Ear, Nose, and Throat Salary in 2025

In 2025, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists—also known as otolaryngologists—remain among the most in-demand medical professionals. With competitive salaries, strong job growth, and specialized career paths, the field attracts both new medical graduates and experienced physicians. This article offers a detailed, SEO-friendly breakdown of ENT salaries in 2025, examining average income, influencing factors, and career prospects.

Average ENT Salary in 2025

As of 2025, the average salary for an ENT specialist in the United States is approximately $437,000 per year. This places otolaryngologists among the top earners in the medical profession, slightly below some surgical specialties but well above the national average for physicians.

Salary Range

Entry-level (0–5 years): $280,000 – $350,000
Mid-career (6–15 years): $400,000 – $500,000
Senior/Experienced (15+ years): $500,000 – $700,000+

Factors Influencing ENT Salary

Several variables can significantly impact an ENT doctor’s annual compensation:

1. Experience

Physicians with more years in practice typically earn higher salaries due to increased specialization, patient trust, and surgical proficiency.

2. Location

Urban and high-cost areas (e.g., New York, San Francisco) may offer higher salaries to offset living expenses.
Rural areas often offer premium pay to attract specialists where healthcare is limited.

3. Type of Employer

Hospitals & Clinics: Competitive salaries with stable hours.
Private Practice: Higher earning potential, but increased administrative and overhead responsibilities.
Academic & Research Institutions: Lower salaries but benefits like tenure and research opportunities.

4. Subspecialties

ENT specialists focusing on areas such as pediatric otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, or neurotology often command higher salaries.

5. Board Certification & Fellowships

Board-certified ENT physicians and those with subspecialty fellowships generally earn more due to their advanced skills and credentials.

Salary vs. Take-Home Pay

While a salary of $437,000 sounds substantial, the actual take-home pay depends on factors such as:

Federal & State Taxes
Malpractice Insurance
Medical School Debt Repayment
Business Expenses (for private practice owners)

For example, a gross salary of $437,000 might translate to around $270,000–$310,000 in net income, depending on tax brackets and deductions.

ENT Salary Compared to Other Roles

While unrelated, let’s briefly contextualize the ENT salary by comparing it to other popular roles:

Peloton Instructor Salary (2025): ~$100,000–$500,000 (varies widely based on fame and social media presence)
SAP Test Lead Salary: ~$130,000–$160,000
Senior Lead Navigator Salary (e.g., Auxano): ~$90,000–$120,000

ENT specialists clearly lead in earning potential due to the intensive education and critical medical expertise involved.

Job Market Trends in 2025

The demand for ENT specialists continues to grow, influenced by:

Aging Population: Increased cases of hearing loss, throat cancers, and sinus issues.
Technology Advances: Innovations like minimally invasive surgeries and robotic assistance make ENT roles more efficient and in demand.
Shortage of Specialists: Many areas, especially rural ones, struggle to staff ENT roles, prompting higher salaries and signing bonuses.

Benefits of Becoming an ENT Specialist

High Income Potential
Intellectual and Surgical Variety
Work-Life Balance (Compared to other surgical fields)
Specialization Flexibility (Pediatrics, Oncology, Facial Plastics)

Education and Certification Requirements

Becoming an ENT specialist typically requires:

Bachelor’s Degree (4 years)
Medical School (4 years)
ENT Residency (5 years)
Optional Fellowship (1–2 years) for subspecialization
Board Certification by the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery

Higher educational credentials and ongoing certifications often correlate with better compensation packages and leadership opportunities.

Final Thoughts

The ENT profession in 2025 remains a lucrative and respected medical career path. With average salaries exceeding $400,000, strong job growth, and rewarding patient relationships, it appeals to both new and seasoned medical professionals. Understanding the variables that influence earnings—from experience and location to certifications—can help ENT physicians make informed career decisions.