The Average Salary Of Doctors In India

Introduction

One of the most recognised professions across the globe is that of Doctors. Doctors are truly a blessing to mankind as they have the expertise in providing prompt treatment and medication for any illness. So no wonder they are well paid as well. The majority of students pursue their dream to be a doctor as they are well respected inside and outside the country and also one of the best ways to serve humanity. Doctors’ salaries are determined by variables such as expertise, working sector (government, private hospitals, or walk-in clinics), experience, and location. India itself is a pool of doctors specialised in various areas with a large number of medical colleges in every nook and corner producing thousands of doctors every year. This is one of the sought-after professions in India. Healthcare is the top earning industry for talents in India as demand for specialists and experts with research and development rises as per a survey conducted of late. The average salary of doctors in India is around Rs.7.5lacs Per annum.

Table of Contents

1. Average Salary of Doctors based on the location of work
2. Average salary based on specialisation
3. How are Doctors Categorised?
4. Frequently Asked Questions

Average Salary of Doctors based on the location of work

India is a vast country with a large number of skilled doctors. Doctors working in the northern part of India earn more salary than those working in south, west and east India. In India, the average salary of a doctor at the beginning of a career is INR 5.04 LPA whereas senior doctors are paid an average of INR 12.5 LPA to 18.4 LPA. A doctor working in a private hospital earns an average salary of INR 12 lakhs LPA. Government Hospitals often pay less like an MBBS Doctor’s starting salary of around Rs. 25,000 per month, whereas in private hospitals their starting salary is around Rs.40,000 per month. 

The average annual salary of Doctors across all levels is around Rs. 9.6 lakhs. Specialist doctors are paid high with an average annual salary of Rs 18.4 lakhs. An MBBS Doctor with around 5 years of experience is paid between Rs.4 to Rs.7.50 lakhs per annum in India. Doctors with MS or MD degrees with considerable years of experience are paid around INR 10 lakhs LPA. Surgeons, Gynecologists and prosthodontic doctors are the highest paid in India with average annual salaries of INR 1.94 crore, INR 1.77 crore, and INR 1.67 crore respectively. Doctors’ earnings vary from city to city. In Mumbai, they earn between Rs 25,000 and Rs 3 lakhs per month.

Depending on the kind of hospital they work in and where they are employed, MD physicians begin making an average salary of Rs. 90,000 per year. A skilled MD physician makes between Rs. 10 lakhs and Rs. 30 lakhs annually. MS Physician who has just started his career in a private hospital earns a salary ranging from Rs.1.5lakhs to Rs. 3 lakhs per annum. Whereas an experienced MS Physician earns a salary ranging from Rs 15 lakhs to Rs.20 lakhs LPA depending on the type of corporate hospital they are employed.

Average Salary Based On Specialisation

Depending on their field of specialisation, MBBS doctors in India earn different salaries. A cardiologist makes different money than a gynaecologist, for example. Additionally, MBBS doctors make a distinct salary from BAMS doctors. Trainee physicians are paid anywhere between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 during the internship. In reputable government hospitals, junior resident physicians make an average salary of 60,000 to 90,000. During their three years of training, senior resident physicians can expect to make between 60,000 and 1.25 lakh rupees. Both state and private medical colleges pay very little in salaries. An MBBS doctor making an average salary in a government hospital makes between Rs. 4.5 lakhs and Rs. 8 lakhs.

In the Indian Army, medical personnel are paid well. They have an annual income of between Rs. 11,000 and Rs. 12,000.

The salaries of doctors employed by prestigious Indian hospitals like Apollo or AIIMS are much greater. The average pay for physicians working at AIIMS in India is between Rs. 10 and Rs. 22 lakhs annually, depending on their level of experience. The compensation is based on the hospital type, expertise, and location. The typical annual salary for MBBS physicians is between Rs. 30 lakhs and Rs. 50 lakhs. While the monthly payment for specialists is between Rs. 2 lakhs and Rs. 3 lakhs.

How are Doctors Categorised

Though there are many types of doctors, they are mainly classified into two categories:

1. Primary care
2. Speciality Care

Primary care clinicians are general practitioners who treat minor illnesses, such as internists, paediatricians, and geriatricians. These are the physicians that we frequently go to for minor illnesses like fever, cold, cough, etc. In times of need, these physicians’ health examinations offer referrals to specialists.

Specialists in a specific area of medicine are known as specialty doctors. They are ophthalmologists who treat eye conditions, nephrologists who treat kidney conditions, and surgeons who perform major or minor surgical operations. In addition to teaching general medicine, these doctors are experts in a specific area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the average salary of a doctor in India?

Ans: The average salary of a doctor in India is Rs. 7.50 lakhs per year. Experienced doctors earn an average of Rs.20 lakhs per year. Doctors earn an average of Rs.4 lakhs when they start their careers. The salary depends on factors like the type of hospital, specialisation, and place of work.

Q2. How does the salary of a doctor in India vary based on their specialisation?

Ans: The salary of a doctor in India varies based on the area of specialisation. Surgeons, gynaecologists, cardiologists, and prosthodontists are highly paid specialists in India. The below table shows the difference in salary of a doctor based on specialisation.

Q3. Does the location of a doctor’s practice impact their average salary in India?

Ans: Yes, the location of a doctor’s practice impacts the salary. The doctors working in the northern part of India earn more than those working in the south, east, and west of India. Also, doctors in cities are highly paid. 

Q4. Are there any other factors that can affect the average salary of a doctor in India?

Ans: The average salary of doctors depends mainly on specialisation, location, and experience. The other factors that affect the salary are the type of hospital – private, government, and prestigious hospitals in India, like AIIMS and Apollo, which are highly paid.

Q5. Is the average salary of a doctor in India comparable to other countries in the region?

Ans: The salary differs from one country to another. Some pay very high while others pay less salary to doctors. Countries like Germany, Switzerland, the USA, and Canada offer high pay to doctors compared to India.