer higher salaries, but MD specialties like cardiology and oncology are also among the highest paying jobs in medical field in India. 

18. Can doctors use AI to boost their earnings?

Offcourse. AI tools in surgery, diagnostics, and patient management help doctors increase efficiency and patient throughput, indirectly improving doctor salary in India and creating highly paid medical jobs in India.

19. Can foreign-trained doctors practice in India?

Yes, after clearing the FMGE or NEXT exam. Successful integration can lead to some of the highest paying jobs in India in medical field. 

20. What is the future of healthcare jobs in India?

Healthcare jobs are growing rapidly. With private hospitals, telemedicine, and AI-driven healthcare, many roles rank among the highest paying medical jobs in India and highest paying jobs in India in medical field.

References: 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/cardiologist-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/orthopedic-surgeon-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/surgeon-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/oncologist-salary-SRCH_KO0,10.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/dermatologist-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/anesthesiologist-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/obstetrician-and-gynecologist-salary-SRCH_KO0,29.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/pediatrician-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/psychiatrist-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/ophthalmologist-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/orthodontist-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/plastic-surgeon-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/gastroenterologist-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/emergency-medicine-physician-salary-SRCH_KO0,28.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/pulmonologist-salary-SRCH_KO0,13.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/urologist-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/internal-medicine-physician-salary-SRCH_KO0,27.htm
https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Rheumatologist/Salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/medical-director-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/nephrologist-salary-SRCH_KO0,12.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/ent-specialist-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/endocrinologist-salary-SRCH_KO0,15.htm
 

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