How much does a cardiologist make?
The median cardiologist in the United States earns $239,200+ per year. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all cardiologists earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 29-1212.
Cardiologist salary range
Pay for cardiologists spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $119,970 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $239,200+. The average (mean) wage of $432,490 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $119,970 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $230,100 | |
| Median (50th) | $239,200+ | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $239,200+ | |
| 90th percentile | $239,200+ | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for cardiologists (SOC 29-1212), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Cardiologist salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Cardiologists earn the most in Colorado at $239,200+ a year, and the least in Texas at $168,780. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $239,200+ | 290 |
| Connecticut | $239,200+ | 260 |
| Delaware | $239,200+ | 100 |
| Florida | $239,200+ | 550 |
| Georgia | $239,200+ | 1,520 |
| Hawaii | $239,200+ | 50 |
| Illinois | $239,200+ | 380 |
| Indiana | $239,200+ | 140 |
| Maine | $239,200+ | 170 |
| Michigan | $239,200+ | 500 |
| Minnesota | $239,200+ | 470 |
| Missouri | $239,200+ | 130 |
| Nebraska | $239,200+ | 200 |
| New Hampshire | $239,200+ | 190 |
| New Jersey | $239,200+ | N/A |
| New Mexico | $239,200+ | 310 |
| New York | $239,200+ | 2,260 |
| North Carolina | $239,200+ | 380 |
| North Dakota | $239,200+ | 40 |
| Ohio | $239,200+ | 770 |
| Oklahoma | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Oregon | $239,200+ | 130 |
| Pennsylvania | $239,200+ | 820 |
| Rhode Island | $239,200+ | 80 |
| South Carolina | $239,200+ | 130 |
| Tennessee | $239,200+ | 570 |
| Vermont | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Virginia | $239,200+ | 510 |
| West Virginia | $239,200+ | 40 |
| Wisconsin | $239,200+ | 200 |
| Wyoming | $239,200+ | 50 |
| Texas | $168,780 | 1,530 |
State median wages for cardiologists (SOC 29-1212), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2024. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for cardiologists
The BLS projects employment of cardiologists to grow 4.8% from 2025 to 2035. That is about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 18,500 jobs in 2025 moving toward 19,400 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 500 openings a year for cardiologists. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a cardiologist
The typical entry-level education for cardiologists is a doctoral or professional degree, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete an internship or residency to reach full competency.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a cardiologist earns
Specialty, work setting, shift differentials, certifications, and region drive the numbers. Hospitals, surgical settings, and high cost metros pay above clinics and rural facilities.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Colorado, $239,200+) and the lowest (Texas, $168,780) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 18,020 people work as cardiologists in the United States. At $239,200+ a year, the job pays above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Cardiologist salary FAQ
How much does a cardiologist make an hour?
Cardiologists are generally salaried rather than paid by the hour, so the BLS does not publish an hourly wage for this job. The median annual salary is $239,200+.
What is the highest cardiologist salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of cardiologists earn more than $239,200+ per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a cardiologist make a year?
The median annual salary for a cardiologist is $239,200+. The average (mean) wage of $432,490 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a cardiologist a well paid job?
At $239,200+ a year, a cardiologist earns above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 18,020 people work as cardiologists in the United States.
Which state pays cardiologists the most?
Colorado has the highest median salary for cardiologists at $239,200+ a year. Connecticut ($239,200+) and Delaware ($239,200+) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being a cardiologist a good career?
Employment of cardiologists is projected to grow 4.8% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 500 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a cardiologist?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for cardiologists as a doctoral or professional degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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