Likhith · November 7, 2025 
Introduction
Is a medical PG really the golden ticket to a lucrative and fulfilling career in India? Aspiring doctors and PG medical graduates wonder what kind of financial future awaits them after years of study and sacrifice. In 2025, salary trends vary more than ever—some specialties promise seven-figure incomes, while others reward you in impact rather than instant riches. With demand for skilled doctors skyrocketing and private sector competition at an all-time high, understanding the true earning landscape for different PG medical specialties is essential before making any career move.
In this blog, we’ll break down actual salary trends for major PG medical specialties across India, plus the impact of location, sector, and experience. Expect clear numbers, expert-backed advice, and actionable insights—so you can make decisions with confidence.
Salary Landscape at a Glance
How Much Do Different PG Specialties Really Earn?
The salary of a doctor in India varies according to PG specialization, experience, and work setting, with 2025 data reflecting substantial growth across most branches.
The Big Picture Table
| Specialization | Starting Salary (Annual, INR) | Median Salary After 5 Years (INR) | Top Range / Metro Earnings (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Medicine (MD) | 9–15 lakhs | 18–30 lakhs | 36+ lakhs |
| General Surgery (MS) | 6–12 lakhs | 18–28 lakhs | 35+ lakhs |
| Pediatrics (MD) | 8–14 lakhs | 16–27 lakhs | 32+ lakhs |
| Radiology (MD/DNB) | 12–22 lakhs | 24–40 lakhs | 60 lakhs – 1 crore+ |
| Orthopedics (MS) | 12–22 lakhs | 20–35 lakhs | 50+ lakhs |
| Dermatology (MD) | 9–16 lakhs | 22–30 lakhs | 40+ lakhs |
| Cardiology (DM) | 15–30 lakhs | 40–70 lakhs | 1 crore+ |
| Neurology (DM) | 14–24 lakhs | 30–60 lakhs | 80 lakhs – 1 crore+ |
| Oncology (DM) | 16–28 lakhs | 34–65 lakhs | 1 crore+ |
| Anesthesia (MD/DNB) | 10–17 lakhs | 17–28 lakhs | 35+ lakhs |
| Psychiatry (MD/DNB) | 8–14 lakhs | 13–24 lakhs | 30+ lakhs |
| Ophthalmology (MS/MD) | 7–13 lakhs | 15–28 lakhs | 35+ lakhs |
| Obstetrics & Gynae (MD) | 10–16 lakhs | 18–32 lakhs | 40+ lakhs |
Figures are indicative and reflect gross annual salaries; metro private earnings include incentives and high-value consulting
Factors Influencing Salary After PG
- Specialization: Super specialties (DM/MCh) and high-demand MD branches see the highest offers.
- Location: Metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore pay more than Tier-II cities or rural areas.
- Sector: Private corporate hospitals offer higher starting salaries, especially for in-demand branches. Government roles offer stability but modest pay scales.
- Experience & Brand: Alumni from institutes like AIIMS, PGIMER, and CMC Vellore often command higher starting packages due to reputation.
Deep Dive: Most Lucrative Medical Specialties in India
Which Specialties Offer Top Pay in 2025?
Radiology & Imaging
Radiologists have become some of the highest earners, as diagnostic imaging is the backbone of modern medicine.
- Average Salary: ₹24-60 lakhs; metros and senior radiologists can earn ₹1 crore+.
- Demand Story: Hospitals compete for skilled radiologists as the number of imaging centers multiplies.
Cardiology and Neurology
Both clinical and interventional cardiologists or neurologists are extremely well-compensated due to the chronic nature of lifestyle diseases in India.
- New DM Cardiologist: ₹18-36 lakhs; seasoned practitioners regularly exceed ₹60-70 lakhs or more.
- Neurologists: Often see ₹15-40 lakh early salaries, with top consultants earning close to ₹1 crore.
Orthopedics and Surgery
Orthopedic surgeons, especially in metros or super-specialized hospitals, are among top earners.
- Average Salary: ₹20-50 lakhs, with additional earnings from orthopedic procedures and private practice.
Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine
With rising demand for skin care, cosmetic procedures, and laser clinics, MD dermatologists command premium packages.
-
Median Salary: ₹22-40 lakhs; private consulting, aesthetics, and urban clinics can double this figure over time.
Pediatrics and Psychiatry
- Pediatrics (MD): Still one of the most opted-for branches; average salary after a few years settles in the ₹16-32 lakh range.
- Psychiatry: Growing awareness and urban demand boost salaries, with mature consultants reaching ₹24-30 lakhs yearly.
Rhetorical Question: Should you chase the highest salary—or focus on passion and long-term satisfaction?
Variations by Work Setting
Government vs Private Sector: What Should You Expect?
- Government Hospitals:
- Junior residents: ₹60,000–90,000/month.
- Senior doctors: ₹12–18 lakhs/year.
- Benefits: Job security, service perks, and regular increments.
- Private Hospitals/Chains:
- Initial offers for MD/MS/DNB: ₹9–30 lakhs/year, often with bonuses.
- Consultants and department heads can earn ₹1 crore+ with experience.
- Benefits: Performance incentives, profit-sharing, and flexibility.
- Academia/Teaching:
- Medical college faculty salaries vary; assistant professors start at ₹9–11 lakhs, with heads of department earning ₹20+ lakhs.
- Own Practice:
- Surgeons, dermatologists, and pediatricians potentially double median income through private clinics—though business skills are essential.
How Career Plan B Can Help With Your PG Career Planning
At Career Plan B, our mission is clear: “Right to Quality Education and Career, hence Quality Life!” With 15+ years in education and career counseling, we’ve empowered countless doctors and families to look beyond the obvious, analyzing salary trends, work-life balance, and true job satisfaction for each medical specialty. Our not-for-profit, unbiased guidance includes:
- Personalized Data Analysis: Custom salary benchmarks for different specialties, cities, and hospital types.
- Psychometric & Career Profiling: Align your strengths and values with the right PG specialty, not just the highest package.
- Market Trend Reports: Stay updated with annual salary surveys, demand forecasts, and sector-specific opportunities.
- Expert Counseling: One-on-one mentoring for NEET PG counseling, job search strategies, and entrepreneurship in medicine.
Whether you want to prioritize earnings, lifestyle, or passion—Career Plan B equips you with the insights and strategies for truly informed choices.
FAQ: Salary Trends in PG Medical Specialties
1. Which PG medical specialty earns the highest in India today?
Radiology, Cardiology, Neurology, and Orthopedics consistently top salary charts, especially in private metros and super-specialty chains.
2. Are private or government sector jobs more lucrative for PG doctors?
Private sector pays more, especially for specialists, but government roles offer better job security and progressive increments.
3. How do salaries in Tier-II or rural settings compare to metros?
Metros offer the highest pay, sometimes double. Rural and Tier-II salaries can be lower but often come with housing, rural incentives, or faster career progression.
4. What are the salary prospects for DNB and lesser-known branches?
Good DNB branches (especially Radiology, Anesthesia, Ortho) match MD/MS salaries in strong hospitals. Niche specialties may see slower growth but are equally valuable in government/public health.
5. Can a new MD/MS graduate become wealthy quickly?
Significant financial growth is typically seen after 3–5 years of experience, establishing reputation, and exploring consulting/private work.
6. Does Career Plan B guide with salary negotiation and job offers?
Yes—Career Plan B’s experts help doctors understand their true value, negotiate offers, and assess the total compensation (including benefits, growth potential, and work environment).
Conclusion:
Choosing your PG specialty isn’t just a question of income—it’s about impact, fulfillment, and long-term happiness. In 2025, salary trends prove that specialization, experience, and smart choices drive success for Indian doctors.
Ready to unlock your best career and salary potential? Connect with Career Plan B for personalized support on every step of your medical journey—from NEET PG counseling to job offer negotiations.
