Explore cardiologist salary ranges, day rates, and how subspecialty and locum work shape earning potential.
Cardiology is one of the highest-compensated physician specialties. Across major national benchmarks, most full-time cardiologists earn between $432,000 and $695,000 annually, with procedural subspecialties exceeding $700,000.
| Source | What it Measures | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2024 (SOC 29-1212) | Mean annual wage | $432,490 |
| Medscape Physician Compensation Report (2025) | Average total compensation | $520,000 |
| Doximity Physician Compensation Report (2025) | Median total compensation | $587,360 |
| SalaryDr (April 2026) | Median verified compensation | $630,000 |
| MedAxiom/ACC Cardiovascular Provider Compensation Survey (2024) | Median annual compensation | $695,000 |
Note: BLS reports base wages. Doximity, SalaryDr, and MedAxiom/ACC capture broader total compensation including call pay, productivity bonuses, and profit-sharing.
Cardiology is one of the few specialties where subspecialty choice can shift income by $200K+ annually.
Cardiology locum work is typically structured by the day, with day rates varying by subspecialty, call intensity, and market demand.
| Compensation Type | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| W-2 employed (BLS mean, ~2,080 hrs) | ~$208 /hr |
| Locum tenens — lower band | $2,500 /day |
| Locum tenens — upper band | $4,000 /day |
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2024; Barton Associates market data 2025–2026.
Cardiology locum coverage is less commoditized than primary care — rates are negotiated individually and reflect significant premiums for subspecialty-trained cardiologists.
Geographic variation in cardiology compensation is driven primarily by supply-demand imbalance rather than cost of living. The ACC/AHA projects the patient-to-cardiologist ratio will move from 1:1,087 today to 1:1,700 by 2035 — a structural driver of sustained locum demand.
Cardiology pay tracks supply density, not prestige markets. Mid-sized regions with fewer cardiologists often outpay major metros.
Cardiology locum income scales with procedural demand and call intensity. The more specialized and harder to staff the role, the higher the rate.
To exceed $700,000: focus on interventional or electrophysiology coverage, call-heavy assignments, and undersupplied markets.
Cardiology locum income scales with procedural demand and call intensity. The more specialized and harder to staff the role, the higher the rate.
A $2,900/day locum rate versus a $208/hr W-2 equivalent represents a substantial structural advantage. 1099 cardiologists unlock business deductions across licensing, CME, home office, equipment, and travel; higher retirement contributions through a SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k); the Qualified Business Income deduction of up to 20%; and S-corp structuring at higher income levels. Barton partners with Earned to help locum physicians navigate these decisions.
Barton coordinates your job search from start to finish!
We’ll schedule a phone consultation to discuss your interests, goals, and work history to find the right opportunities.
Your Barton rep will submit your information to the facility you want to take an assignment at and work on next steps.
Barton handles licensing, credentialing, and travel arrangements before you arrive so you’re ready on day one.
Most earn between $432,490 (BLS mean) and $695,000 (MedAxiom/ACC median). Physician-reported benchmarks from Doximity ($587,360) and Medscape ($520,000) sit in the middle of that range.
Locum cardiology day rates typically range from $2,500 to $4,000 per day, depending on subspecialty, call intensity, and market demand. Interventional and EP coverage commands the top of the band.
Yes. Hybrid models combining employed income with regular locum days can push total compensation above $695,000. Full-time locum at $3,500/day working 14 days/month yields approximately $588,000 annually.
Indiana ($529,020), Nebraska ($491,300), Tennessee ($480,980), Florida ($479,240), and South Carolina ($477,380) lead BLS state data. Mid-sized markets with lower cardiologist density consistently outpay major coastal metros.
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