Physician Starting Salaries Shifted in 2026 Report

A new AMN Healthcare analysis reveals trends in compensation and recruitment for medical professionals across the U.S.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Nursing Jobs

Isometric editorial illustration showing a surgical scalpel and medicine vial on a clinical surface, representing medical compensation analysis. — AMN Healthcare's 2026 report reveals shifting physician starting salaries, with gastroenterology compensation reaching $654,000 amid changing clinical demand for specialists. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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AMN Healthcare released its 2026 report tracking physician starting salaries, identifying significant pay fluctuations across medical specialties. The data analyzed over 1,200 search engagements to highlight how clinical demand is shaping compensation packages for doctors nationwide.

Why it matters

Understanding these salary shifts provides insight into how healthcare organizations are responding to the clinical needs of an aging patient population. The findings illustrate a growing preference for specialists as demand for these roles continues to outpace primary care.

The study analyzed 1,293 search engagements across 47 states, finding an overall average starting salary of $419,000 for physicians. Practitioners also received an average signing bonus of $49,306 and an average relocation allowance of $13,594.

The players

AMN Healthcare

This is a healthcare staffing and workforce solutions company that provides clinical staffing services to hospitals and health systems.

The details

Gastroenterology reached the highest starting salary at $654,000, while urology saw the largest growth with a 22.5% increase to $638,000. Conversely, compensation for orthopedics and pediatrics declined by 12% and 10.6% respectively during the period studied.

The AMN Healthcare report covers the period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
The annual report was released in 2026.

Market Landscape

This data marks a notable departure from historical compensation growth by showing distinct declines in orthopedics and pediatrics. It positions AMN Healthcare as a key authority on the evolving labor market as hospitals prioritize specialist recruitment to meet shifting clinical needs.

These salary trends may influence where medical professionals choose to practice and how healthcare facilities structure their recruiting offers. Patients might experience changes in the availability of specific specialists as institutions align their compensation to match clinical demand.

The takeaway

The report highlights that clinical demand driven by older patients is a primary force behind current physician compensation structures. Aspiring and current practitioners should monitor these specialty-specific trends to better understand their long-term career prospects in the U.S. market.