The top 3 states to work in as a doctor in 2025

By Frances Gatta | Fact-checked by Barbara Bekiesz

Published November 20, 2024

Key Takeaways

Here's a look at the three top states to work in as a doctor in 2025, considering factors like quality of life, cost of living, salary potential, and the possibility of delivering inclusive healthcare.
Doctors in states like Minnesota receive the highest average income in the nation.
Doctors looking to experience the profound reward of saving lives in the healthiest way possible can find relevant opportunities in these three states.

Thanks to the increasing US patient population and a growing aging population, doctors are in demand.^[] The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in healthcare will increase faster than the average between 2023 and 2033, with around 1.9 million job openings expected each year.^[] With a median yearly pay of over $239,200, saving lives can feel even more fulfilling.^[]

However, being a doctor can only be as rewarding as the state in which you practice permits. In no particular order, here’s a rundown of the top-three best states to work in as a doctor in 2025.

Minnesota

According to the World Population Review, Minnesota ranks second in the nation for quality of life, with 91% of residents living above the poverty line.^[] Residents also have the fourth-longest life expectancy at an average of 80.9 years, and many enjoy good health.

Apart from being a fantastic state to live in, according to surveys and reviews from organizations like The American Institute of Medical Sciences and Education (AIMS Education), WalletHub, and Forbes Advisor, Minnesota is consistently ranked among the best states for doctors. This reputation is backed by several factors and will likely only continue. The state excels in healthcare quality metrics and boasts prestigious medical and research institutions, including the Mayo Clinic.

Minnesota is also ranked the third-best state for raising a family and for women. In January 2023, Governor Tim Walz took much-needed action for women’s health and reproductive rights, signing the Protect Reproductive Options Act. This law reaffirms the right to make independent decisions regarding reproductive health, including abortion. It prevents local governments from restricting a person's exercise of this right. This is good news for doctors committed to prioritizing women’s health.^[]

According to Forbes Advisor, doctors in Minnesota earn the highest average salary in the country, about $360,383.08.^[]

This impressive income, combined with a low cost of living, makes Minnesota an appealing location for doctors looking to improve their financial health while delivering quality healthcare for all.

Massachusetts

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Massachusetts prides itself on having one of the country’s highest percentages of female physicians, with 44.8% of doctors being women. Additionally, it ranks among the highest for the number of active physicians providing direct patient care per population, as highlighted in the 2024 US Physician Workforce Data brief from the AAMC.^[]

There are a few possible reasons for this strong physician presence. According to U.S. News, the state is ranked 2 in Health Care, 1 in Public Health, and 2 in Health Care Access. Furthermore, WalletHub named it the best state to live in 2024. Massachusetts also has robust laws safeguarding citizens’ rights to access reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare services. All of this ranking and protection indicate it is an environment where doctors can thrive and find fulfillment in their roles, contributing to delivering quality healthcare to all.

Physicians are also supported by professional organizations dedicated to championing their interests and well-being, including the Massachusetts Medical Society.^[] Such support can empower them to provide the best care possible.

Wisconsin

Forbes Advisor spotlighted Wisconsin as the second-best state for doctors in 2024,^[] and it’s clear how the state earned this spot. Doctors in the state earn an average salary of $352,177.14, all while residing in an area with a cost of living index of just 0.893, enabling them to thrive financially.

Beyond financial reasons to work in Wisconsin in 2025, the state provides an environment suited to doctors’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being needs. According to the World Population Review, Wisconsin ranks eighth in the nation for quality of living, with low poverty levels and a 2.9% unemployment rate below the national average.^[]

Wisconsin is also recognized for its impressive patient safety outcomes by agencies, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The state benefits from a strong advocacy group, the Wisconsin Medical Society. It is home to prestigious medical centers, including the American Family Children’s Hospital and Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center. Doctors can practice here confidently, knowing they are in good company and part of a healthcare environment prioritizing quality and safe care.

Tech for the future

There has never been a more perfect time to be a doctor in the US (and other developed countries) than the 21st century, an era marked by rapid and unprecedented innovation in healthcare and beyond. While challenges like clinician burnout, physician shortages, and demanding workloads remain concerns, technology is stepping in to alleviate some of these challenges.

With advancements like artificial intelligence (AI) analyzing mammograms thirty times faster with near-perfect accuracy and robotic arms assisting in invasive surgeries, today’s doctors can provide care that previous generations could only dream of. After decades of rigorous training and study, physicians can find even more rewarding careers in one of the top three states—Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin. These states offer enticing financial rewards but also the fulfillment of providing care that aims to serve everyone.