The pursuit of a career as an advanced practice provider (APP) offers numerous opportunities across various medical subspecialties. However, the ease of securing a job can vary significantly depending on the specific field.
Factors such as demand, market saturation, and the level of specialized training required play crucial roles in determining job availability.
This article ranks various subspecialties from the hardest to the easiest to enter, accompanied by average salary estimates, providing a comprehensive overview for prospective APPs.
Ranking the Most Challenging Subspecialties for Advanced Practice Providers
Hardest Subspecialties
1. Neurosurgery
– Average Salary: $120,000 – $160,000
– Reasons: High demand for specialized skills, limited positions, and intense competition.
2. Cardiology
– Average Salary: $110,000 – $150,000
– Reasons: Complex patient populations and a saturated job market in many areas.
3. Cardiothoracic Surgery
– Average Salary: $130,000 – $180,000
– Reasons: Specialized skills needed, fewer job openings, and high competition.
Moderate Difficulty Subspecialties
4. Oncology
– Average Salary: $100,000 – $140,000
– Reasons: Growing field but requires specific knowledge and training.
5. Gastroenterology
– Average Salary: $90,000 – $130,000
– Reasons: Demand varies by region, but specialized skills are often required.
6. Psychiatry
– Average Salary: $90,000 – $130,000
– Reasons: Growing need for mental health services, but some areas are saturated.
Easiest Subspecialties
7. Emergency Medicine
– Average Salary: $100,000 – $140,000
– Reasons: High demand for APPs in emergency settings; many positions available.
8. Family Medicine
– Average Salary: $90,000 – $120,000
– Reasons: Broad demand across various settings, with many job openings.
9. Pediatrics
– Average Salary: $90,000 – $120,000
– Reasons: Steady demand, but job availability can vary by location.
These figures can vary based on geographic location, experience, and the specific healthcare facility. Always check local job markets for the most accurate information.
