Contrary to what one might think, it is not the surgeons who earn the most.
Cancerologist, dermatologist, surgeon, dentist … If the profession of doctor is known to be remunerative, significant differences exist between the different medical specialties. A study of the Directorate of Research, Studies, Evaluation and Statistics (DREES) proves this. So who are the best paid doctors and what specialties are struggling to reach the national average?
According to data collected by the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM) and declarations to the Directorate General for Public Finance (DGFIP), the average annual income of liberal doctors (or liberals and employees) is 124,000 euros, or just over 10,000 euros per month. Pediatricians, rheumatologists, psychiatrists and dermatologists are specialists in the lowest remuneration, with average income between 88,000 and 97,000 euros per year. The study also demonstrates a difference in income between men and women (148,000 euros for a men’s doctor against 90,000 euros for a women’s doctor).
Also according to the study of the DREES published at the end of 2024, radiotherapists, nuclear doctors and radiologists are best paid. Indeed, over the year 2021, the radiotherapists declared on average 417,500 euros per year, nuclear physicians 283,300 euros and radiologists 212,700 euros. It is therefore the radiotherapists who are the best paid doctors in France. For what ? On the one hand, because this specialty requires 11 years of medical studies, and on the other hand because it engages the doctor’s responsibility. The radiotherapist also called “radiotherapist oncologist” is the doctor specializing in radiotherapy cancer treatment. It adapts each radiotherapy to the characteristics of cancer and to each patient. The radiotherapist is responsible for the indication of treatment, its preparation and its smooth running. He participated in patient monitoring during and after treatment.
Among other doctors being one of the best paid in France, ophthalmologists whose annual income amounts to 191,900 euros, anesthetists-resuscitators at 191,700 euros and medical oncologists at 187,100 euros. Surgeons’ income is 180,000 euros. It is therefore not, as we often think, the most remunerative medical specialty.
