Docs abroad are mad about high US salaries—but here's what they don't understand
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
“It’s interesting that doctors with a similar level of experience, for instance, me, 15 years post my undergraduate degree, earn around one-tenth of the salary that this man is earning in the US.” — Lillie Parker, MRCPCH BMBS, pediatrician
“Yes, but [US doctors] have 10 days off a year and they work like crazy … We work 9-5 and have 34 days off a year plus professional leave.” — Felice D’Arco, MD, pediatrician
A popular Instagram Reel from Lillie Parker, MRCPCH BMBS, a UK-based pediatrician, has left physicians around the globe stunned by the staggering earnings of US doctors compared to their peers elsewhere.
The reel features a US-based emergency room doctor who revealed that after completing 12 years of schooling—including medical school and residency—they now earn between $50,000 and $55,000 per month. That translates to an annual salary of approximately $600,000 to $660,000.
The ER doctor notes that this pay disparity is largely driven by the structure of healthcare systems.
While US doctors often earn high salaries due to the private healthcare model, doctors in the United Kingdom, working within the publicly funded National Health Service (NHS), earn significantly less—even with similar experience and training.
Dr. Parker says that UK physicians with equivalent experience earn about one-tenth of the salary of their US counterparts.
“It’s interesting that doctors with a similar level of experience, for instance, me, 15 years post my undergraduate degree, earn around one-tenth of the salary that this man is earning in the US," Dr. Parker says.
Why this pay gap exists
The fundamental difference between private and public healthcare systems contributes heavily to the disparity.
In the US, physicians typically work within profit-driven healthcare systems or private practices, where salaries are often augmented by insurance payments and patient fees.
Conversely, doctors in the UK work under the NHS, a publicly funded system with capped salaries intended to keep healthcare costs low for the population, Dr. Parker explains.
According to data from the British Medical Association, doctors in England, for instance, typically earn between £36,000 and £70,000 per year, with few opportunities for additional earnings.[] Meanwhile, US doctors in high-demand specialties often surpass these figures, even in their early years of practice.
Is the grass really greener on the other side?
The reel's revelation sparked debate across social media, particularly among doctors worldwide who were surprised by the high earnings of their US counterparts.
While many expressed envy, seasoned US physicians quickly pointed out the downside to such seemingly lucrative pay.
One major caveat? Staggering student loan debt. The average debt for US medical graduates is over $240,000, which can take decades to repay.[]
Additionally, the American healthcare system is notorious for its high-pressure work environments, long hours, and limited support for physician wellness.
Burnout is rampant, with nearly half of US physicians reporting symptoms according to a recent survey by the American Medical Association.[]
Related: Doctor burnout: 5 ways to know you're running out of energyA UK-based pediatrician, Felice D’Arco, MD, commented: “Yes, but [US doctors] have 10 days off a year and they work like crazy … We work 9-5 and have 34 days off a year plus professional leave.”
Is the journey worth the payoff?
The Instagram reel sparked broader questions about whether the pursuit of a high salary is worth the sacrifices US doctors must make. Years of grueling training, immense financial burden, and the relentless pace of private healthcare systems make the journey daunting.
For some, the financial payoff justifies the investment. But for others, particularly those prioritizing work-life balance or healthcare accessibility, systems like the NHS are more attractive, even if the salary is lower.
As the US continues to grapple with burnout and rising healthcare costs, the global conversation about physician compensation is only heating up. Is the grass really greener on the other side? It depends on what you value most—money, work-life balance, or a sense of purpose.