Doctors are the backbone of our society. They perform several duties from diagnosing illnesses and treating patients to performing surgeries and evaluating new drugs. Moreover, doctors were at the forefront of the fight against the coronavirus by providing timely care for everyone.
The doctor profession is well-respected as well as well-paid for. However, not every doctor is paid the same. Based on their years of experience, the industry chosen, and the region they are working in, doctors’ salaries vary.
In this article, we offer an overview of the average salaries of doctors in India.
A doctor's income is determined by factors like specialization, location (tier 1, 2, 3, and 4 cities), and experience.
Doctors' salaries vary greatly from one city to the next. Doctors' salaries in Mumbai range from Rs.25,000 to Rs.3 Lakh per month.
This variance could be attributed to the nature of the sector in which they work - public or private. In most cases, government hospitals pay less.
In the government sector, an MBBS doctor who is just starting earns Rs. 25,000 per month, whereas, in the private sector, it might range from Rs.30,000 to Rs.40,000.
Trainee doctors can earn between Rs.20,000 and Rs.25,000 during a one-year MBBS internship. The average salary of a Junior Resident Doctor in a good government hospital ranges from Rs.52,000 to Rs.53,000.
Senior Resident Doctors earn between Rs.68,000 and Rs.70,000 per month.
Doctors with an MD degree specialize in general medicine, radiology, dermatology, cardiology, pediatrics, etc. Whereas an MS doctor is qualified as a post-graduate in general surgery and specializes in orthopedics, ENT, ophthalmology, and OBG.
The average salary of an MD physician with no experience is 9 lakhs per annum, and experienced physicians earn between Rs.10-30 Lakh per annum.
MS doctors who are just starting have an income of Rs.1.10 Lakh to 3 Lakh per annum. With more experience, they can earn up to Rs. 110 Lakhs to 20 lakhs per annum.
An MBBS doctor working in a government hospital is paid Rs.6 Lakh per annum on average.
Listed in the table below are some of the posts under the employment of the Indian government and their respective annual basic salary:
| Designation | Annual Base Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
|
Assistant Divisional Medical Officer (ADMO) (Railway) |
7.9 LPA |
|
Divisional Medical Officer (DMO) (Railway) |
8.8 LPA |
|
Chief Medical Director (Dy. CMD) Senior Divisional Medical Officer (Sr.DMO) (Railway) |
26-29 LPA |
AIIMS is India's most prestigious medical college. The competition to secure a seat at AIIMS is really intense and it is getting harder every year. And the doctors who work at AIIMS are considered highly skilled and are paid a hefty salary.
Given in the table below are approximate salaries offered to the graduates and for various posts within the institution:
| Qualification/Designation | Approximate Monthly Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
|
MBBS Interns |
35,000 |
|
MBBS Doctors |
60,000 |
|
Junior Residents (pursuing PG) |
58,000 |
|
Senior Residents |
75,000 |
|
Professors |
7.7 Lakh |
|
Associate Professor |
2.7 Lakh |
|
Assistant Professor |
1.08 Lakh |
Veterinarians are responsible for diagnosing and treating animals. They provide care for simple illnesses or even perform surgery if needed.
Since most of India primarily depends on agriculture and subsequently farming animals, veterinarians are invaluable in the Indian community as they are the primary care providers.
Veterinarians work at hospitals or set up their own practice based on the region they work in. They are skilled in medicine, surgery, diagnosis and treatment planning, and general surgery to provide the necessary treatment.
Some of the job profiles for veterinary doctors are listed in the table below with respective average salaries:
| Positions | Average salary(in INR) |
|---|---|
|
Veterinary Doctor |
6.0 LPA |
|
Veterinary Surgeon |
6.08 LPA |
|
Animal Care Specialist |
1.8-2.6 LPA |
|
Veterinary Officer |
6 LPA |
|
Vet Doctor in NGOs |
4 LPA |
|
Animal Research Scientist |
10 LPA |
|
Livestock development Officer |
10 LPA |
The post of Medical Officer in the Indian army offers a competitive salary package in accordance with the 7th pay commission. The annual salary will be in the range of Rs.11,00,000 - 12,00,000.
Doctors who are commissioned in the AFMS will be given the rank of Captain (or equivalent rank in the Navy/Air Force) in the 10B level of the Defence Pay Matrix of BP 61300 + MSP 15500 + HRA (if applicable) depending on the city category.
For example, officers posted in cities such as tier 1, 2, 3, 4 cities + NPA at prevalent rates + Transport Allowance 3600-7200 as per the category of the city, (i.e. tier 1, 2, 3, and 4 cities where the officer is posted) + 20,000 (Annually) for dress allowances and DA at prevalent rates, the total amount will be approximately Rs.97,000/- per month).
Doctors are among the highest-paid professionals in India. Their salaries are influenced by several factors such as their specialization, the city and sector they work in, their experience, and more. Doctors practicing in tier-1 cities draw more than those working in tier-2,3, and 4 cities.
New Delhi pays the highest salaries for doctors followed by Bangalore. Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad also pay competitive salaries to their medical professionals.
MBBS doctors in the healthcare sector are paid the most followed closely by government doctors. Doctors in educational sectors or research are also paid well.
You need the right education to become an MBBS doctor in India.
Finish your 10+2 education in biology, chemistry, and physics from a recognized school board
Get admission to colleges offering MBBS courses through NEET
Finish your MBBS degree and gain professional experience as an MBBS doctor
To become a veterinarian, you must get a degree in veterinary sciences. However, if you want to advance in your career, you should pursue a degree in Master of Veterinary Science or Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy.
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