In 2026, France continues to attract a growing number of European doctors thanks to a dynamic job market, stable working conditions, and generally attractive income. Salaries vary depending on the specialty, type of practice, region, and experience. Here is a clear and helpful overview to understand how much European doctors who settle in France can actually earn.
1. Salaries of salaried doctors in France
Doctors employed in public hospitals, private clinics, or specialized centers receive a fixed salary to which bonuses, on-call duties, and standby duties may be added. Hospital practitioners benefit from a national salary scale, while clinics can offer more variable salaries or attractive contracts depending on local needs.
To explore the opportunities corresponding to this type of status, you can check the medical job offers updated by Euromotion.
2. Self-employed doctors: potentially higher income
In private practice, doctors can achieve higher income, but they must also cover their professional expenses: social contributions, insurance, office rent, materials, etc. Income depends notably on:
- ✔ the volume of activity,
- ✔ the specialty,
- ✔ the region,
- ✔ the number of patients and procedures performed.
Underserved areas often offer an immediate patient base and very advantageous conditions for doctors wishing to set up quickly.
3. Medical specialty: a key factor in income
Some specialties present higher remuneration levels than others. In 2026, the most in-demand sectors — such as general medicine, psychiatry, pediatrics, imaging, anesthesiology, and geriatrics — generally offer competitive salaries and numerous opportunities for advancement.
To precisely assess your potential income, European doctors can use the Euromotion salary simulators, specially designed to understand net income after taxes and charges in France.
4. Taxes and charges: what European doctors need to anticipate
In France, salaried doctors pay social contributions and a progressive income tax. Self-employees must, in addition, settle mandatory contributions (URSSAF, retirement fund, RCP insurance...).
Declarative procedures must be carried out with the French authorities, and some professional steps require intervention from the DREETS and the Medical Council.
5. The determining role of the region in income
Geographical location strongly influences income levels. Large cities offer more salaried positions, while rural or peri-urban areas often provide more profitable private practices as well as financial assistance or incentives for setting up.
To prepare your installation, consult:
6. How much do European doctors really earn in France in 2026?
In practice, a European doctor settled in France benefits from a stable income, a protective social system, and a structured professional environment. The exact salary will depend on the practice project, the chosen region, and specialty, but the income + quality of life combination remains one of the main attractions of the French system.
🚀 Ready to find out your future salary in France?
Euromotion Medical accompanies you from the first contact to your installation on French territory:
- 🔎 Explore the job offers for European doctors
- 📘 Check out our practical guides
- 💼 Find your position at Mediirect
- 📩 Contact us: nicetomeetyou@euromotion.care
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