Hailey Tran
Hospitals are multifaceted institutions that encompass a wide range of roles, each contributing to the overall functioning and patient care. The salaries of hospital employees vary significantly depending on their qualifications, roles, and location. While physicians and surgeons are often the highest-paid professionals, with an average salary of $229,300, other roles like nurse anesthetists and nurse practitioners also command substantial earnings, with median salaries of $203,090 and $121,610, respectively. The highest-paid physicians are cardiologists, who earn an average of $421,330 annually. Hospital administrators, directors of medical staff services, and surgical services directors also hold significant earning potential. Additionally, hospitals themselves exhibit varying salary expenses, influenced by factors such as location and size, with some hospitals spending over $3 billion on salaries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Highest-paid staff | Surgeons, Specialists, and Doctors |
| Average hospital salary expense | $113 million in 2022 |
| Range of individual hospital salary expenses | $250k to $3 billion |
| Median value of individual hospital salary expenses | $51.2 million |
| Average hospital net patient revenue | $237 million |
| Average net patient revenue of top 50 hospitals | $3.9 billion |
| Net patient revenue of New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center | $9.3 billion |
| Net patient revenue of UCSF Helen Diller Medical Center | $4.61 billion |
| Net patient revenue of University Hospital | $4.03 billion |
| Net patient revenue of AdventHealth Orlando | $4 billion |
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What You'll Learn
Physicians and surgeons
The work of physicians and surgeons is demanding, but it is a growing field with an estimated 24,200 new jobs expected to open up each year over the next decade due to population growth, an ageing population, and increasing rates of chronic illnesses. Despite the high earning potential, satisfaction among general surgeons is reportedly on the decline. Some surgeons feel the income is not enough to offset the demands and challenges of the profession, and they may pursue additional work or "side hustles" to supplement their income.
While physicians and surgeons are well-compensated, there are other high-earning professions within hospitals. For example, the average hospital net patient revenue is about $237 million, and some hospitals bring in much more, such as the UCSF Helen Diller Medical Center in San Francisco, which has a net patient revenue of $4.61 billion.
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Cardiologists
The salary of a cardiologist can vary depending on various factors such as hours worked, location, practice environment, and gender. For example, cardiologists in high-cost living states like California or New York may be taxed at a higher rate, impacting their overall income. Additionally, new associates in cardiology can expect to earn around $800,000, while partners can earn over $1 million.
It is important for cardiologists to have salary transparency and be aware of their worth in the job market. This knowledge can help them during contract negotiations and ensure they are being appropriately compensated for their work. Other compensation package components, such as PTO, call responsibilities, and 401(k) match, should also be considered when evaluating overall compensation.
While cardiologists earn a high salary, it is important to note that they may also have to deal with emergencies, which can impact their work-life balance.
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Nurse anaesthetists
Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetists (CRNAs) are the highest-paid nursing job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean average salary for a nurse anaesthetist is $212,650 per year. However, there is a nearly $100,000 difference between an entry-level nurse anaesthetist's salary and that of a senior CRNA. Entry-level CRNAs can expect to earn around $135,080 per year, while senior CRNAs with eight or more years of experience can earn up to $247,078 per year.
The salary of a nurse anaesthetist can vary depending on several factors, such as geography and specialization. For example, in Illinois, the average annual salary for a CRNA is $281,240, while in Massachusetts, it is $272,510. On the other hand, Utah and Alabama are the lowest-paying states, with average salaries of $125,890 and $173,370, respectively. Specializing in a particular area of anaesthesia, such as neuro-anaesthesia, can also lead to higher wages.
The high salaries of CRNAs reflect the advanced level of education, skill, experience, and knowledge required for this role. To become a CRNA, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is the minimum education requirement, which can cost between $35,000 and $95,000. This degree can be obtained through a BSN Program or an RN-to-BSN Track, depending on previous experience and qualifications.
While the financial rewards of being a CRNA are significant, it is important to consider the cost and commitment required to enter this field. There are only approximately 60,000 CRNAs in the country, which may be due to the high cost and demanding nature of the required education. However, for those willing to invest the time and resources, a career as a CRNA can offer both financial stability and personal fulfillment.
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Hospital administrators
In the United States, the salary of a hospital administrator can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the size of the hospital. In New York City, for example, the average salary for a healthcare administrator is $183,075 per year, with a reported range between $144,972 and $235,757. The median hourly rate for this role is $88 per hour, with some top earners reporting salaries of up to $292,884.
In contrast, the average salary for a health services administrator in the state of New York is slightly lower at $110,910 per year. This variation in salary highlights the impact of location on compensation, as New York City is known for its high cost of living and competitive job market.
To remain competitive in the job market, individuals aspiring to become hospital administrators should consider obtaining higher degrees or industry-specific certifications. Possessing a strong understanding of business principles and technical skills is also advantageous.
While the role of a hospital administrator comes with significant responsibilities and challenges, it also offers a rewarding career in the healthcare industry, with the potential for substantial financial compensation.
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Medical imaging professionals
In the United States, the salary of a medical imaging specialist can vary depending on several factors, including experience, specific skills, industry differences, and location. As of August 2025, the average annual salary for this profession ranged from $81,118 to $113,601, with a median of $96,347. An entry-level specialist with less than a year of experience can expect an average salary of around $92,688, while those with over eight years of experience can earn approximately $98,339 or more.
The salary for medical imaging specialists also varies by state and city. For example, in California, the average yearly salary is $106,270, while in Massachusetts, it is $104,854, and in New Jersey, it is $104,430. In certain cities, the salary can be even higher, such as in San Francisco, where it averages $120,327, or in New York City, where it is $111,656.
According to ZipRecruiter, as of July 2025, the average hourly rate for medical imaging professionals in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, was $25 per hour, which is higher than the national average hourly salary of $24.54 for this profession.
Overall, medical imaging professionals can expect competitive salaries, with the potential for higher earnings based on experience, skills, and location.
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Frequently asked questions
The highest-paid workers in hospitals are typically physicians and surgeons. The salaries of physicians depend on their specialty, profession, and location, but they regularly earn six-figure salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), physicians and surgeons make an average of $229,300 per year. The Doximity and Curative’s 2024 Physician Compensation Report found a 23% gender pay gap between male and female physicians in 2023. The BLS records cardiologists as the highest-paid physicians, with an average annual salary of $421,330.
Other well-paid roles in hospitals include nurse anesthetists, who make a median salary of $203,090, and nurse practitioners, who earn a median annual salary of $121,610. Hospital administrators, directors of medical staff services, and clinical advisors are also likely to be highly paid.
A hospital's profitability is influenced by various factors, including location, health system affiliations, process improvement, and multiple revenue streams. For example, children's hospitals tend to report higher net patient revenue due to their greater reliance on commercial insurance over Medicare.
