How Much Do Surgeons Make a Year?

Overview of Surgeon Salaries

Surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in performing surgical procedures to treat injuries, illnesses, and diseases. They play a critical role in the healthcare industry and are typically among the highest-paid professionals in the medical field.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for surgeons in the United States was $409,665 as of May 2020. This means that half of all surgeons earned more than this amount and half earned less.

However, it’s important to note that surgeon salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as their specialty, years of experience, geographic location, and the type of employer they work for. In general, surgeons who work in urban areas or for large healthcare organizations tend to earn higher salaries than those in rural areas or working for smaller practices.

Factors Affecting Surgeon Pay

There are several factors that can impact a surgeon’s salary, including:

1. Specialty: Surgeons who specialize in high-demand areas such as neurosurgery, orthopedics, and cardiology tend to earn higher salaries than those in other specialties.

2. Experience: Surgeons who have been practicing for many years and have established a strong reputation in their field may earn more than those who are just starting out.

3. Geographic location: Salaries can vary significantly depending on where a surgeon works. For example, surgeons in metropolitan areas or in states with a high cost of living tend to earn more than those in rural areas or in states with a lower cost of living.

4. Type of employer: Surgeons who work for large healthcare organizations or academic medical centers tend to earn higher salaries than those who work for smaller practices or are self-employed.

5. Number of surgeries performed: Surgeons who perform a high volume of surgeries may earn more than those who perform fewer procedures.

6. Board certification: Surgeons who are board-certified in their specialty may earn higher salaries than those who are not certified.

Overall, the amount a surgeon can earn is impacted by a combination of these factors and can vary widely depending on the individual circumstances.

Highest-Paying Surgeon Specialties

While all surgeons tend to earn high salaries, some specialties are associated with higher pay than others. According to the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), the following specialties were among the highest-paid for physicians and surgeons in 2020:

1. Neurosurgery: Median compensation of $704,170
2. Orthopedic surgery: Median compensation of $612,129
3. Cardiovascular surgery: Median compensation of $542,287
4. Plastic surgery: Median compensation of $522,810
5. Gastroenterology: Median compensation of $509,452
6. Radiation oncology: Median compensation of $495,686
7. Dermatology: Median compensation of $461,361
8. Critical care: Median compensation of $432,641

It’s important to note that these figures represent median compensation, which includes both salary and bonuses or other forms of compensation. Actual salaries for these specialties can vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier, as well as other individual factors such as work hours and job performance.

Geographic Location and Surgeon Pay

Geographic location is a significant factor in determining a surgeon’s pay. In general, surgeons who work in metropolitan areas or states with a high cost of living tend to earn higher salaries than those in rural areas or states with a lower cost of living.

For example, according to the BLS, the highest-paying states for surgeons as of May 2020 were:

1. Wyoming: Mean annual wage of $266,010
2. Florida: Mean annual wage of $259,750
3. Nevada: Mean annual wage of $258,960
4. Wisconsin: Mean annual wage of $256,230
5. New Mexico: Mean annual wage of $247,540

On the other hand, the lowest-paying states for surgeons were:

1. Hawaii: Mean annual wage of $193,050
2. North Dakota: Mean annual wage of $200,890
3. Maine: Mean annual wage of $205,860
4. West Virginia: Mean annual wage of $206,250
5. Idaho: Mean annual wage of $215,040

It’s important to note that these figures are just averages and that individual salaries can vary widely within each state based on other factors, such as specialty and experience.

How to Become a Surgeon and Maximize Earnings

Becoming a surgeon typically requires a significant investment of time and money, including obtaining a bachelor’s degree, completing medical school, and undergoing several years of residency training. Here are some tips for maximizing earnings as a surgeon:

1. Choose a high-paying specialty: As mentioned earlier, certain specialties are associated with higher salaries than others. Research different specialties to find one that aligns with your interests and offers competitive pay.

2. Obtain board certification: Becoming board-certified in your specialty demonstrates your expertise and can help increase your earning potential.

3. Consider working in urban areas or for large healthcare organizations: Surgeons who work in metropolitan areas or for large healthcare organizations tend to earn higher salaries than those in rural areas or working for smaller practices.

4. Build a strong reputation: Surgeons who are highly skilled and have a strong reputation in their field may be able to command higher salaries.

5. Negotiate your salary: When starting a new job or negotiating a raise, it’s important to research industry standards and come prepared to negotiate for a fair salary and benefits package.

Overall, becoming a successful and highly-paid surgeon requires a combination of education, experience, and strategic career planning.