Top 22 Highest Paying Medical Jobs in India in 2025

Medicine is considered to be the most nobel field, but that’s not the only reason you should look forward to enrolling in medical courses. There’s also the factor that some roles like rheumatologists, endocrinologists, surgeons, and nephrologists are amongst the highest paying medical jobs in India. Infact, India’s health-tech sector is expected to touch USD 21.3 billion by the end of 2025.

Such a high valuation means great opportunities to nail the highest paying jobs in the medical field. This article will walk you through 22 best medical jobs in India to help you make the right choice.

Also Read: Public Health Careers in India

Top 22 Highest Paid Medical Jobs in India in 2025

🚀 Did you know? The MT India Healthcare Awards’ 15th Edition that just concluded on March 31st, 2025 honored 70 doctors, hospitals, and innovators with healthcare awards for excellence. What did these people do differently from others to secure such an award? They brought forth a transformative change in India’s healthcare sector!

As you can see, medical jobs can be quite lucrative and there’s no shortage of recognition as you gain experience, develop a specialization, and establish yourself as a valuable medical professional.

Refer to the table below for the average annual salary of the highest paying medical jobs in India:

Source: AmitionBox, Glassdoor

Let’s discuss all these best medical jobs in detail now.

1. Orthodontist

🚀 Did you know? HD Merchant was the 1st person ever to deliver a lecture on orthodontics. He delivered the first series of lectures on the subject in 1935 at the Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai.

Orthodontists focus on diagnosing and treating dental and facial irregularities, particularly those involving the alignment of teeth and jaws. They commonly use braces and other dental appliances.

Qualifications to become an Orthodontist:

• BDS followed by MDS in Orthodontics
• Specialized training in dental appliances and orthodontic techniques

Key Responsibilities:

Want to enroll in medical courses after 12th? You have the option to study abroad in the USA – check out these diploma courses in the medical field from the US now!

2. Cardiologist

➡️ Here’s a fun fact: A cardiology doctor salary in India can shoot up to INR 2L/month as they gain more experience.

Cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating heart-related diseases, including conditions like hypertension, heart attacks, and arrhythmias. They may perform diagnostic tests, interpret data, and recommend lifestyle changes or surgeries.

Qualifications:

• MBBS degree followed by MD in Medicine or DM in Cardiology
• Certification and training in cardiovascular diseases

Key Responsibilities:

3. Dermatologist

🚀 Did you know? In India, 106 government colleges offer medical courses in dermatology. In fact, there are almost 455 seats in PG dermatology courses from government colleges.

Dermatologists diagnose and treat skin conditions, including diseases, infections, and cosmetic concerns like acne, eczema, or skin cancer. They may perform procedures such as biopsies or skin surgeries.

Qualifications of a Dermatologist:

• MBBS followed by MD or Diploma in Dermatology
• Specialization in cosmetic dermatology or skin diseases

Key Responsibilities:

Also Read: Best career options in medical without NEET

4. Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and mood disorders. They prescribe medications, offer psychotherapy, and work with other healthcare professionals.

Qualifications of a Psychiatrist:

• MBBS followed by MD or DNB in Psychiatry
• Specialized training in mental health and psychiatric care

Key Responsibilities:

5. Pediatrician

➡️ Did you know? You can have a prosperous career as a pediatrician in India since there’s an acute shortage of qualified professionals in this field. As per Statista, the registered number of Pediatricians at Community Health Centers (CHCs) in India a few years ago was just a little over 1,000. 

Pediatricians provide medical care to children, from newborns to adolescents. They focus on preventive health care, growth monitoring, vaccinations, and treatment of common childhood illnesses.

Qualifications of a Pediatrician:

• MBBS followed by MD or DNB in Pediatrics
• Specialized training in child health care

Key Responsibilities:

6. Orthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic surgeons focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, including bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments. They perform surgeries related to fractures, joint replacements, and spine issues.

Qualifications of an Orthopedic Surgeon:

• MBBS followed by MS in Orthopedics
• Further training in surgical procedures

Key Responsibilities:

Also Read: 5 Best Medical Courses & Certifications Online [2024]

7. Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN)

OBGYNs specialize in female reproductive health, including pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the reproductive system. They handle prenatal care, childbirth, and surgeries like C-sections.

Qualifications of an OBGYN:

• MBBS followed by MS or MD in Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Training in maternity care and gynecological surgery

Key Responsibilities:

8. Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists specialize in eye and vision care. They diagnose and treat various eye diseases and perform surgeries such as cataract removal, LASIK, and retinal surgeries.

Qualifications of an Ophthalmologist:

• MBBS followed by MS or DNB in Ophthalmology
• Further training in specialized eye surgeries

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor post-operative recovery in eye surgeries

9. Emergency Medicine Physician

🚀 Did you know? As your experience grows, you can earn upwards of INR 2L a month working as an emergency medicine physician in India.

Emergency physicians work in emergency departments to provide immediate care for a wide variety of acute injuries and illnesses, often requiring rapid diagnosis and intervention.

Qualifications of an Emergency Medicine Physician:

• MBBS followed by MD or DNB in Emergency Medicine
• Additional trauma and critical care training

Key Responsibilities:

10. Oncologist

Oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer. They manage various treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, radiation, and sometimes surgery, focusing on improving patient survival and quality of life.

Qualifications of an Oncologist:

• MBBS followed by MD in Internal Medicine and DM in Oncology
• Training in chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and cancer management

Key Responsibilities:

11. Internal Medicine Physician

Internists diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases in adults, often working as primary care physicians. They specialize in a broad range of conditions but do not perform surgery.

Qualifications of an Internal Medicine Physician:

• MBBS followed by MD in Internal Medicine
• Training in the diagnosis and management of chronic diseases

Key Responsibilities:

12. Plastic Surgeon

🚀 Did you know? As per the National Library of Medicine, more and more people in India are opting for cosmetic procedures. The global ranking of the country was 2nd in Rhinoplasty and 3rd in Liposuction in the year 2023.

Plastic surgeons perform reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries, including repairing physical deformities, and trauma damage, and aesthetic enhancements such as facelifts and body contouring.

Qualifications of a Plastic Surgeon:

• MBBS followed by MS in General Surgery and MCh in Plastic Surgery
• Training in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery techniques

Key Responsibilities:

13. Urologist

➡️ Here’s a fun fact: A Urologist doctor salary which is INR 20.5L a year on an average can grow up to INR 55 LPA as they gain experience. 

Urologists specialize in the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. They treat conditions such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and prostate cancer.

Qualifications of a Urologist:

• MBBS followed by MS in General Surgery and MCh in Urology
• Specialized training in surgical procedures for the urinary system

Key Responsibilities:

14. ENT Specialist

ENT specialists diagnose and treat disorders of the ear, nose, and throat, including hearing loss, sinus issues, and throat infections.

Qualifications of an ENT Specialist:

• MBBS followed by MS in ENT (Otorhinolaryngology)
• Training in advanced ENT procedures and surgeries

Key Responsibilities:

15. Pulmonologist

🚀 Did you know? In a survey published by the Indian Journal of Medical Research, the number of lung cancer cases in the country has risen to 81,219 in 2025 from 63,708 cases in 2015. There’s always a high demand for Pulmonologists who can deal with such issues as lung diseases show no indication of slowing down amid growing air pollution in India. 

Pulmonologists treat respiratory disorders, including conditions like asthma, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They often manage intensive care units for respiratory failure patients.

Qualifications of a Pulmonologist:

• MBBS followed by MD in Pulmonary Medicine or DM in Pulmonology
• Training in respiratory diagnostics and treatments

Key Responsibilities:

16. Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists manage anesthesia during surgeries to ensure patients are pain-free and stable. They monitor vital signs and manage anesthesia dosage before, during, and after surgery.

Qualifications of an Anesthesiologist:

• MBBS followed by MD in Anesthesia or DNB in Anesthesia
• Training in pain management and sedation

Key Responsibilities:

17. Surgeon

Surgeons treat a wide range of medical conditions through surgical procedures. They specialize in specific areas (e.g., general surgery, cardiac surgery, or neurosurgery) and work in both planned and emergencies.

Qualifications of a Surgeon:

• MBBS degree followed by MS or MD in Surgery
• Extensive surgical training in a specialized field

Key Responsibilities:

18. Gastroenterologist

Gastroenterologists specialize in disorders of the digestive system, including conditions related to the stomach, liver, intestines, and pancreas. They diagnose and treat diseases like ulcers, IBS, and liver cirrhosis.

Qualifications of a Gastroenterologist:

• MBBS followed by MD in Internal Medicine and DM in Gastroenterology
• Training in endoscopy and gastrointestinal procedures

Key Responsibilities:

19. Endocrinologist

Endocrinologists treat hormone-related disorders, such as diabetes, thyroid issues, and metabolic conditions, focusing on managing and balancing hormone levels.

Qualifications of an Endocrinologist:

• MBBS followed by MD in Medicine and DM in Endocrinology
• Specialization in diabetes, thyroid disorders, and metabolic diseases

Key Responsibilities:

Also Read: Exploring the Best Courses in Medical Field

20. Nephrologist

Nephrologists specialize in kidney diseases, including conditions such as kidney failure, nephritis, and dialysis management.

Qualifications of a Nephrologist:

• MBBS followed by MD in Medicine and DM in Nephrology
• Expertise in renal care and dialysis management

Key Responsibilities:

Want to pursue your career as a Nephrologist from abroad? Check out these bachelors in medicine courses now.

21. Medical Director

Medical directors oversee clinical operations within hospitals or healthcare organizations. They ensure quality care delivery, compliance with regulations, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications of a Medical Director:

• MBBS followed by an MBA  in Medical Administration or Healthcare Management
• Experience in healthcare management

Key Responsibilities:

Also Read: Top 16 Healthcare Jobs in India

22. Rheumatologist

Rheumatologists specialize in treating autoimmune diseases and disorders related to the joints, muscles, and bones, such as arthritis, lupus, and gout.

Qualifications of a Rheumatologist:

• MBBS followed by MD in General Medicine and DM in Rheumatology
• Training in managing autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases

Key Responsibilities:

What Factors Affect the Salary in the Medical Field in India? 

The demand for particular medical services, location, expertise, experience, and type of healthcare institution are some of the factors that affect medical salaries in India. 

Knowing these elements enables medical practitioners to successfully negotiate their expected pay and career path.

1. Location: 

• Medical professionals’ salaries are higher in metropolitan cities like Delhi, and Bangalore due to increased demand and cost of living
• Similarly, rural or remote areas offer lower salaries but may include incentives or benefits to attract professionals

2. Education Qualifications: 

• If you possess advanced degrees or specializations such as MD, MS, or DM it can significantly increase your earning potential
• Moreover, additional certifications or training in emerging technologies like AI or robotics can further boost salary prospects

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3. Experience:

• Medical professionals with more years of experience command higher salaries due to expertise and patient trust
• Upon reaching senior roles such as consultants or department heads, you will be offered higher pay compared to entry-level positions

4. Industry Demand:

• With high-demand specialties like cardiology, orthopedics, and neurosurgery, you can attract better compensation due to a shortage of specialists
• Emerging fields like telemedicine and healthcare technology also offer competitive salaries as demand rises

5. Organization:

• Private hospitals and corporate healthcare chains often offer higher salaries compared to government-run institutions
• Top-tier medical organizations and prestigious hospitals also pay more due to their reputation and patient base
• Moreover, you may have an increased earning potential if you run a private practice on your own

What Are the Most Essential Skills Required by Medical Professionals? 

As medical professionals, you work in multifold settings where you need to have a set of multiple and diverse skills to adapt yourself to the needs of the situation. Let’s take a look at some essential skills required by medical professionals given as under:

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1. Communication Skills

• With clear communication, you can ensure effective interaction with patients, families, and healthcare teams, leading to better care outcomes.
• Communication also helps in explaining diagnoses, treatment options, and instructions, and improving patient understanding and compliance

Check out upGrad’s our Communication Courses designed to take your communication ability to the next level!

2. Time Management 

• Efficient time management allows medical professionals to handle multiple patients and tasks without compromising care quality
• With proper scheduling and prioritization, you can reduce stress and prevent burnout, ensuring timely delivery of medical services

Also Read: Read Further Here: 15 Ways to Improve Time Management Skills

3. Attention to Detail

• Precision in diagnosis, treatment plans, and medication administration reduces the risk of errors and enhances patient safety
• Attention to detail ensures that vital information is not overlooked, leading to more accurate patient assessments

4. Critical thinking

• Critical thinking enables you to assess complex situations and make informed decisions quickly
• It helps in diagnosing conditions, solving medical problems, and adapting treatment plans based on patient needs

5. Adaptability

• Adaptability helps medical professionals respond effectively to changes in patient conditions, new medical technologies, or shifting workplace environments
• Being adaptable ensures a high level of performance in dynamic and often unpredictable healthcare settings

6. Leadership

• Leadership skills are crucial for managing medical teams, and ensuring cohesive and effective collaboration in patient care.
• With strong leadership, you can promote patient safety and trust, and also foster a positive work culture

Check out upGrad’s Executive Leadership Program with Cornell

What Are Some Emerging Trends in the Medical Field?

The medical field and healthcare are rapidly advancing in light of modern technologies and newer innovations. With the help of these advancements, the healthcare sector is also being highly influenced and inculcating more efficient tools, be it for more patient management systems or for increasing healthcare accessibility.

Following are some emerging trends in the medical field:

• Increased Digitalization: Medical systems adopting digital tools like electronic health records (EHR) and telemedicine, streamlining patient care and improving accessibility. This shift enhances efficiency, reduces paperwork, and enables seamless communication between healthcare providers and patients.
• Use of Data Analysis and Predictive Analysis: Data analysis and predictive analytics help healthcare professionals identify trends, predict disease outbreaks, and improve treatment plans. By analyzing large datasets, they can make more informed decisions, leading to better patient outcomes and more efficient resource allocation
• Use of Artificial Intelligence: AI is transforming healthcare by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, automating administrative tasks, and personalizing treatment plans. Machine learning algorithms help in early detection of diseases, reducing human error and improving patient care efficiency
• Genomics: By studying genetic data to tailor treatments based on individual DNA profiles, genomics allows for more precise therapies, especially in cancer treatment, and provides insight into disease prevention strategies
• Chatbots and Health Applications: This offers users easy access to healthcare advice, symptom checkers, and medication reminders. These digital tools improve patient engagement, provide real-time support, and help manage chronic conditions more effectively
• Remote Medical Assistance: Now is the era of virtual consultations, making healthcare accessible in rural and underserved areas. Patients can now receive timely advice, follow-up care, and specialist consultations without the need to visit healthcare facilities physically

Conclusion 

In this article, we looked at some of the highest paying medical jobs in India. With a rapidly growing healthcare sector, increased healthcare access, and innovations in the way the medical industry functions, India is set to experience an increasing demand for medical professionals. 

Being one of the most lucrative and in-demand career industries in India, the medical industry includes doctors, surgeons, healthcare administrators, pharmacists, staff nurses, and many other professionals in its purview.

In addition to these traditional roles, healthcare management and healthcare technology are also emerging as in-demand roles. 

So, if you are interested in building a career in healthcare management, you may check out upGrad’s Healthcare Management Courses!

You may also check our range of free courses from different industry-relevant domains

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