A veteran cardiologist in Boston has filed a new lawsuit that claims she is earning a much lower salary than a less experienced male colleague. She believes this violates the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act.

While 16% of male cardiologists have a net worth of more than $5 million, the same is true for just 6% of female cardiologists.

Among general cardiologists, compensation increased nearly 8% from 2023 to 2024. Interventional cardiology and electrophysiology saw even larger jumps.

Joel Sauer, MBA, executive vice president of consulting with MedAxiom, reviews the intricacies of how cardiologists and hospitals are reimbursed.

Cardiology's gains are far less than some specialties—pay for dermatologists went up more than 10%, for instance—but still ahead of the consumer price index.

Physician compensation in the United States is up 6% compared to the previous year, according to a new report. It only increased by 3.9% in cardiology, however, suggesting the specialty is slightly behind the curve.

In addition, cardiologists average an additional $75,000 per year in incentive-based bonuses. That number is only higher for two other specialties. 

According to the same report, 43% of cardiologists with children said they feel conflicted about not spending enough time at home.