Nearly 22,000 physicians across 25 specialty areas participated in Medscape’s third physician compensation report just released. Overall, it appears that physicians’ income is on the rise.

This year’s 3 top-earning specialties – orthopedics, cardiology, and radiology – remain the same, although radiology was bumped from being tied for the number-one spot in 2012 to number three:

On the opposite end of the scale, pediatrics was replaced as the lowest paid specialty by HIV/ID.

Mean compensation for about one-third (8) of the specialties surveyed topped $300,000 annually.

Other highlights from the report include:

Orthopedic surgeons showed the highest increase.

Endocrinologists and oncologists noted a slight decline.

Overall, male physicians earn 30% more than women (17% more in primary care).

Those with board certification earned significantly more than those without it ($150,000 vs $251,000).

The percentage of physicians involved in Accountable Care Organizations increased significantly from 2012, from 8% to 24%.

Physicians in the North Central region of the country earn the most ($259,000), while those in the Northeast Region earn the least ($228,000).

Compared with 2012, compensation for physicians in solo practice declined ($216,000 vs $220,000), while that of physician employees increased ($220,000 vs $194,000).

Click here to view the full Physician Compensation 2013 report by Medscape.