There are a lot of exciting places to work as a physician both locally and overseas. In the US, the options are endless and depending on the specialty, can be especially rewarding. Of course, what makes one location better than another is subjective, however, some cities offer the full package for career-minded medical professionals. Here is our list of the top 10 cities for physicians to work and live in the United States.
1 – Indianapolis, Indiana
For those looking to rake in the big bucks, Indianapolis will be a great choice. This is one of the best cities for doctors looking for low malpractice actions paired with high rates of physician compensation. On average, the pay rate is just over $400k per year. When paired with cheap housing and low living costs, Indiana is well worth it.
2 – Memphis, Tennessee
The average annual salary of a medical professional in this city is just under $300 per year. While that may not seem like much, the rates do trend much higher for many specialties. The cost of living is rather affordable and the high population ensures plenty of work to go around.
3 – Omaha, Nebraska
For physicians who love a good steak and a generous paycheck, Omaha is worth considering. The idyllic location paired with the competitive salaries offered make Nebraska a top choice among medical professionals. Of course, having easy access to some of the best steak in the country is a bonus.
4 – Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City offers a wealth of natural treasures as well as some of the best hospitals in the country. For physicians, this means there are ample opportunities for career advancement as well as a lovely atmosphere for their families.
5- Missoula, Montana
This city has one of the top-ranked hospitals in the state for patient care. Naturally, this is due largely to the high-quality talent working within the facility. Salaries are generous and the malpractice premiums are much lower than in other states. The surrounding communities are family-friendly with plenty of entertainment to spare.
6- Miami, Florida
Florida is home to one of the largest populations in the country, as well as being host to a large senior population. Miami however remains a big draw for many physicians thanks to the great weather, wealth of career advancement opportunities, and sheer number of available clients. For physicians working in the cosmetic surgery field, Miami, Florida is a virtual goldmine.
7- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Though not the largest city in the US, it is still one of the best locations for physicians looking for a healthy work-life balance. The annual salary for mid-range doctors falls around $300k and the cost of living is moderate when compared to other similar-sized cities.
8 – San Jose, California
No list would be complete without San Jose being mentioned. With 80% of medical students living in the state, it makes sense that there will be a high number of jobs available. The weather is very temperate and plenty of after-hours activities are available within San Jose itself.
9 – Boise, Idaho
Boise is known for being one of the most family-friendly cities in the country. It is also one of the top cities for physicians looking to establish a long-term career. There are plenty of patients, ample opportunities for advancement, and a lot of nature spots to keep the mind fresh and fit.
10 – Minneapolis, Minnesota
For city-loving physicians, this option is one of the best available. Minneapolis ranks 5th in terms of the highest pay scale for physicians. The rate of competition is also rather low which further encourages more skilled professionals to stake a claim in their chosen specialties.
The Bottom Line
As a physician, it is important to consider all factors when choosing a career path. A balance of fair wages, advancement opportunities, and amenable accommodations is critical for long-term success. The list above is a great place to start, however, make sure to take any specialty-specific consideration into account when selecting a city to match your professional needs.