Medical Specialty

Medical Specialty Spotlight

Compare each residency to determine which specialty is your best match.

USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 are meant to be licensing exams, however residency programs use them as a competitive tool for matching into programs. The chart below summarizes the average USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 score by residency according to the AAMC Charting the Outcomes Data.

However, your step scores are only two crucial variables. Explore each medical specialty spotlight article to review details about residencies, including:

  • Specialty competitiveness, including number of applicants, and match rate
  • DO and IMG match rates
  • Average USMLE scores required
  • Honors, research and awards required
  • Lifestyle and duration of residency
  • Expected salary after graduation
  • Top fellowship opportunities in the U.S.
  • Top residency opportunities in the U.S.

Read more about med school match

Average Step Scores for Residency

Be sure to click into each specialty for more detail on getting a career started in that medical pathway!

SpecialtyAverage Step 1 Score (Matched)Average Step 2 Score (Matched)
Anesthesiology234246
Child Neurology233246
Dermatology248256
Diagnostic Radiology241249
Emergency Medicine233247
Family Medicine221238
General Surgery237249
Internal Medicine235248
Internal Medicine/Pediatrics236250
Interventional Radiology247255
Neurological Surgery248252
Neurology232245
Obstetrics and Gynecology232248
Orthopaedic Surgery248255
Otolaryngology248256
Pathology233242
Pediatrics228245
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation228241
Plastic Surgery249256
Psychiatry227241
Radiation Oncology243250
Vascular Surgery239247

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