ENT Salary Guide: What Otolaryngologists Earn in 2024

The ENT salaries that otolaryngologists earn are among the highest of most physicians–around $300k yearly.

They’re extremely well paid compared to average physician salaries and have above-average compensation when compared to surgical specialties.

However, not all otolaryngologists earn the same salary, as ENT salary data shows variances among employer size, geographic area, years of experience, and other factors.

If you’re an otolaryngologist, knowing what the current ENT salary is can empower you to become a top earner in the field.

 

Average ENT Salary for Otolaryngologists

The average annual salary is around $392,000 to $420,000. 

For 2024, ENT (Otolaryngologist) salaries in the U.S. have a wide range, primarily based on experience, location, and practice setting.

On the higher end, salaries reach $522,000, especially in cities with high demand and cost of living adjustments.

Data from Salary.com and sources like the Economic Research Institute show that entry-level positions start lower, around $254,000, but experienced specialists, especially in private practice, can see salaries significantly above the average.

Read this: Experts Weigh in on the Future of Healthcare in the Next 30 Years

ENT Salary By State

There are several geographic disparities in ENT compensation across the U.S. Higher pay often correlates with higher urban demand and associated costs of living. At the same time, rural states or states with lower population density tend to offer lower average salaries.

Below, we’ve outlined the lowest and highest-paying states for Otolaryngologists in the U.S.

Top-Paying States for Otolaryngologists

• District of Columbia: $469,383
• California: $465,166
• New Jersey: $462,213
• Alaska: $459,261
• Washington: $454,622

ENT salaries in high-cost urban areas, especially in places like the District of Columbia and California, tend to be higher.

This trend is partly due to the higher demand for specialized healthcare services in densely populated areas, which also have higher costs of living, driving up compensation as an incentive.

Lowest-Paying States for Otolaryngologists

• West Virginia: $379,555
• South Dakota: $379,133
• Mississippi: $376,181
• Texas: $412,871
• Louisiana: $401,063

Lower-paying states often have a smaller population density and lower healthcare demand for ENT specialists.

Factors like cost of living and reduced competition in rural areas contribute to the relatively lower pay. However, these states may offer additional perks, such as a lower cost of living, making the salaries comparatively sustainable.

ENT Salary Classification Based on Subspecialties

The earnings for ENT subspecialties vary significantly, with some subspecialties commanding much higher salaries due to the complexity, risk, or rarity of the procedures they perform.

Here is a breakdown of some of the top and lowest-paying ENT subspecialties

5 Top-Paying Subspecialties for Otolaryngologists

• Otology/Neurotology: $560,000 – $600,000
• Head and Neck Surgery: $520,000 – $590,000
• Facial Plastic Surgery: $500,000 – $570,000
• Pediatric ENT: $490,000 – $550,000
• Rhinology: $480,000 – $530,000

These subspecialties require advanced expertise, and their procedures can often be sensitive.

For instance, head and neck surgery typically involves complex reconstructions or tumor removals that require additional years of specialized training. Similarly, neurotology (dealing with ear and skull base disorders) is a high-demand field with specialized skills that drive up compensation.

5 Lowest-Paying Subspecialties for Otolaryngologists

• General Otolaryngology: $360,000 – $400,000
• Allergy and Sinus Specialist: $370,000 – $410,000
• Sleep Medicine ENT: $380,000 – $420,000
• Laryngology: $390,000 – $430,000
• Primary Care ENT: $400,000 – $440,000

While still well-compensated, these lower-paying subspecialties often focus on broader or less surgical-focused aspects of ENT care.

For example, allergists and laryngologists work in areas that involve more medical management than complex surgery. Hence, they typically command lower salaries than highly surgical-focused subspecialties like Neurotology and head/neck surgery.

ENT, Otolaryngology Salary Trend

The salary trend for ENTs has seen steady growth over recent years, reflecting broader increases in medical salaries and some demand fluctuations in certain regions and subspecialties.

Starting from around $231,993 in 2020, ENT salaries have gradually risen to approximately $237,504 in 2024. This incremental increase has been consistent, driven by inflation adjustments and rising demand for specialized care.

Looking ahead to 2025, salaries may see a slight dip, with forecasts indicating an average salary of about $226,789.

This potential decrease might reflect shifts in healthcare reimbursement models and budget adjustments in some healthcare systems. Nonetheless, long-term growth trends suggest ENT salaries will remain strong, even with some short-term variability.

You, Too, Can Thrive

ENT physicians have a solid earning potential, with an average salary that is on par with, or above, other medical specialties.

However, there are ways to increase your salary through negotiation, taking advantage of retirement plans, and protecting your income through insurance and other financial strategies.

By being informed and proactive, ENT physicians can make the most of their earning potential and achieve financial stability and security.

At Physicians Thrive, we offer all the great resources every physician needs to make the best out of their career. From contract review and negotiation to disability insurance protection, you can be sure your well-being is our priority.

Leave us a message today, or check out our resource section.