Doctor's Salary In India 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

Shaurya Chaudhary

Shaurya Chaudhary

Content Writer

Reading time: 6 Minutes
Updated on: 22. October 2024
Doctor's-salary-in-India-2024

☝️ At a glance

  • Fresh MBBS graduates earn INR 4-7.5 lakhs annually; experienced doctors can earn around INR 10 lakhs per annum.
  • Specialists, including MD physicians, start at INR 9 lakhs per annum, rising to INR 30 lakhs; MS surgeons start at INR 6-9 lakhs annually. 
  • Metros like Mumbai and Delhi offer higher salaries, ranging from INR 25,000 to 3 lakhs per month, compared to Tier II cities and rural areas. 
  • Private hospitals offer higher salaries, ranging from INR 70,000 to 90,000 per month for MBBS doctors. 
  • Salaries are influenced by economic conditions, healthcare demands, and technological advancements. 

📖 Table of Contents

Being a doctor in India is a commitment to healing and service. However, for those pursuing this as a career path it is also important to understand the changing landscape of a doctor’s salary in India. This article delves deep into the financial aspects of a medical career in India, offering insights that can shape your path forward. 

Understanding Doctor Salaries in India  

A doctor’s salary in India varies widely depending on specialization, experience, and where you practice:    

MBBS Doctors 

  • Starting Salary: Fresh MBBS graduates can expect to earn between INR 4 lakhs to   7.5 lakhs annually, with variations based on location and sector. 
  • Experienced MBBS Doctors: Those with 5-7 years of experience often see their earnings rise to around INR 10 lakhs per annum. 

Specialists (MD/MS) 

  • MD Physicians: Entry-level salaries average INR 9 lakhs per annum, scaling up to INR 30 lakhs per annum with experience. 
  • MS Surgeons: Initial earnings typically range from INR 6 lakhs to 9 lakhs annually, depending on their specialization. 

Specialists like MD physicians and MS surgeons receive higher starting salaries compared to general practitioners due to their advanced training and expertise in specific fields of medicine. 

City-wise Variances 

A doctor’s salary in India observes stark discrepancies across cities: 

  • Metros like Mumbai and Delhi offer salaries ranging from INR 25,000 to 3 lakhs per month, with private sector roles often outstripping government positions. 
  • Tier II cities and rural areas generally offer lower starting salaries, beginning around INR 25,000 per month in government hospitals. 

Salaries in metropolitan areas are higher due to the cost of living and demand for specialized healthcare services. In contrast, rural areas and smaller cities have lower costs and demand, leading to lower salaries. 

Government vs. Private Sector 

Hospital Type  Experience Level Monthly Salary (INR) 
Government Hospital MBBS Doctors (1-4 years) 25,000-70,000 
Private Hospital  MBBS Doctors 70,000 - 90,000 

Private hospitals offer higher salaries to attract and retain skilled doctors, while government hospitals follow standardized pay scales that are generally lower but come with additional job security and benefits. 

Salary Trends and Insights 

The field of medicine in India is witnessing significant shifts in salary structures influenced by economic conditions, healthcare demands, and advancements in technology: 

  • Economic Factors: Inflation plays a role in salary adjustments, with periodic revisions common in both public and private sectors. 
  • Healthcare Demands: Growing healthcare needs drive competitive salaries, making it vital for hospitals to attract and retain skilled medical professionals. 
  • Technological Advancements: Hospitals investing in cutting-edge medical technologies often offer higher compensation, particularly in fields like cardiology, oncology, and neurosurgery. 

 Salary of Government Doctors in India 

  • MBBS doctors with 1-4 years of experience earn an average of INR 6 lakhs to 8 lakhs annually in government hospitals, reflecting national norms. 

Hospital-wise Salaries (Post-Residency) 

Hospital 

 

Average Annual Salary (INR) 

 

Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai 

 

8.4 lakhs per annum 

AIIMS, Delhi 

 

9.8 lakhs per annum 

 

Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi 

 

9.5 lakhs per annum 

 

Medanta - The Medicity, Gurgaon 

10 lakhs per annum 

 

Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai 

 

8.7 lakhs per annum 

 

Fortis Hospital, Bangalore 

 

9.2 lakhs per annum 

 

Christian Medical College, Vellore 

 

7.9 lakhs per annum 

 

Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi 

 

9.3 lakhs per annum 

 

These figures represent current average annual salaries for doctors in prominent hospitals across India. 

Doctor Salary in India for Various Degree Programmes 

Category Average Annual Salary (INR) 
MBBS Graduates 4 lakhs - 7.5 lakhs 

MD Physicians    

 

9 lakhs - 30 lakhs   
MS Surgeons 6 lakhs - 9 lakhs      
Junior Residents 60,000 - 90,000 per month        
Senior Doctors (Private) Up to 18.4 lakhs     

 

Doctor Salary in India 2024 For Different Specializations 

Specialization 

Average Annual Salary (INR) 

 

Cardiologist 

15 lakhs - 60 lakhs 

 

Neurologist 

 

12 lakhs - 40 lakhs 

 

Oncologist 

 

20 lakhs - 70 lakhs 

 

Pediatrician 

 

8 lakhs - 30 lakhs 
Orthopedic Surgeon 

15 lakhs - 50 lakhs 

 

 

Conclusion 

Choosing to become a doctor in India is more than just a decision about career but it's a heartfelt commitment to caring for others. As you start this noble journey, it's important to understand a doctor’s salary in India. This path requires dedication and compassion, but the rewards, both personal and professional, are truly unmatched. 

At futureMBBS, we empower your medical career ambitions, whether you're considering MBBS abroad or preparing for NEET in India. With NEETsheet, our one-stop solution to high quality NEET preparation,  you are assured of all the resources to excel and become a top doctor in India with the India’s best teachers. Additionally, with futureMBBS, you can fulfill your dream of studying MBBS at a top European university with complete guidance. Book a free consultation with us now! 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs about Doctor Salaries in India

  1.   In government hospitals, starting salaries are around INR 25,000 per month. 
  2.  In the private sector, it ranges from INR 30,000 to 40,000 per month.

MD physicians earn approximately INR 9 lakhs per annum initially, with experienced doctors earning up to INR 30 lakhs per annum.

Major metropolitan areas like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi offer the highest salaries, particularly in private healthcare settings. 

Yes, doctors in private hospitals often earn significantly higher salaries, sometimes exceeding INR 1 lakh per month depending on specialization.