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Doctor vs engineer salary?
I need to decide between becoming a doctor or an engineer, but salary is a big factor for me. I know it varies a lot depending on specialty and experience, but what are the general salary ranges for doctors (maybe family medicine vs. a specialist) compared to different types of engineers (like software, mechanical, or civil)? Also, how does the potential for salary growth look in each field over a 10-20 year career?
2 Answers
14
39d ago
Doctor salaries are highly variable. Family medicine might start around $200k, while specialists can easily begin at $400k+, and some surgical specialties reach $600k+. Engineering salaries are more predictable; software engineers can start around $80-120k, mechanical and civil engineers often begin lower, around $60-80k. The growth potential for doctors is substantial, with experienced specialists earning well over $1M. Software engineers can reach $200-300k with experience, while other engineering fields might see slower growth, topping out around $150-200k. Consider the years of schooling and debt accumulation for doctors, which impacts lifetime earnings significantly.
5
38d ago
Engineering has a much faster path to profitability, but a specialized surgeon will eventually eclipse most engineers in lifetime earnings. It's also crucial to consider the type of engineering; petroleum engineers, for example, often start at very high salaries, while civil engineers might not see that same initial boost. Location matters significantly too, some states pay doctors far better than others. It's complicated!