Average Salary of Doctors in Nepal

What is the Salary of Doctors in Nepal? 

The salary of doctors in Nepal ranges from NPR 43,000 to over NPR 2,00,000+ per month, depending on their experience and qualification. If you're looking to become a doctor or just curious, it's important to know how much doctors actually earn in Nepal. It helps you plan your life or even decide which specialization to pursue. Let's take a closer look at doctor salaries in Nepal.

1. Intern Doctors

Right after MBBS, physicians are required to do an internship in a hospital. It is basically a training period where they work under senior doctors to gain experience. Intern doctors are still in the learning phase, so they are not paid a high salary.

An intern earns an average of NPR 15,000 to NPR 25,000 a month, depending on the hospital. Government hospitals have a stipend that is usually fixed, and private hospitals can offer slightly more or less. Occasionally, NGOs or teaching hospitals offer free accommodation or food instead of full payment. 

It's not a good sum of money, but the internship is a mandatory requirement prior to diving into a full-time medical profession.

2. General Physicians

Once the internship is over and you register with the Nepal Medical Council as a doctor, you may start working as a general physician. At this stage, their salary gets a decent hike. Doctors with 1 to 5 years of experience typically earn between NPR 40,000 and NPR 100,000 per month. The salary may vary depending on a number of factors: 

• Type of hospital: Private hospitals can offer more than government ones for general doctors.
• Location: Hospitals located in urban cities, especially in Kathmandu or Pokhara, can offer better salaries than those located in rural or remote areas.
• Workload: Doctors who perform longer duties or night shifts tend to receive extra allowances.

This is the time when doctors start building their reputation, gain more experience, and sometimes prepare for postgraduate studies to become specialists.

3. Experienced Doctors

Doctors who have more than five years of experience can expect more growth in their careers and salaries. Doctors at this level can:

• Be promoted to senior positions
• Start supervising junior doctors
• Get a chance to work at reputed hospitals
• Have a growing number of patients if they are practicing privately

The salary of experienced physicians in Nepal ranges from NPR 90,000 to over NPR 2,00,000 per month. Those who work at advanced private hospitals, or who run private clinics of their own, stand to earn more. Physicians at this stage typically specialize in specialties like internal medicine, surgery, or pediatrics, which further increase earnings.  

Some even take up part-time teaching jobs at medical colleges or work as consultants, adding to their monthly income. 

Here’s a quick look at the salary range by experience:

How much do Specialist Doctors earn in Nepal? 

In Nepal, specialist doctors like cardiologists, neurosurgeons, gynecologists, and dermatologists can earn between NPR 1,50,000 to over NPR 5,00,000 per month if they are working in private practice. Once a doctor completes his/her MBBS and additional education to specialize in a specific field, like heart (cardiology), brain and nerves (neurosurgery), women (gynecology), or skin (dermatology), his/her salary automatically increases.

Why? Nepal has a high demand for specialists and a low supply. Many people like to go directly to specialists for serious or exact health issues, and they're willing to pay a little more for specialist care.

There are usually two sources of income for specialist doctors:

1. Working Full-time in Hospitals

Specialist physicians who work full-time in private or government hospitals get a fixed salary every month that ranges from NPR 1,50,000 to NPR 2,50,000, depending on experience, hospital, and workload. Others may get added benefits like bonuses, accommodation, or allowances.

2. Private Practice:

Some specialists open their own clinics or practice in a number of hospitals as consultants. Income can vary in private practice as it changes depending on the number of patients treated. A renowned specialist in Kathmandu or Pokhara city can easily earn NPR 3,00,000 to NPR 5,00,000+ per month, sometimes even more if they are very well qualified or known in their field of expertise. 

Government vs Private Sector Doctor Salary in Nepal

Doctors in Nepal can either work in government hospitals or private hospitals/clinics, and the salary, benefits, and work style can be quite different. Government jobs offer more stability and benefits, while private jobs usually pay more, especially for experienced doctors. Here's a simple breakdown to help you understand:

How much do MBBS doctors earn in Nepal?

Fresh MBBS graduates in Nepal can earn around NPR 30,000 to NPR 70,000 per month, depending on their workplace and role. After passing the MBBS and completing the mandatory internship, physicians are officially a part of the medical field as licensed practitioners. But the starting period of a medical career in Nepal can be financially difficult.  Fresh MBBS graduates have several options to start their careers:

1. Hospitals and Clinics (Government or Private)

Young physicians typically start working at hospitals as junior medical officers or general physicians. In government hospitals, they might be working under contract-based employment or temporary postings until they pass the Lok Sewa exam.
 

In private hospitals and clinics, MBBS doctors can be directly hired and paid on an hourly, patient flow, or monthly salary basis. The salary range is generally NPR 30,000 to NPR 50,000/month as a starting salary. In populated city clinics, it might be slightly higher.

2. NGOs and INGOs

Some NGOs (non-governmental organizations) engaged in healthcare, especially in rural and underprivileged areas, hire MBBS doctors for outreach and community health programs. These jobs could include field visits, health camps, or operating rural health posts. While the workload can be different, the salary and benefits can be more lucrative than government jobs in certain cases.
 

Salary range is around NPR 40,000 to NPR 70,000/month, with possible travel and food allowances.

3. Rural Postings

Government and NGO jobs sometimes offer work in rural areas of Nepal, where doctors are in short supply. Though such jobs may be challenging with fewer facilities, they are a learning experience and typically entail extra allowances.
 

The salary range is between NPR 50,000 and NPR 70,000/month, along with rural hardship and travel allowances.

4. Teaching & Academics:

Some MBBS graduates also work in medical colleges as demonstrators or teaching assistants, especially if they're preparing for postgraduate entrance exams (MD/MS). The pay is not so great, but it allows time and access to academic facilities. The salary range is around NPR 30,000 to NPR 40,000/month.

Doctors Working Abroad from Nepal

Many Nepali doctors are working abroad in Gulf countries, Australia, America, the UK, and other countries, where they are paid much better than what they can earn in Nepal.

1. Gulf Countries (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, etc.)

The Gulf countries are among the most sought-after places for Nepali doctors, particularly general physicians and specialists. The salary range for general doctors is between NPR 2,00,000 to 4,00,000 per month. Similarly, specialists may earn NPR 5,00,000 to 10,00,000+ per month.
 

Why it's popular:
 

• Acquiring qualifications is less challenging in countries like the US or Australia.
• No language problem if you have a basic English.
• Tax-free salary in most Gulf countries.
• The perks might include free accommodation, travel, and air tickets.

Things to note:
 

• Work can be very demanding.
• Long contracts exist in some hospitals.
• You may be required to sit for exams like DHA, MOH, or HAAD, depending on the country.

2. Australia

Australia is a dream destination for many doctors, but it is not an easy transition. It's a long process, but the pay and lifestyle are excellent. The salary range for general physicians can be approximately NPR 7,00,000 to 12,00,000 monthly. Whereas, specialists can earn NPR 15,00,000 to 30,00,000+ monthly. 
 

Why doctors migrate to Australia:
 

• Satisfying rates of pay and living standards
• Excellent work-life balance
• Respectful work environment
• Long-term professional growth and permanent residence prospects

What's needed:
 

• Pass the AMC (Australian Medical Council) exam
• Language tests like IELTS or PTE
• Clinical placement or guided practice to be fully registered
• It is time and energy-intensive, but once in, the rewards are significant.

3. United States

The US pays some of the highest salaries for doctors globally, but has the toughest entry point. The salary range for general doctors is around NPR 10,00,000+ per month. Also, specialists often earn NPR 20,00,000 to 40,00,000+ per month
 

Why go to the US?
 

• Highest-paying medical jobs
• Access to advanced technology and training
• Global reputation and top-tier experience
• Good lifestyle and professional growth

The hard part:
 

• You must pass the USMLE exams (Step 1, Step 2, Step 3)
• Complete residency in the US, even if you’ve already done postgrad in Nepal
• A strong English and academic background is needed

What Factors Affect Doctor Salary in Nepal?

The salary of a doctor in Nepal depends on various factors like experience, education, workplace, employer type, and even communication skills.  Let us go through each one by one in a very simple way.

1. Experience and Seniority

The more experience a doctor has, the more they usually get paid. A fresher MBBS graduate can earn between NPR 30,000 and NPR 50,000 per month, while an individual with 5+ years of experience can easily earn above NPR 1,00,000 or even more. Experienced doctors are trusted more by hospitals, and they are promoted as senior professionals. Patients also trust experienced doctors. Senior doctors can even have higher consultation fees in private clinics. Thus, similar to the case of any other profession, experience indeed boosts your pay as a physician. 

 2. Specialization and Educational Level

An MBBS doctor generally has a lower salary compared to one holding an MD, MS, or a different specialization. Specialists like cardiologists, neurologists, gynecologists, or surgeons may earn double or triple the pay of general doctors. That is because they've done more years of training and specialize in one area. Patients pay more for special treatment, and hospitals also pay more to retain these specialists. In short, the more you read and specialize, the more you earn. Education really pays in the long term.

3. Employer Type (Government, Private, NGO) and Location of Job

The type of employer also matters a lot. Government doctors receive a fixed income based on their Lok Sewa status, but besides this, they also get benefits like pension and job security. Private hospitals offer more pay, especially in urban cities, but no long-term payments. NGOs and INGOs might offer similar salaries, especially for health programs and rural outreach jobs. 
 

Doctors in rural areas can earn extra money besides their salaries, but doctors in cities like Kathmandu or Pokhara usually make more because there are more patients and better services. So, your job and where you work affect how much you earn.

4. Certifications and Professional Affiliations

Doctors who have extra certifications, like ultrasound, critical care, or training in cosmetic procedures, are paid more. Such qualifications make them more capable in clinics or hospitals and allow them to offer long-term services. Some foreign or prestigious medical center certifications can even bring more prestige to a doctor. Plus, memberships in organizations such as the Nepal Medical Association or special boards can also provide more prominence to a doctor's name. Such extra qualifications help secure better jobs and even higher consultation fees at times. Thus, developing your skills through courses is a major advantage.

5. Communication Skills and Patient Communication Skills

This might be small, but it makes a big difference. Doctors who have good speaking skills and communicate well with patients are likely to develop greater trust. In cities or tourist destinations, doctors who have the ability to speak English or other languages may attract more patients. Good communication also reduces misunderstandings, improves patient satisfaction, and allows for private practice. A kind, considerate doctor tends to have more return business and referrals. So, yes, the way you speak can make an immediate difference in how much you make. People don't want a great doctor; they want one who understands and cares about them. 

Career Growth Opportunities for Doctors in Nepal

Being a doctor in Nepal is not just about practicing medicine. There are many ways to grow your career over time. One common way is through promotions in the hospital system. A doctor usually starts as a Medical Officer in a government hospital. With experience and promotions, they can become a Consultant and then a Senior Consultant. They can even become the head of a department or a Medical Superintendent. These roles offer higher pay, more responsibility, and decision-making power. In private hospitals, doctors can also move up from junior roles to senior consultant roles based on their work and how much patients like them. With time, hard work, and dedication, doctors can reach higher and more respected positions.
 

Another good option is to teach in schools. Many doctors in Nepal, especially those with advanced degrees like MD or MS, become professors or lecturers at medical colleges. Teaching provides a stable job, good pay, and the chance to help train future doctors. Some doctors even do both hospital work and teaching, gaining both clinical and academic experience. Over time, they can be promoted to senior lecturer, department head, or even dean of a medical college. Academic jobs are great for doctors who like learning, research, and teaching.
 

Lastly, there is the growing path of starting your own business. Many doctors in Nepal open their own clinics or small hospitals after gaining some experience. This lets them control their schedule, patient count, and income. A successful clinic in a busy area can earn more than a regular job. It also helps doctors build their own brand and reputation. Some work with other health professionals to create labs, pharmacies, or wellness clinics. This requires investment, planning, and management skills, but for many doctors, being their own boss is worth it.