Oncology is a medical specialty that combines innovation, high-impact care, and competitive financial rewards.However oncology is one of the few medical specialties where pay can range from just $42,000 a year in India to over $506,000 annually in the United States. In 2025, as cancer cases continue to rise globally, oncologists remain in high demand – especially those with subspecialized skills. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the top-paying oncology careers worldwide, breaking down salaries by country and subspecialty.
What Makes Oncology a Top Career Choice for Future Doctors?
For medical students and early-career professionals evaluating their options, oncology stands out for its unique mix of job security, high income potential, and cutting-edge clinical innovation. The field is ideal for those drawn to precision medicine, genomic diagnostics, and collaborative, multidisciplinary treatment models. Oncology also offers diverse specialization options – including medical, surgical, radiation oncology – and connects closely with academic research, pharmaceutical development, and healthcare policy-making.
On a worldwide scale, according to De Azambuja E, et al. 2021 research article Global disparities in medical oncology workforce there are on average 1.25 oncologists per 100,000 people, highlighting the limited workforce. In the U.S., according to the reporting article of Oncology News Central. Amid Oncologist Shortage Concerns, Data Show Strong Interest in Career. 2024., training capacity is growing, with a 66% increase in hematology-oncology positions between 2009 and 2023, though the applicant-to-position ratio has declined, reflecting both demand and expanding availability.
In today’s competitive healthcare landscape, it’s also essential to consider compensation. It’s no secret that oncology is among the best-paid specialties in medicine. From the United States to Switzerland, oncologists consistently report some of the highest physician salaries by country, making the specialty not only meaningful but also financially sustainable over the long term.
Which Oncology Subspecialties Have the Highest Salaries?
Some oncology subspecialties consistently report higher earnings than others due to their specialized skills, demand, and the revenue-generating procedures they perform.
Radiation Oncologists
According to SalaryExpert’s 2025 Radiation Oncologist Salaries by Country, compiled by the ERI Economic Research Institute, radiation oncologists in the United States earn an average annual salary of $361,404. Entry-level professionals start at around $239,717, and those with more than eight years of experience can earn up to $482,743.
In the United Kingdom, radiation oncologists earn about £179,064 per year, with senior professionals reaching £239,183, or approximately $308,514 in USD. In Canada, radiation oncologists earn C$329,000 on average, equivalent to around $240,700 USD, while senior-level oncologists can reach C$438,981, or $327,149 USD. Australia follows with A$414,000, translating to approximately $269,400 USD.
In Europe, radiation oncologists in Germany earn an average of €197,000, which equals about $214,700 USD. Swiss professionals report salaries of CHF 313,000, or approximately $344,300 USD. France’s radiation oncologists earn around €181,000, or $197,300 USD. In Asia, radiation oncologists in Japan earn approximately ¥28 million, equivalent to $178,000 USD, while those in India earn significantly less at ₹3.54 million, or $42,400 USD. The United Arab Emirates stands out in the Middle East, offering radiation oncologists around AED 888,000 annually, which is approximately $242,000 USD.
Read more about Radiation Oncologists’ Salary on OncoDaily.
Surgical Oncology
Surgical oncology remains one of the most lucrative medical fields due to its technical demands and critical role in cancer treatment. According to SalaryExpert’s 2025 Surgical Oncologist Salary Data by State – U.S., the average surgical oncologist in the United States earns $398,000 annually. Those in high-demand regions like New York can exceed $506,000 in total compensation, while counterparts in Florida average around $444,000.
In the United Kingdom, surgical oncologists based in Barnsley earn a base salary of £172,779, with additional bonuses bringing total compensation to about £199,974, or $271,965 USD. In Sydney, Australia, the average surgical oncologist earns $485,204 – 6% higher than the national average – and receives bonuses averaging $76,371.
In Europe, German surgical oncologists earn €217,000, or roughly $251,343 USD. France reports average earnings of €195,000, or about $225,891 USD. Switzerland continues to lead with CHF 344,000, or $423,202 USD. In Asia, Japanese surgical oncologists earn ¥31 million, or approximately $215,980 USD. In contrast, Indian professionals average ₹3.9 million annually, which is about $45,601 USD. The UAE offers a strong salary of AED 977,000, translating to $266,033 USD.
Pediatric Oncologists
Pediatric oncologists play a vital role in diagnosing and treating childhood cancers and often receive strong compensation for their expertise. According to the ERI Economic Research Institute’s 2025 Global Salary Survey, U.S. pediatric oncologists earn around $361,000 annually. The UK offers £179,000, or about $243,253 USD. In Canada, average compensation is C$329,000, while in Australia, it is approximately A$414,000.
Across Europe, France’s pediatric oncologists earn around €181,000, or $209,917 USD, and in Germany, €197,000, or $228,421 USD. Switzerland again leads with CHF 313,000. In Asia, Japan reports average salaries of ¥28 million, or about $195,067 USD, while India trails behind at ₹3.54 million, or $41,390 USD. Pediatric oncologists in the UAE earn around AED 888,000, or approximately $241,801 USD.
Hematologist-Oncologists
Hematologist‑oncologists enjoy a unique dual role, treating both blood cancers – like leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma—and a spectrum of non‑cancerous disorders, which places them among the most sought-after specialists in oncology.
According to the ZipRecruiter Editorial Team. (2025). International Hematologist Oncologist Salary in the United States, as of July 6, 2025, the average annual pay for an International Hematologist Oncologist in the United States is $337,179., with some professionals earning upwards of $400,000 depending on experience and location.
In the UK, Salary Report for Hematologists in the United Kingdom. ERI Economic Research InstituteI data shows average salaries of £179,000, or $243,200 USD. According to the same source for France and Germany, hematologist-oncologists make €197,000, or $228,400 USD in Germany and €181,000, or $209,900 USD in France.
Medical Oncologists
Medical oncologists, who administer chemotherapy and other systemic treatments, follow closely behind their radiation and surgical colleagues in terms of income. According to SalaryExpert’s 2025 Compensation Benchmarking, U.S.-based medical oncologists earn around $361,000 annually. UK professionals earn about £179,000, or $223,000 USD and Canadian salaries average C$329,000, or $246,000 USD, while Australian medical oncologists earn A$414,000, or approximately $280,000 USD.
In Germany, average salaries sit near €197,000, or $215,000 USD. France reports €181,000, or $197,000 USD. Swiss oncologists again top European pay scales with CHF 313,000, or $342,000 USD. In Asia, Japan offers approximately ¥28 million, or $202,000 USD, while Indian oncologists earn ₹3.54 million, or $43,000 USD. UAE salaries average AED 888,000, or $242,000 USD.
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Why the Salary Gap Exists
Salary disparities stem from differences in national GDP and healthcare investment, public vs. private healthcare funding, cost of living and tax rates, as well as demand and workforce shortages. Countries like Switzerland, the UAE, and the United States top the list due to high demand, strong insurance systems, and advanced medical infrastructure.
Written by Zhanna Chakhalyan
FAQ
What is the highest-paying oncology subspecialty in 2025?
As of 2025, surgical oncology is the highest-paying subspecialty in oncology. According to SalaryExpert and ERI Economic Research Institute, surgical oncologists in countries like the U.S. and Switzerland can earn between $400,000 and $500,000 annually, with some U.S. states reporting even higher figures.
Do radiation oncologists earn more than medical oncologists?
Yes, radiation oncologists generally earn more than medical oncologists. ERI data shows that in countries like the U.S., Australia, and Switzerland, radiation oncologists consistently report higher annual salaries due to the technical specialization and revenue-generating nature of radiotherapy procedures.
How much does an oncologist earn in the United States in 2025?
In 2025, the average annual salary for an oncologist in the U.S. ranges between $337,000 and $398,000, depending on the subspecialty. Freelance and senior-level hematologist-oncologists can earn up to $599,000 annually, especially in locum tenens roles.
Why is there such a large pay gap between oncologists in India and Western countries?
The disparity stems from differences in healthcare infrastructure, national GDP, private vs. public healthcare balance, and government funding. For example, while a U.S. oncologist might earn over $350,000, the average salary for an Indian oncologist in 2025 is around ₹3.5 million (~$42,000 USD), according to ERI.
What factors influence an oncologist’s salary the most?
Key factors include subspecialty, years of experience, geographic location, healthcare sector (private vs. public), and additional certifications or fellowships. Urban areas and countries with robust healthcare systems offer significantly higher compensation.
Is pediatric oncology a financially rewarding specialty?
While not the highest-paying subspecialty, pediatric oncology still provides strong financial rewards, especially in developed countries. ERI’s 2025 data shows salaries exceeding $350,000 in the U.S., Switzerland, and Australia. The emotional demands are high, but compensation is competitive.
Are freelance or locum oncologists better paid than salaried ones?
Often, yes. According to Barton Associates and Salary.com, freelance or locum hematologist-oncologists can earn well over $500,000 annually. These roles offer higher hourly rates but often lack long-term benefits and job security.
Which countries pay oncologists the most in 2025?
The top-paying countries for oncologists in 2025 include the United States, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. In all these nations, annual salaries for oncology specialists routinely exceed $300,000, with Switzerland often leading the global average.
What’s the average starting salary for an oncologist right after training?
According to ERI’s compensation benchmarks, entry-level oncologists in the United States typically start at around $239,000. Starting salaries are slightly lower in the UK, Canada, and Australia but remain among the highest in the medical field globally.
How can a medical student plan for a high-paying oncology career?
To maximize future earnings, students should pursue top-ranked medical schools, engage in oncology-focused research, complete fellowships in high-demand subspecialties (like surgical or radiation oncology), and aim to practice in regions with strong healthcare funding, such as North America, Western Europe, or the UAE.