Cardiology Salary Guide 2026
Complete compensation data for healthcare recruiters. Based on the 2025 Medscape Physician Compensation Report, MGMA DataDive Provider Compensation, and Doximity Physician Compensation Report.
Average Salary$520,000-1.0% vs 2025
Key Compensation Metrics
Median Salary
$508,00090th Percentile
$660,000Sign-On Bonus
$30,000-$75,000Demand Level
Very HighSalary Distribution
25th PercentileMedian75th Percentile90th Percentile
$430,000$508,000$590,000$660,000
Total Compensation Range: $380,000 to $700,000, including base salary, production bonuses (avg. $75,000/year), and benefits.
Top-Paying States
1California
$580,0002New York
$560,0003Texas
$545,0004Florida
$530,0005Illinois
$520,000Top-Paying Cities
1San Francisco, CA
$620,0002New York, NY
$595,0003Los Angeles, CA
$580,0004Houston, TX
$560,0005Chicago, IL
$545,000Factors Affecting Compensation
- Subspecialty (interventional, electrophysiology, heart failure)
- Procedure volume
- Hospital vs private practice
- Call coverage intensity
- Cath lab access
About Cardiology
Cardiologists diagnose and treat heart and cardiovascular system diseases. Interventional cardiologists who perform catheterizations and stent placements earn the highest in the field.
Required Certifications
- ABIM Board Certification in Cardiovascular Disease
- State Medical License
- DEA Registration
Typical Employers
- Hospital Systems
- Cardiology Groups
- Academic Medical Centers
- Heart Institutes
Work Settings
- Hospital
- Cath Lab
- Office/Clinic
- EP Lab
Market Outlook & Demand
Very High Demand
Shortage of 120,000 cardiologists projected by 2030
Year-over-Year Change
-1.0%
Avg. Production Bonus
$75,000