The physician job market has never been more favorable for both emerging and established medical professionals. With the United States facing a projected shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), communities across the country are clamoring for surgeons and doctors.

Whether you’re completing your residency, finishing a fellowship, or seeking a new practice environment, choosing the right city can significantly impact your career trajectory, earning potential, and overall quality of life. Explore the top destinations where physicians can thrive professionally while enjoying excellent living conditions.

The Current Physician Job Market: A Candidate’s Market

Before embarking on your physician job search, it’s important to understand the current landscape. The physician shortage is growing and spans multiple specialties, creating unprecedented opportunities for physicians at all career stages. A combination of an increasing population, a significant portion of that population aging, and retiring physicians are all contributors to a growing provider void.

The demand is particularly acute in primary care with a shortage of up to 40,000 physicians by 2036, and Surgical Specialties with a shortage up to 19,900 surgeons. Other specialist positions are also in high demand across various markets, giving physicians more leverage in negotiations and options in locations.

Factors to Consider During Your Physician Job Search

Compensation and Cost of Living

While raw salary numbers matter, it’s crucial to consider the cost of living in each market. Cities like Memphis and Indianapolis may offer lower salaries than New York or San Francisco, but the purchasing power and quality of life often exceed that of higher-cost markets.

Quality of Life Factors

Beyond professional considerations, think about:

• Climate preferences
• Cultural amenities
• Educational opportunities for children
• Recreational activities
• Commute times and traffic patterns
• Housing markets and neighborhood options

Practice Opportunities

Consider the types of practice opportunities available in your ideal location. Academic medical centers provide research and teaching opportunities, while private practice groups may offer more autonomy and lucrative income potential. Establish what your priorities are so you can narrow your search to be more efficient.

Employer Benefits and Amenities

Perhaps the location is a little outside of where you’re wanting but the employer is offering a myriad of benefits that aren’t available in your desired metropolitan location. For many, these are a difference between high job satisfaction and high turnover:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Flexible work arrangements
• Student loan forgiveness programs
• Signing bonuses and relocation assistance
• Partnership track opportunities

Top Cities for Physician Careers in 2025

1. Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis consistently ranks among the top cities for physicians, offering an attractive combination of competitive salaries and affordable living costs. The city’s growing healthcare sector provides diverse opportunities across specialties.

• Lower cost of living compared to major metropolitan areas
• Strong healthcare infrastructure with multiple hospital systems
• Growing population creating increased demand for healthcare services
• No state income tax on wages in Tennessee

2. Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland’s medical scene is dominated by the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic, but the city offers opportunities beyond this flagship institution. University Hospitals and numerous private practices create a robust healthcare ecosystem.

• Prestigious medical institutions offering career advancement opportunities
• Affordable housing market with median home prices well below national averages
• Strong medical education and research environment
• Diverse patient populations providing varied clinical experiences

3. Indianapolis, Indiana

Indiana has emerged as one of the highest-paying states for physicians, with Indianapolis leading the charge. The city combines competitive compensation with a reasonable cost of living, making it an attractive destination for physicians seeking to maximize their earning potential.

• Home to major healthcare systems
• Growing biotech and pharmaceutical industry presence
• Central location providing easy access to other major cities
• Strong support for medical education and research

4. Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix offers year-round sunshine and a rapidly growing healthcare market driven by an aging population and continued migration to the Southwest. The city’s desert climate and outdoor lifestyle appeal to many physicians seeking work-life balance.

• Rapidly expanding healthcare infrastructure
• Growing population driving demand for medical services
• Excellent weather and outdoor recreation opportunities
• Major medical centers

5. Atlanta, Georgia

As the Southeast’s major metropolitan hub, Atlanta provides extensive opportunities across all medical specialties. The city’s diverse economy, excellent transportation infrastructure, and growing population make it an attractive destination for physicians.

• Major academic medical centers
• Diverse patient population and case complexity
• Strong economy providing stability for healthcare sector
• Excellent cultural amenities and educational opportunities

6. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville’s healthcare sector has grown significantly, with the city becoming a major medical hub in the Southeast. The presence of major healthcare corporations and academic institutions creates numerous opportunities for physicians.

• Major healthcare companies headquartered in the area
• University Medical Center providing academic opportunities
• No state income tax on wages
• Vibrant music and cultural scene

7. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex offers one of the largest healthcare markets in the country, with opportunities ranging from large academic medical centers to private practice groups. The area’s business-friendly environment and lack of state income tax make it financially attractive for physicians.

• Massive healthcare market with diverse opportunities
• No state income tax
• Major medical centers
• Strong economy and job growth across sectors

8. Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte’s growing healthcare sector, combined with its lower cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas, makes it an attractive option for physicians. Its location also offers access to both mountains and beaches and is the perfect backdrop for any outdoor enthusiast.

• Growing healthcare market with major systems
• Reasonable cost of living for a major metropolitan area
• Excellent quality of life with access to outdoor activities

9. Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City offers pristine outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year thanks to the mountains plus a growing healthcare sector. The city’s medical community is tight-knit, and the area’s emphasis on health and wellness aligns well with physician values.

• Excellent outdoor recreation opportunities year round- experience all four seasons
• Growing healthcare sector
• Strong economy and low unemployment
• High quality of life rankings

Browse physician jobs in all specialties in all 50 states.

10. Tampa, Florida

Tampa’s healthcare market has expanded significantly, driven by an aging population and continued migration to Florida. The city offers year-round warm weather, no state income tax, and a growing medical community.

• No state income tax
• Year-round warm weather
• Growing healthcare sector with multiple major hospital systems
• Excellent quality of life with beaches and cultural amenities

11. Denver, Colorado

Denver has emerged as a top destination for physicians seeking both professional opportunities and an exceptional outdoor lifestyle. Many are flocking to second tier cities like Denver to experience all of the amenities of a top market without the population density and expenses.

• Access to world-class outdoor recreation year round
• Major healthcare systems
• Strong economy and growing population
• Experience all four beautiful seasons

12. Boulder, Colorado

According to U.S. News and World Report, Boulder, Colorado was ranked the No. 1 place to live in the US in 2021-2022. This ranking reflects the city’s exceptional quality of life, outdoor recreation opportunities, and thriving healthcare sector.

• Recently ranked a top city to live in the United States
• Close proximity to Denver’s major medical centers
• Academic opportunities
• Health-conscious community aligned with physician values

13. Orlando, Florida

There are good reasons people go on vacation to Orlando, and those reasons are often the same for doctors who make Orlando their home. Beyond its famous theme parks, Orlando has developed into a significant healthcare hub with diverse practice opportunities.

• No state income tax
• Year-round warm weather
• Major healthcare systems
• Growing population driving healthcare demand
• Family-friendly environment with numerous recreational activities

14. Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City offers an excellent combination of Midwest values, affordable living, and strong healthcare infrastructure. The city’s central location and growing medical sector make it increasingly attractive to physicians.

• Very affordable cost of living
• Major healthcare systems
• Strong culinary and cultural scenes
• Central location with easy travel access

15. Richmond, Virginia

Richmond’s healthcare sector continues to expand, driven by major academic medical centers and a growing population. The city offers a blend of historical charm and modern medical facilities.

• Academic opportunities afforded by local universities
• Reasonable cost of living for the Mid-Atlantic region
• Rich history and cultural amenities
• Proximity to Washington D.C. and other major East Coast cities

16. Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville combines the benefits of Florida living (no state income tax, warm weather) with a large healthcare market and affordable living compared to other major Florida cities.

• No state income tax
• Major healthcare systems
• Large metropolitan area with diverse practice opportunities
• Coastal location with beach access
• More affordable than Miami or Tampa

17. Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham has transformed into a major medical hub in the Southeast. The city offers excellent value for physicians seeking both career opportunities and affordable living.

• Hospitals consistently ranked among top in the Southeast
• Very affordable cost of living
• Growing biomedical research sector
• Strong sense of community among medical professionals

18. Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids offers a unique combination of Midwest charm, outdoor recreation, and a growing healthcare sector. The city’s medical community is known for its collaborative approach and high quality of life.

• Major healthcare systems
• Great Lakes access for water recreation
• Affordable housing and cost of living
• Strong medical education programs
• Four-season climate with excellent fall colors and activities

19. Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha’s healthcare sector continues to grow, with major medical centers and research institutions providing diverse opportunities. The city offers exceptional value for physicians and their families.

• Very low cost of living
• Strong economy and low unemployment
• Family-friendly environment with excellent schools
• Growing reputation as a medical hub

20. Tucson, Arizona

Tucson offers desert living with a lower cost of living than Phoenix, while still providing excellent healthcare opportunities. The city’s medical community benefits from the University’s presence and a surging population creating consistent volume.

• Academic opportunities
• Lower cost of living than Phoenix
• Year-round sunshine and outdoor recreation
• Growing retiree population driving healthcare demand
• Strong sense of community among healthcare professionals

21. Seattle, Washington

Seattle’s healthcare market is robust with a thriving medical community. The city offers world-class healthcare systems, stunning natural beauty, and a strong tech economy that supports healthcare innovation.

• Major healthcare systems
• Access to mountains, forests, and water for outdoor recreation
• Innovation hub with medical technology companies
• Excellent quality of life despite higher cost of living

22. Portland, Oregon

Portland combines Pacific Northwest charm with a growing healthcare sector. The city’s focus on sustainability and quality of life attracts physicians seeking a balanced lifestyle in a progressive environment.

• Academic opportunities
• No state sales tax
• Excellent food scene and craft beer culture
• Close proximity to mountains and coast
• Strong emphasis on preventive care and wellness

23. Rochester, Minnesota

Home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, Rochester offers unparalleled opportunities for physicians seeking to work at one of the most prestigious medical communities in the world. The city’s entire economy revolves around healthcare excellence.

• Exceptional medical education and research opportunities
• Strong community support for healthcare professionals
• High physician satisfaction rates
• Collaborative medical culture

24. Houston, Texas

As the fourth-largest city in the United States, Houston offers an enormous healthcare market as the home to the world’s largest medical center. With millions calling this city home, there is no shortage of volume while also enjoying all the cultural amenities this hot city has to offer.

• No state income tax
• Diverse patient population and complex cases
• Major academic institutions
• Strong economy supporting healthcare growth

25. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh has transformed from a steel town into a major healthcare hub. The city offers excellent value for physicians with affordable living costs and world-class medical facilities.

• Largest health systems
• Strong academic medical programs
• Affordable cost of living for a major metropolitan area
• Rich cultural scene and sports teams
• Growing biotech and medical research sector

26. Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

The Research Triangle offers a unique combination of academic medicine, research opportunities, and quality of life. With multiple major universities and medical centers, the area provides diverse career paths for physicians.

• Academic medical centers and hospitals
• Strong research and biotech industry
• Excellent schools and family-friendly environment
• Reasonable cost of living
• Four-season climate with mild winters

27. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston combines Southern charm with a growing healthcare market. The city’s historic beauty, coastal location, and expanding medical community make it increasingly attractive to physicians.

• Academic opportunities
• Historic charm and coastal lifestyle
• Growing population driving healthcare demand
• Excellent restaurants and cultural scene
• Relatively affordable compared to other coastal cities

28. Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine offers a unique combination of coastal living, excellent quality of life, and growing healthcare opportunities. This beautiful hidden gem should not be overlooked.

• Quality healthcare systems
• Coastal lifestyle with excellent seafood
• Four-season climate with beautiful fall colors
• Strong sense of community
• Lower cost of living than many coastal areas

29. San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio offers a large healthcare market, military medicine opportunities, and rich cultural heritage. The city’s growing population and major medical institutions provide diverse opportunities for physicians.

• No state income tax
• Major medical centers
• Large military healthcare presence
• Rich Hispanic culture and excellent food scene
• Affordable cost of living for a major city

30. Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville has emerged as a healthcare hub in the Southeast, with major health systems and a growing medical community. The city offers small-town charm with big-city medical opportunities.

• Beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain foothills location
• Strong economy and business-friendly environment
• Excellent quality of life rankings
• Growing medical education programs

Deciding Where to Practice

Choosing the right city for your medical career requires balancing multiple factors unique to your personal and professional goals. As you evaluate your options, remember that the current market conditions favor physicians. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for the compensation, benefits, and work-life balance that are at the top of your list.

Navigating the job search can be difficult and feels overwhelming for many. While the cities listed are generally strong candidates for any medical specialty, it is always a great idea to consult with an expert in your specialty to determine the viability of the market for your career. This is especially true if you are a visa candidate exploring the job market.

Want the scoop on job opportunities in any of these communities? Contact the consultant in your specialty to get started. If your desired location isn’t on this list, don’t worry- we have plenty of options all around the country in all specialties.

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