Hematology & Oncology Salary Guide

Hematologist & Oncologist Salary Guide

Hematologist-oncologists rank among the highest-compensated physician specialists in the United States, with permanent salaries ranging from $421,000 to $502,000 annually depending on subspecialty focus.

Oncology currently holds the distinction of being the most in-demand medical specialty nationwide, creating exceptional opportunities for both new graduates and experienced physicians seeking flexible assignments or permanent roles. Whether you prioritize schedule control, geographic exploration, or maximizing compensation, hematology-oncology offers compelling career paths.

Quick Facts: Hematologist-Oncologist Compensation 2026

Permanent Salary Range: $421,000 – $588,000

National Median: $469,000

Locum Tenens Annual (Full-Time Equivalent): $808,000 – $832,000

Hematologist-Oncologist Salary Overview

Compensation for hematologist-oncologists varies significantly based on experience level, geographic location, practice setting, and whether the position is permanent or locum tenens. The specialty encompasses both blood disorders and cancer treatment, requiring fellowship training beyond internal medicine residency. This dual expertise commands premium compensation across all employment models. The following sections break down how these factors influence earning potential for providers at every career stage.

Compensation by experience level

Hematologist-oncologist compensation increases 25-47% from early career to senior levels, with earnings ranging from $400,000 for new graduates to $588,000+ for experienced physicians. Career stage significantly impacts earnings, with compensation increasing substantially from fellowship completion through senior practice years.

Early Career

(0-3 Years) Building patient panel; signing bonuses common

$400,000 – $490,000

Mid-Career

(4-9 Years) Established expertise; leadership roles emerging

$469,000 – $520,000

Senior

(10+ Years) Peak earnings; subspecialty premium

$502,000 – $588,000

Locum tenens positions often enable earlier access to higher compensation tiers, as healthcare facilities and cancer centers pay premium rates regardless of career stage when facing urgent coverage needs.

Top-paying regions for Hematologist-Oncologists

The Midwest, South Dakota/Montana, and California/New York offer the highest hematologist-oncologist compensation, with salaries reaching $520,000-$600,000+ in rural premium markets. Geographic location significantly influences compensation, with rural and underserved areas frequently offering 15-25% premiums to attract qualified specialists, while metropolitan markets provide higher base salaries offset by increased cost of living.

Region/State

Salary Range

Key Factors

Midwest

$480,000 – $550,000

31% of locum openings; lower cost of living

South Dakota / Montana

$520,000 – $600,000+

Rural premium; provider shortage

California / New York

$500,000 – $575,000

High base; offset by cost of living

Southeast

$450,000 – $520,000

Growing demand; aging population

All Star Healthcare Solutions connects Hematologist-Oncologists with opportunities nationwide, from academic medical centers in major metros to community cancer programs in underserved regions seeking dedicated specialists.

Maximize your earning potential with locum tenens.

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Compensation by practice setting

Private practice Hematologist-Oncologists earn the highest compensation ($480,000-$600,000+), followed by hospital-employed positions ($450,000-$520,000), community cancer centers ($460,000-$540,000), and academic medical centers ($380,000-$480,000). Practice environment influences both compensation structure and total earning potential beyond base salary.

Academic Medical Centers: Compensation ranges from $380,000 to $480,000 annually, often including protected research time, teaching responsibilities, and access to clinical trials.

Hospital-Employed Positions: Salaries fall between $450,000 and $520,000 annually with productivity bonuses tied to wRVU targets and signing bonuses averaging $50,000 to $100,000.

Private Practice/Physician Groups: Earnings range from $480,000 to $600,000+ with potential for partnership equity, though physicians assume greater business risk and administrative responsibilities.

Community Cancer Centers: Salaries of $460,000 to $540,000 combined with lower cost-of-living areas often yield strong purchasing power and manageable patient volumes.

Key Factors Affecting Hematologist-Oncologist Compensation

Beyond experience level, location, and practice setting, several factors significantly impact hematologist-oncologist earnings. Understanding these elements empowers providers to maximize compensation and negotiate effectively for both permanent and locum tenens positions.

Education and subspecialty training

Hematology-oncology requires completion of internal medicine residency followed by a three-year fellowship. Additional subspecialty training can further increase earning potential.

Subspecialty FocusAverage Annual Compensation
Radiation Oncology$588,678
Medical Oncology$502,465
Hematology-Oncology (Combined)$469,000 – $496,000
Gynecologic Oncology$420,000+
Hematology (Non-Malignant)$421,482
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology$250,000 – $350,000

Board certification in Hematology, Medical Oncology, or both increases marketability and typically commands 5-10% higher compensation. Hematologist-Oncologist bone marrow transplant expertise and clinical trial experience also enhance earning potential.

Practice structure and workload

Call Requirements: Hematology-oncology positions with inpatient call responsibilities typically offer 10-20% higher compensation than outpatient-only roles.

Patient Volume and wRVU Targets: Productivity-based compensation models tie hematologist-oncologist earnings directly to work relative value units. High-volume oncology practices may offer base salary plus incentives that significantly increase total compensation for efficient providers.

Procedure Mix: Oncologists performing bone marrow biopsies, lumbar punctures for intrathecal chemotherapy, and other procedures generate additional revenue. Hematology-oncology practices with robust infusion centers may offer higher compensation reflecting procedural revenue streams.

Market demand and specialty outlook

Hematology-oncology ranks as the most in-demand medical specialty nationwide, with starting salaries increasing 10%+ annually. This high demand is driven by rising cancer diagnoses, an aging population, and limited fellowship training capacity relative to clinical need.

Starting Salary Trajectory: Average starting salaries for hematologist-oncologists reached $490,000 in 2025, representing a 10%+ increase from the prior year and exceeding growth in most other specialties.

All Star Advantage

Competitive compensation matters, but it represents just one component of career satisfaction. At All Star Healthcare Solutions, we partner with hematologist-oncologists to maximize not just earning potential, but overall career fulfillment through our comprehensive support and signature “Red Carpet” Service. With decades of experience connecting oncology specialists to opportunities nationwide, we understand what matters most to you. All Star Healthcare Solutions supports hematologist-oncologist success through four key areas:

Expert compensation negotiation

Our consultants understand hematology-oncology market rates across all 50 states and practice settings. We negotiate on your behalf to secure competitive compensation while explaining the full value of benefits packages—including base salary, productivity bonuses, signing incentives, and malpractice coverage. You focus on clinical fit while we handle financial details.

Streamlined credentialing and licensing

Oncology credentialing involves complex verification of fellowship training, board certifications, and hospital privileges. Our dedicated credentialing team manages this process end-to-end, reducing your administrative burden and accelerating time to start. We also support multi-state licensing for providers interested in assignments across different regions, including guidance on Interstate Medical Licensure Compact participation.

Flexible assignment matching

Every Hematologist-Oncologist has unique priorities. Some seek short-term assignments to explore new practice environments before committing permanently. Others prefer long-term locum positions offering schedule predictability. We match your preferences for location, duration, patient population, and practice type to opportunities that align with your career goals and lifestyle needs.

24/7 dedicated consultant support

Your assigned consultant serves as your advocate throughout every assignment. From addressing housing and travel logistics to resolving practice concerns, we provide responsive support whenever you need it. This relationship-driven approach means you always have a knowledgeable partner who understands your preferences and career trajectory.

Ready to Explore Hematology-Oncology Opportunities?

Whether you are considering locum tenens for the first time or seeking your next assignment, All Star Healthcare Solutions is here to guide you. Our consultants specialize in oncology placements and understand the unique considerations of this demanding specialty.

With opportunities nationwide, from academic cancer centers to community oncology practices, we match you with positions that align with your compensation goals, lifestyle preferences, and clinical interests. Connect with us today to discuss your options.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hematologist-Oncologist Salaries

Hematologist-oncologists earn a median salary of approximately $469,000 annually, with averages ranging from $421,000 to $502,000 depending on subspecialty focus. Permanent positions typically include benefits worth an additional 20-30% of base salary. Compensation varies significantly based on experience level, geographic location, and practice setting, with academic positions generally paying less than private practice or hospital-employed roles.

Geographic location and practice setting have the greatest impact on hematologist-oncologist compensation. Rural and underserved areas typically offer 15-25% higher salaries than metropolitan markets to attract specialists. Years of experience, subspecialty training, board certification status, and willingness to take call also significantly affect earnings. Productivity-based compensation models can substantially increase income for efficient providers.

Yes. Oncology currently ranks as the most in-demand medical specialty in the United States based on job openings relative to available physicians. Rising cancer diagnoses driven by an aging population, combined with limited fellowship training positions, create persistent demand.

Locum tenens compensation extends beyond hourly rates to include malpractice insurance coverage, state licensing support, travel expenses, and housing accommodations. Many agencies also provide health insurance options, retirement plan access, and CME allowances. All Star Healthcare Solutions handles these logistics through our “Red Carpet Service, allowing you to focus on patient care rather than administrative details.

Early-career Hematologist-Oncologists typically earn 15-25% less than experienced colleagues, though the early-career compensation gap narrows in locum tenens work where facilities pay based on coverage needs rather than career stage.

Maximizing hematologist-oncologist compensation involves strategic decisions about subspecialty focus, geographic flexibility, and employment model. Providers willing to work in underserved areas or take call responsibilities command premium rates. Maintaining board certification and pursuing additional subspecialty training increases marketability. Many hematologist-oncologists supplement employed positions with locum tenens shifts. All Star Healthcare consultants help you evaluate total compensation packages and identify opportunities aligned with your financial goals.

Data Sources Cited

  1. Doximity 2025 Physician Compensation Report
  2. AMN Healthcare 2025 Review of Physician Recruiting Incentives
  3. AMN Healthcare Oncologist Salary Guide 2025
  4. Locumstory 2025 Locum Tenens Pay Trends
  5. Physician Side Gigs – Hematologist Oncologist Salary Database

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