3 answers
Mario
Student
Clovis, New Mexico
2
Questions
Updated
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how much does a surgeon get paid a year?
I am in 10th grade, i would like to be a surgeon as my career.
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3 answers
Paul Treuhaft, MD, MA
Retired surgeon who replaced hips and knees
43
Answers
Santa Rosa, California
Updated
Paul’s Answer
It depends on a number of factors and there are many choices to be made, most of which can affect your income. The first thing to think about is what type of surgeon you want to be. All surgeons in active practice make a substantial income, but the actual amount depends on what specialty you choose and whether you choose to be in a private practice or to work for an established clinic. The best way to explore this issue is first to decide which surgical specialty you are interested in and then research specifically for this specialty. Google will get you all the information you need. It is important to remember that medicine in general and surgery in particular are demanding areas of work. It is best to be certain that you want to do this type of work and provide the help and care that your patients will need. It is a mistake to think about choosing any career in medicine on the basis of income. Think instead about what ways in which you wish to help people first, and what branch of medicine seems most interesting to you. The satisfaction of being to help people change their lives for the better is primary. Don't choose a specialty on the basis of potential income alone.
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
The income of a surgeon can vary significantly based on factors such as location, specialty, experience, and the type of healthcare facility where they work. Surgeons often earn a substantial income, but it comes with years of rigorous education, training, and a high level of responsibility. Here's a general overview of surgeon salaries:
1. **Education:** To become a surgeon, you'll need to complete a bachelor's degree, followed by medical school, which typically takes four years. After medical school, you'll undertake a surgical residency program, which can last from 5 to 7 years or longer, depending on the specialty.
2. **Specialization:** Surgeons can specialize in various areas such as orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, or plastic surgery. Some specialties, like cardiothoracic and neurosurgery, tend to have higher earning potential due to their complexity and demand.
3. **Experience:** Surgeon salaries often increase with years of experience. More experienced surgeons, especially those with established reputations, can command higher incomes.
4. **Location:** Income can vary significantly by location. Surgeons practicing in metropolitan areas or regions with a higher cost of living generally earn more than those in rural or less densely populated areas.
5. **Type of Facility:** Surgeons may work in private practice, academic medical centers, or hospitals. The type of facility can impact earnings, with private practice often offering the potential for higher incomes.
6. **Board Certification:** Becoming board-certified in your surgical specialty can enhance your earning potential, as it demonstrates your expertise and commitment to maintaining high standards of care.
7. **On-Call and Overtime:** Surgeons may be compensated for being on-call or working overtime, which can significantly increase their annual income.
The median annual income for surgeons in the United States was typically in the range of $400,000 to $500,000 or higher. However, these figures can vary widely, and some surgeons may earn significantly more, especially if they have extensive experience and are in high-demand specialties.
It's important to note that becoming a surgeon requires dedication, hard work, and a strong commitment to patient care. If you have a passion for medicine and surgery, pursuing this career path can be highly rewarding both professionally and financially. Keep in mind that salary figures may change over time, so it's a good idea to research current data and trends as you progress in your education and career planning.
1. **Education:** To become a surgeon, you'll need to complete a bachelor's degree, followed by medical school, which typically takes four years. After medical school, you'll undertake a surgical residency program, which can last from 5 to 7 years or longer, depending on the specialty.
2. **Specialization:** Surgeons can specialize in various areas such as orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, or plastic surgery. Some specialties, like cardiothoracic and neurosurgery, tend to have higher earning potential due to their complexity and demand.
3. **Experience:** Surgeon salaries often increase with years of experience. More experienced surgeons, especially those with established reputations, can command higher incomes.
4. **Location:** Income can vary significantly by location. Surgeons practicing in metropolitan areas or regions with a higher cost of living generally earn more than those in rural or less densely populated areas.
5. **Type of Facility:** Surgeons may work in private practice, academic medical centers, or hospitals. The type of facility can impact earnings, with private practice often offering the potential for higher incomes.
6. **Board Certification:** Becoming board-certified in your surgical specialty can enhance your earning potential, as it demonstrates your expertise and commitment to maintaining high standards of care.
7. **On-Call and Overtime:** Surgeons may be compensated for being on-call or working overtime, which can significantly increase their annual income.
The median annual income for surgeons in the United States was typically in the range of $400,000 to $500,000 or higher. However, these figures can vary widely, and some surgeons may earn significantly more, especially if they have extensive experience and are in high-demand specialties.
It's important to note that becoming a surgeon requires dedication, hard work, and a strong commitment to patient care. If you have a passion for medicine and surgery, pursuing this career path can be highly rewarding both professionally and financially. Keep in mind that salary figures may change over time, so it's a good idea to research current data and trends as you progress in your education and career planning.
Javier Escalera
Self-Employed / Physician re-entering practice
7
Answers
Sugar Land, Texas
Updated
Javier’s Answer
Hello Mario,
According to one recent survey report the average reported income for a surgeon, ranges from $430, 000 per year for General Surgery, up to $740,000 per year for Neurosurgery. All surgeons, must first graduate from medical school, which follows 4 years of college, before doing “on-the-job” surgical training, also known as “residency”, for several years. The time length of the surgical residency training after becoming a licensed doctor of medicine (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.), varies from from 5 years to 7 years, depending the surgical specialty being trained for, e.g. general surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, etc…
J.P. Escalera, M.D.
According to one recent survey report the average reported income for a surgeon, ranges from $430, 000 per year for General Surgery, up to $740,000 per year for Neurosurgery. All surgeons, must first graduate from medical school, which follows 4 years of college, before doing “on-the-job” surgical training, also known as “residency”, for several years. The time length of the surgical residency training after becoming a licensed doctor of medicine (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.), varies from from 5 years to 7 years, depending the surgical specialty being trained for, e.g. general surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, etc…
J.P. Escalera, M.D.