Where Are Cardiologist Salaries Trending in 2025?

June 23 | OnCall Solutions

In 2025, the average salary for a permanent cardiologist is $585,512, with subspecialties such as electrophysiology reaching $627,663. That’s impressive, but locum tenens cardiologists can earn even more, with daily rates of $2,200–$2,500 translating to nearly $611,000 annually. What’s driving this? High demand, a growing number of aging patients, and a looming shortage of 17% fewer cardiologists by 2035, just as heart disease continues to rise. For staffing firms, this points to a ripe opportunity to fill premium-paying locum roles, particularly in underserved or rural areas.

Regional and specialty data further underscore the importance of strategic placement. States like California and Massachusetts offer the highest salaries for both physicians and advanced practice providers. And the more specialized the work, the bigger the payout: interventional cardiologists and electrophysiologists routinely earn 15% or more above general cardiologists. Cardiologists with two decades of experience are seeing 52% salary bumps over early-career peers, while experienced APPs enjoy even steeper gains, like 89% for nurse practitioners and 78% for PAs.

For staffing firms, these trends reinforce the value of promoting locum tenens as a flexible, high-paying option, particularly for seasoned providers or those open to travel. Offering housing stipends, licensing support, and weekend assignments can sweeten the deal. Now more than ever, healthcare facilities are looking for high-skill cardiologists who can step in fast. Savvy recruiters will match this demand with strategic sourcing, salary transparency, and subspecialty targeting to stay competitive in a red-hot market.