MBBS Doctor Salary: What You Really Earn in India

When you think of an MBBS doctor, a licensed medical professional who has completed basic medical training in India. Also known as a physician, it's one of the most respected and pursued careers in the country. But what does that actually mean for your paycheck? It’s not just about prestige—it’s about pay, workload, and where you land after those long years of study.

The MBBS doctor salary varies wildly depending on where you work. A government hospital doctor in a small town might start at ₹50,000 to ₹70,000 a month after internship. That’s stable, with benefits like housing and medical coverage. But in a big city private hospital? You could start at ₹80,000 or more—but without the safety net. And if you’re working nights, weekends, or on call? That’s often unpaid overtime. The real difference shows up after 5–10 years. A senior government doctor can hit ₹1.2 lakh to ₹2 lakh monthly with promotions, while a specialist in a private hospital or clinic can clear ₹3 lakh or more—if they build a strong patient base.

It’s not just about the job title. Your salary depends on whether you’re in a government hospital, a public healthcare facility funded by the state or central government, a private clinic, a doctor-owned or corporate-run medical practice, or even a medical college, an institution that teaches future doctors and often hires its own graduates as faculty. Teaching roles come with steady pay but slower growth. Running your own clinic means higher risk but potentially much higher reward. And don’t forget rural postings—many government jobs require them, but they come with extra allowances and faster promotions.

What you earn also depends on what you do next. An MBBS alone doesn’t make you a specialist. If you skip NEET PG and stay general, your earning ceiling is lower. But if you clear NEET PG and become a surgeon, cardiologist, or radiologist? That’s when salaries jump. Many doctors spend another 3–5 years in postgraduation just to unlock the real pay. And even then, location matters. A doctor in Mumbai or Delhi can charge more than one in Bihar or Jharkhand—not just because of demand, but because patients there can afford it.

There’s no single number. But if you’re asking if the long years and stress are worth it, the answer is yes—for most. The average MBBS doctor in India earns more than 90% of other professions. The real question isn’t whether you’ll make money—it’s how much you’ll make, and what kind of life you’ll have while earning it.

Below, you’ll find real stories and data from doctors who’ve been there—what they earned at each stage, where they struggled, and how they built their income. No theory. Just what actually happens after you hang up your stethoscope.