Cancer Therapy AdvisorOncologist Salaries in 2026: Specialties, Trends, and Outlook

This workforce-focused report reviews physician compensation trends across oncology and related subspecialties using survey data from Medscape, ZipRecruiter, Indeed, Glassdoor, and AMN Healthcare. The article highlights recent compensation levels, geographic variation, subspecialty differences, and demographic disparities affecting oncology earnings. Although oncology remains among the higher-compensated physician specialties, recent survey data suggest compensation growth has slowed, with Medscape reporting a modest decline from the prior year despite continued demand for cancer specialists. The report also places salaries in the context of rising cancer incidence and expanding workforce needs across multiple oncology disciplines.

What Changed

• Medscape reported average oncology/hematology compensation of $464,000 in 2025, compared with $472,000 the prior year, representing a modest decline.
• Oncology/hematology ranked ninth among physician specialties for average compensation in the Medscape survey.
• Geographic variation remained substantial, with Washington, DC, and New York among the highest-paying locations cited.
• Subspecialty compensation estimates varied considerably, with reported salaries differing across neuro-oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, pediatric oncology, and hematologic oncology.
• Experience continued to influence earnings, with substantially higher reported compensation among physicians in later career stages.
• Survey findings also described persistent sex- and race-based compensation differences across medicine, including among specialists.

Why It Matters

• Highlights ongoing workforce dynamics as demand for oncology care continues to rise alongside increasing cancer incidence.
• Informs career planning discussions for fellows, early-career oncologists, and physicians considering subspecialization.
• Reflects how compensation can vary substantially depending on practice setting, geography, and professional experience.
• Underscores continued attention to physician workforce equity and compensation transparency.
• Contextualizes recruitment and retention challenges facing oncology practices and cancer centers.