Physicians practicing in the U.S. earn considerably more than their counterparts in Europe, South and Central America, according to Medscape's 2023 "International Physician Compensation Report," published Oct. 11.
The U.S. has fewer physicians per capita than other developed countries, which could contribute to their higher wages, according to the report. The length and cost of medical education in the U.S. and Canada is also much higher than in other countries, where physicians can begin practicing after a five- or six-year undergraduate education track.
Average physician compensation in the U.S. and 10 additional countries:
U.S.: $352,000
Canada: $273,000
Germany: $160,000
United Kingdom: $122,000
France: $93,000
Italy: $64,000
Spain: $60,000
Brazil: $48,000
Portugal: $44,000
Argentina: $21,000
Mexico: $19,000