Top 10 Medical Specialties in Highest Demand (2026 Update)

A small clinic in rural Mississippi has been trying to hire a family medicine physician for over two years. The closest primary care doctor is a 45-minute drive away, and the waiting list for new patients stretches months. This is not an unusual story. Across the United States, the medical specialties in demand are growing faster than the healthcare system can fill them.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the country could face a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. Whether you are a medical student choosing a specialty, a resident planning your career, or simply curious about the healthcare workforce, this list covers the 10 most in-demand medical specialties in 2026 and what is driving each shortage.

Why Is There a Doctor Shortage in the US?

The Aging Population and Retirement Wave

America's population is getting older. The number of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to grow by more than 40% over the next two decades. Older adults need significantly more healthcare, from chronic disease management to surgical interventions. At the same time, a large wave of practicing physicians is reaching retirement age, creating a gap on both sides.

Training Bottlenecks and Burnout

Federal funding for residency training positions has been largely capped since 1997, which limits how many new doctors can enter the workforce each year. On top of that, physician burnout has accelerated since the pandemic. According to the Medscape National Physician Burnout Report, nearly half of all US physicians reported feeling burned out in 2023, with many leaving clinical practice earlier than planned.

Top 10 Medical Specialties in Highest Demand

Here is a quick overview of the most in-demand medical specialties across the US right now:

1. Family Medicine - Largest primary care shortage nationwide
2. Psychiatry - Mental health crisis driving unprecedented demand
3. Internal Medicine - Backbone of adult primary care
4. Emergency Medicine - ER staffing gaps across urban and rural hospitals
5. Radiology - Imaging volume growth outpacing workforce
6. Cardiology - Heart disease remains the #1 killer in America
7. Anesthesiology - Surgical demand creating workforce gaps
8. Orthopedic Surgery - Aging joints and sports medicine needs
9. Dermatology - Skin cancer rates and cosmetic demand rising
10. Urology - Aging male population and specialist retirements

1. Family Medicine

Why Family Medicine Is in Demand

Family medicine doctors are the front line of American healthcare. They treat patients of all ages, manage chronic conditions, and handle preventive care. The primary care shortage hits hardest in rural and underserved communities, where family physicians are often the only doctors available. According to HRSA, more than 100 million Americans live in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas.

Salary and Job Outlook

Average salary ranges from $230,000 to $275,000 annually. Job availability is strong in virtually every state, with the highest demand in the South and Midwest.

2. Psychiatry

The Mental Health Crisis Driving Demand

The demand for psychiatrists has surged as the country faces a growing mental health crisis. Anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders have all increased sharply, especially among young adults. Many areas of the country have zero practicing psychiatrists, leaving patients with months-long waits or no access at all.

Salary and Job Outlook

Average salary ranges from $260,000 to $310,000. Telepsychiatry has expanded access, but demand still far outpaces supply in most states.

3. Internal Medicine

Why Internists Are Needed Everywhere

Internal medicine physicians manage complex adult health conditions, from diabetes to heart failure to autoimmune diseases. As the aging population grows, the need for internists continues to climb. Many internists also serve as primary care providers, deepening the doctor shortage by specialty in this category.

Salary and Job Outlook

Average salary ranges from $250,000 to $300,000. Hospital systems and outpatient clinics are actively recruiting internists across the country.

4. Emergency Medicine

Staffing Shortages in ERs Across America

Emergency departments are under enormous pressure. Patient volumes have risen while staffing has not kept pace. Burnout is especially high among ER physicians, with unpredictable hours, high-acuity patients, and emotional toll driving many to leave the specialty. Rural hospitals face the worst ER staffing gaps.

Salary and Job Outlook

Average salary ranges from $310,000 to $370,000. Demand is particularly strong in community hospitals and rural emergency departments.

5. Radiology

Growing Imaging Demand and AI Integration

Medical imaging volume has grown steadily as diagnostic technology improves. Radiologists are essential for reading CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and X-rays. While AI tools are beginning to assist with image analysis, they are not replacing radiologists. Instead, the technology is expanding what radiologists can do, which is actually increasing the need for trained specialists.

Salary and Job Outlook

Average salary ranges from $350,000 to $420,000. This is one of the highest demand medical specialties with strong compensation to match.

6. Cardiology

Heart Disease and an Aging Patient Base

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the CDC. As millions of baby boomers enter their In the 70s and 80s, the need for cardiologists who can manage complex cardiovascular conditions is growing fast. Interventional cardiologists who perform procedures like stent placements are in especially high demand.

Salary and Job Outlook

Average salary ranges from $400,000 to $550,000. Cardiology ranks among both the highest-paying and most in-demand specialties.

7. Anesthesiology

Surgical Volume and Workforce Gaps

Every surgery requires anesthesia, and surgical volumes are climbing as the population ages and elective procedures rebound. Anesthesiologists are also critical in pain management, intensive care, and obstetric care. Workforce gaps are most severe in smaller hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers.

Salary and Job Outlook

Average salary ranges from $350,000 to $430,000. Demand is steady and growing, especially outside major metro areas.

8. Orthopedic Surgery

Sports Medicine and Aging Joint Demand

Orthopedic surgeons treat everything from broken bones to joint replacements to sports injuries. With an aging population needing more hip and knee replacements, and younger athletes requiring specialized care, orthopedics remains one of the most sought-after surgical specialties. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth for surgical specialties through the next decade.

Salary and Job Outlook

Average salary ranges from $500,000 to $650,000. Orthopedic surgery is among the highest-compensated specialties in medicine.

9. Dermatology

Skin Cancer Screening and Cosmetic Growth

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and demand for screening and treatment continues to rise. On top of that, the cosmetic dermatology market has expanded dramatically, with procedures like Botox, fillers, and laser treatments driving patient volume. Dermatology residency spots remain extremely competitive, which limits how quickly the workforce can grow.

Salary and Job Outlook

Average salary ranges from $350,000 to $450,000. Dermatology offers high income with one of the most favorable schedules in medicine.

10. Urology

Aging Male Population and Specialist Retirements

Urologists treat conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive system, including prostate cancer, kidney stones, and bladder issues. The demand is growing because the aging male population requires more urological care, while a significant number of practicing urologists are approaching retirement. Training pipeline limitations make it difficult to replace them quickly.

Salary and Job Outlook

Average salary ranges from $380,000 to $470,000. Urology positions are available nationwide, with especially strong demand in mid-size cities and rural areas.

Medical Specialties by Salary vs. Demand

Not every high-demand specialty pays the most, and not every high-paying specialty is in critical shortage. Here is how the top 10 compare:

Family medicine and psychiatry have the greatest shortages, but their salaries are lower than those of procedural specialties. Students should weigh both factors alongside lifestyle and personal interest.

Which Specialties Have the Best Work-Life Balance?

Burnout is a real concern. According to Medscape, the specialties with the best work-life balance tend to be those with more predictable schedules:

• Dermatology ranks consistently as one of the best for lifestyle
• Psychiatry offers flexible hours, especially with telepsychiatry
• Radiology provides regular shifts with limited on-call requirements

On the other end, emergency medicine and surgical specialties tend to have the highest burnout rates due to unpredictable hours and high-stress environments.

Where Are Doctors Needed Most? (Demand by Region)

Rural vs. Urban Physician Shortages

The physician shortage is most severe in rural America. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, over 8,000 areas across the US are classified as Health Professional Shortage Areas. Rural communities struggle to recruit and retain physicians of nearly every specialty, but the gaps are deepest in primary care, psychiatry, and general surgery.

States With the Highest Physician Demand

States with the most critical shortages include Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, and Wyoming. These states have fewer physicians per capita than the national average and face the greatest challenges in rural healthcare access. Loan repayment programs and signing bonuses are common incentives used to attract doctors to these regions.

Which Medical Specialties Will Be Most Needed in the Future?

Looking beyond 2026, the AAMC physician workforce projections suggest that primary care, psychiatry, and geriatric medicine will see the most sustained demand growth through 2035. The 65-and-older population is expected to nearly double in the coming decades, and the healthcare system will need specialists trained in complex, multi-condition care for older adults.

Mental health demand shows no sign of slowing either. As stigma decreases and access improves, more Americans are seeking care for conditions that went untreated for years. Graduate medical education programs are beginning to expand psychiatry and primary care slots, but closing the gap will take time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a Specialty That Matches Your Goals

The medical specialties in demand across America reflect deeper challenges in the healthcare system, from an aging population to a burned-out workforce to underfunded training programs. Whether you prioritize salary, lifestyle, job security, or the chance to serve underserved communities, there is a specialty on this list that fits.

The shortage is real. The need is growing. And the doctors who step into these roles will shape American healthcare for decades to come.