← 2026 Salary Report / Cardiology
Interventional and electrophysiology command premiums over non-invasive cardiology.
Training: 6-7 years post-medical school | 5-Year Change: +10% | Range (25th-75th): $400,000-$700,000
Non-invasive cardiologists start at $350,000-$420,000. Interventional cardiologists start $100,000-$150,000 higher. Peak earnings occur at years 10-18 when referral networks and procedure volumes are established. Electrophysiologists (EP) often earn 10-20% above interventionalists due to scarcity.
Florida, Texas, and the Gulf states pay cardiologists above national averages when COL-adjusted. The Northeast pays well in absolute terms but high taxes and COL erode real income. Rural and community hospitals offer 20-35% premiums for interventional cardiologists willing to take call.
Hospital-employed cardiologists earn $420,000-$580,000 with call coverage and benefits included. Private practice interventional cardiologists with cath lab ownership or co-management deals can earn $700,000-$1M+. Non-invasive cardiologists see a smaller employed-vs-private gap, typically 15-20%.
Three highest-leverage actions: (1) Subspecialize in EP or structural heart - these are the highest-demand, highest-paid cardiology subspecialties. (2) Negotiate cath lab co-management or medical directorship fees. (3) Use MGMA cardiology data by subspecialty, not blended cardiology averages. Use the PhysicianWealth Salary Benchmark for a personalized comparison.
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