As of 2025, the demand for adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) specialists continues to grow due to increased survival rates among pediatric heart patients and rising awareness of long-term care needs. For medical professionals and aspiring cardiologists, understanding the salary landscape and factors that influence earnings is crucial for career planning.
What Is Adult Congenital Heart Disease?
Adult congenital heart disease refers to heart defects present at birth that persist or reappear in adulthood. ACHD specialists are cardiologists trained to manage complex heart anomalies in adults, often requiring lifelong monitoring and specialized treatment.
Average Salary for ACHD Specialists in 2025
National Average Salary: $265,000 to $375,000 annually
Median Salary: Approximately $310,000 per year
Entry-Level (0–3 years): $220,000 – $260,000
Mid-Level (4–9 years): $275,000 – $330,000
Senior-Level (10+ years): $350,000 – $425,000+
ACHD specialists typically earn more than general cardiologists due to their subspecialty expertise and the complexity of their patient care.
Key Factors That Influence ACHD Salary
Several variables can affect the annual salary of an ACHD physician:
1. Experience Level
Physicians with more years in ACHD care often command higher salaries due to expertise and leadership roles.
2. Geographic Location
Salaries can vary widely by region:
Urban centers (e.g., New York, Los Angeles): Higher salaries but also higher living costs.
Rural areas: Slightly lower pay but more opportunities for incentives and loan repayment programs.
3. Practice Setting
Academic Hospitals: $250K–$310K with teaching responsibilities.
Private Practice: $300K–$400K, often based on patient volume.
Research & Pharmaceutical: Salaries vary widely but can be lucrative, especially with grants or private funding.
4. Certifications and Education
Board certification in ACHD through the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or equivalent boosts credibility and salary.
Fellowship training in ACHD is essential and highly valued.
5. Subspecialty or Dual Roles
Combining ACHD care with interventional cardiology or electrophysiology may increase compensation.
Administrative roles such as medical director or program lead can also provide additional income.
Additional Salary Comparisons (Clarifying Search-Related Terms)
To address related terms from recent search trends:
Peloton Instructor Salary: $80K–$500K (not related to ACHD but appears in related searches).
Latpen Test Salary: Likely a mistyped term; no known correlation to ACHD.
103K Salary Take-Home (2025):
Pre-Tax: $103,000
Post-Tax (average U.S. tax rate ~24%): Approx. $78,000–$81,000
Senior Lead Navigator (e.g., Auxano): $70K–$120K, varies by industry.
These are included to clarify similar salary queries unrelated to the medical field.
Benefits and Perks of an ACHD Career
Comprehensive Health Benefits
401(k) Retirement Plans
Continuing Medical Education (CME) Allowances
Loan Repayment Assistance
Relocation Bonuses in underserved areas
Research Funding and Grants for academic roles
Job Outlook for ACHD Specialists in 2025
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a steady 4–6% growth for cardiologists through 2030. ACHD-specific roles are expected to rise faster due to:
Increasing survival rates of children with congenital heart defects.
A growing aging population with complex congenital issues.
Expansion of adult CHD centers and specialized care clinics.
How to Maximize Earnings in ACHD
Pursue dual board certification (Internal Medicine + Pediatric Cardiology).
Focus on high-demand metro areas or underserved regions with incentives.
Take on teaching, research, or directorial roles.
Stay updated with new technologies and procedures (e.g., catheter-based repairs).
Final Thoughts
In 2025, adult congenital heart disease specialists are well-compensated, highly sought-after professionals in the cardiology field. With the right certifications, experience, and strategic location choices, ACHD physicians can enjoy both high earning potential and immense job satisfaction from treating a complex, rewarding patient population.
Whether you’re considering entering the field or planning your career trajectory within ACHD care, understanding salary trends and job dynamics is key to long-term success.