The 15 highest-paying jobs for doctors

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15. Optometrists

15. Optometrists

Average annual income: $115,750

Growth outlook (2014-2024): +27%

What they do: Optometrists examine the eyes and other parts of the visual system; diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes; and prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses to patients.

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14. Podiatrists

14. Podiatrists

Average annual income: $136,180

Growth outlook (2014-2024): +14%

What they do: Podiatrists provide medical care for people with foot, ankle, and lower-leg problems; they diagnose illnesses; treat injuries; and perform surgery involving the lower extremities.

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13. Prosthodontists

13. Prosthodontists

Average annual income: $161,020

Growth outlook (2014-2024): +18%

What they do: Prosthodontists construct oral prostheses to replace missing teeth and other oral structures to correct deformations of the mouth and jaws.

12. Dentists (all other specialists)

12. Dentists (all other specialists)

Average annual income: $171,040

Growth outlook (2014-2024): +18%

What they do: "All other specialists" are dentists who are not listed separately.

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11. General dentists

11. General dentists

Average annual income: $172,350

Growth outlook (2014-2024): +18%

What they do: Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients' teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They also provide advice for taking care of the teeth and gums.

10. General pediatricians

10. General pediatricians

Average annual income: $183,180

Growth outlook (2014-2024): +14%

What they do: Pediatricians diagnose, treat, and help prevent children's diseases and injuries.

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9. Family and general practitioners

9. Family and general practitioners

Average annual income: $192,120

Growth outlook (2014-2024): +14%

What they do: Family and general practitioners diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries that commonly occur in the general population.

8. Psychiatrists

8. Psychiatrists

Average annual income: $193,680

Growth outlook (2014-2024): +14%

What they do: Psychiatrists diagnose, treat, and help prevent disorders of the mind.

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7. General internists

7. General internists

Average annual income: $196,520

Growth outlook (2014-2024): +14%

What they do: General internists diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems.

6. Physicians or surgeons (all other)

6. Physicians or surgeons (all other)

Average annual income: $197,700

Growth outlook (2014-2024): +14%

What they do: "All other" physicians and surgeons are those not listed separately. They typically provide medical care and/or perform surgical procedures on patients.

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5. Orthodontists

5. Orthodontists

Average annual income: $221,390

Growth outlook (2014-2024): +18%

What they do: Orthodontists examine, diagnose, and treat dental misalignments and oral-cavity anomalies; and design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws.

4. Obstetricians and gynecologists

4. Obstetricians and gynecologists

Average annual income: $222,400

Growth outlook (2014-2024): +14%

What they do: Obstetricians and gynecologists provide medical care related to pregnancy or childbirth, and diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases that affect women, particularly those affecting the reproductive system.

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3. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons

3. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons

Average annual income: $233,900

Growth outlook (2014-2024): +18%

What they do: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform surgery and related procedures on the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions to treat diseases, injuries, or defects.

2. Surgeons

2. Surgeons

Average annual income: $247,520

Growth outlook (2014-2024): +14%

What they do: Surgeons treat diseases, injuries, and deformities by invasive, minimally invasive, or noninvasive surgical methods, such as using instruments, appliances, or by manual manipulation.

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1. Anesthesiologists

1. Anesthesiologists

Average annual income: $258,100

Growth outlook (2014-2024): +14%

What they do: Anesthesiologists administer anesthetics prior to, during, or after surgery, or other medical procedures.