Cardiologist Salary 2025: $496K Median, $656K in Washington State
Cardiologists earn a national median salary of $496,010, according to the latest BLS data. The average (mean) wage is $454,940, which works out to roughly $238 per hour. But pay varies wildly: the lowest 10% of cardiologists make $107,190 or less, while the top 10% pull in over $712,130.
How much Cardiologists earn
The BLS estimates 17,290 cardiologists work in the U.S. as of May 2024. Median annual wage is $496,010 — meaning half earn more, half earn less. The typical range spans from $107,190 (10th percentile) to $712,130 (90th percentile). That wide spread reflects differences in experience, subspecialty, practice setting, and geography.
Hourly wage at the mean is about $238. Many cardiologists work well beyond 40 hours a week, so actual per-hour earnings can be lower or higher depending on call schedules and volume.
Pay by state
Where you practice dramatically affects income. The five highest-paying states for cardiologists are Washington ($656,330), Missouri ($648,070), Nebraska ($646,300), Wisconsin ($636,580), and Tennessee ($610,080).
On the other end, three states report notably lower average wages: New Jersey ($286,540), Iowa ($283,070), and California ($185,610). California's low figure may reflect a mix of academic, managed-care, or part-time positions, but the BLS data shows it as the lowest-paying state for cardiologists.
These state-level figures are mean annual wages, not medians, but they provide a reliable comparison across locations.
How to become a Cardiologist
Becoming a cardiologist takes at least 13-14 years after high school. Here's the standard route.
- Earn a bachelor's degree (4 years) with pre-med coursework (biology, chemistry, physics, math).
- Attend and graduate from an accredited medical school (4 years) to earn an M.D. or D.O.
- Complete a 3-year internal medicine residency. This is followed by a 3-4 year cardiology fellowship for general cardiology.
- Obtain a state medical license (pass USMLE or COMLEX). Board certification in internal medicine and then in cardiovascular disease (through ABIM or AOA) is required for most jobs.
- Many cardiologists pursue additional subspecialty fellowships (e.g., interventional cardiology, electrophysiology) which add 1-3 years.
Job outlook
Employment of cardiologists is projected to grow 4.1% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 600 new job openings each year, largely due to retirements and the growing demand for cardiovascular care among an aging population.
With 17,290 current positions, the specialty remains competitive but offers strong long-term prospects, especially in rural or underserved areas. The BLS classifies this growth as 'faster than average.'
Frequently asked questions
Is cardiologist salary really that high?
Yes. The BLS reports a national median of $496,010. However, starting salaries and those in lower-paying states can be much lower. The figure reflects experienced, full-time cardiologists.
What state pays cardiologists the most?
Washington state tops the list with a mean annual wage of $656,330. Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Tennessee also pay above $600,000.
How many cardiologists are there in the US?
The BLS estimates 17,290 cardiologists are employed as of May 2024.
What is the job growth for cardiologist?
Projected employment growth is 4.1% from 2024 to 2034, faster than average, with about 600 openings per year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Cardiologists data.