Gastroenterologists have overtaken orthopedic surgeons as the highest-paid physician specialty for new recruits, with average starting salary offers reaching $654,000, an 18.5% increase from the previous year. In comparison, orthopedic surgeons saw average offers decline 12% to $507,000 after holding the top position for four consecutive years.
- Signing bonuses increase: Average physician signing bonuses rose 29% to $49,306 as hospitals and medical groups compete for specialists.
- Specialists lead recruiting demand: Specialists accounted for 84% of physician searches, compared with 16% for primary care. Family medicine physicians averaged $291,000 in starting salary offers, while internal medicine averaged $289,000.
- Academic positions pay less: Average starting offers were $362,000 for academic roles, compared with $452,000 for non-academic positions.
- Nurse practitioners remain in high demand: They were the most requested recruiting category for the sixth consecutive year, with average starting salaries of $180,000.
The findings are from AMN Healthcare’s 2026 physician and advanced practitioner recruiting report, based on 1,293 permanent search engagements conducted or underway beginning April 2025.
Resource: GI dethrones orthopedic surgery as highest-paid specialty