Interventional Cardiologist Salary vs. General Cardiologist: 2026 Insights & Job Trends
The demand for cardiologists continues to surge, driven by an aging population and increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. This growing need has led to significant salary discrepancies between interventional and general cardiologists. Understanding these differences is crucial for healthcare leaders and professionals navigating the evolving landscape of physician compensation.
In this article, we will explore the 2026 salary insights for interventional cardiologists compared to their general counterparts, highlighting trends, and factors influencing compensation.
Overview of Cardiologist Salaries
General Salary Landscape
Cardiology remains one of the highest-paying specialties in medicine. According to data from AMN’s 2025 Review of Physician and Advanced Practitioner Recruiting Incentives ebook, the average salary for cardiologists generally falls between $470,000. This range reflects the diverse roles and responsibilities within the field, including both interventional and non-invasive practices.
Interventional vs. General Cardiologists
Interventional cardiologists specialize in catheter-based treatments for heart conditions, such as coronary interventions and structural heart procedures. This procedural expertise commands a premium, with salary statistics indicating:
- Interventional cardiologists: Median $690,00.
- General cardiologists: Median $470,000.
The procedural nature of interventional cardiology justifies the salary premium, making these specialists highly sought after in the healthcare workforce.
Factors Influencing Compensation
Practice Type
Compensation for cardiologists can vary significantly based on their practice setting. The average earnings differ by practice type:
- Private practice generally offers the highest compensation.
- Hospital employment falls in the middle range.
- Academic settings tend to offer more modest compensation, often paired with opportunities for teaching, research, and long‑term professional development.
These variations highlight how practice type influences earning potential.
Experience Level
Experience also plays a crucial role in determining salary. As cardiologists gain more experience, their earning potential increases significantly. Entry-level professionals start with competitive salaries, and those with over a decade of experience command even higher compensation. This progression underscores the value of experience in the field.
Geographic Variations
Location significantly impacts cardiologist salaries. Regions with higher demand for cardiology services, particularly urban centers, tend to offer more competitive compensation compared to rural areas. Understanding these geographic trends is essential for effective recruitment strategies.
Career Pathways: Locum Tenens vs. Permanent Roles
Locum Tenens Rates
The demand for interventional cardiologists has led to increased opportunities in locum tenens positions. This flexibility can attract physicians seeking a better work-life balance, further complicating recruitment for permanent positions.
Permanent Positions
While locum tenens roles offer flexibility, permanent positions provide stability, long-term benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. Organizations looking to fill permanent roles should focus on creating competitive packages and fostering a supportive work environment to attract top talent.
AMN Healthcare Insights
Unique Data Points
At AMN Healthcare, we have observed compelling trends in cardiology staffing. Our data Review of Physician and Advanced Practitioner Recruiting Incentives, reveals that cardiologists placed through our network average $470,000. This data provides valuable insights for healthcare organizations looking to attract top talent.
Explore Career Opportunities in Cardiology
Understanding the salary dynamics between interventional and general cardiologists is essential for healthcare professionals. If you’re exploring career opportunities in cardiology, connect with one of our expert recruiters or browse our cardiology job listings to stay informed and up to date on the latest salary insights.
FAQs
What doctor makes $500,000 a year?
Several specialties, including general cardiology, gastroenterology and radiology, report average salaries around this figure.
How do salary insights help healthcare professionals?
Salary insights provide valuable data on compensation trends, helping healthcare professionals and organizations make informed career and hiring decisions.
What field in healthcare pays the most?
Specialties such as neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and interventional cardiology are among the highest-paying fields in healthcare. Compensation can vary significantly based on factors like location, experience, and practice setting.
