Study Ranks Indiana 2nd Best State for Doctors in 2026!

I think we can all agree that becoming a doctor is an incredible accomplishment. It takes years of schooling, countless hours of studying, and a huge dedication to helping others. And while the journey is challenging, the rewards can be huge, both professionally and financially.

And if you are a doctor, you might be wondering where in the U.S. is the best place to practice medicine in 2026. Luckily for you, I have the answers, and it’s great news for Hoosiers.

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WalletHub released its report of Best & Worst States for Doctors in 2026, and Indiana is once again near the top of the list! In fact, the Hoosier State ranked 2nd Best for Doctors in 2026.

Here are some of the rankings that led to Indiana's 2nd Place Finish

• 7th in Opportunity & Competition – plenty of room to grow and advance in your career
• 8th in Medical Environment – top-notch hospitals and supportive work settings
• 3rd highest average annual physician salary – Hoosier doctors earn some serious income!
• One of the least punitive state medical boards – fair, balanced, and focused on quality care

Indiana’s High Physician Salaries

And when it comes to pay, Indiana’s numbers are impressive. Psychiatrists earn around $343,000, physicians average $317,000, anesthesiologists pull in about $396,000, and surgeons top the list at $464,000 a year.

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But it’s not just about the paycheck. Indiana also offers low malpractice insurance rates, a highly rated public hospital system, and a relatively low burnout rate for doctors. In other words, it’s a state that values and supports the medical profession.

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You can take a deep dive into the numbers of the full report here, and you can scroll over the map below to see how the rest of the states were ranked.