Which Surgeons Get Paid the Most?

Which Surgeons Get Paid the Most?

Physicians and surgeons are always paid well — but average salary doesn’t tell the whole story. Surgeon salary varies by location and suffers from wage gaps based on gender, race and ethnicity. However, these ten specialties are the highest paid surgeons (on average) in the U.S. These include orthopedic surgeons, dermatologists and surgical oncologists.

Looking for a high-paying job? There are various ways that salaries are calculated, and location and years of experience need to be considered. However, no matter who you ask, surgeon salaries consistently make the list. Read on to learn which surgeons make the most money.

Average Compensation for Physicians and Surgeons in the U.S.

Overall salary for physicians and surgeons averages $339,000 per year. Income is trending upwards after a decline during the pandemic when many practices were closed.

But the average surgeon salary doesn’t tell the whole story — there are other factors at play. For example, specialist surgeons make an average salary of $368,000, while primary care physicians (PCPs) make an average of $260,000. And that’s just the start of the differences.

Metro Areas with the Highest Salaries for Surgeons and Physicians

Like most jobs, physician and surgeon salary varies by location. The top five metro areas with the highest paid surgeons are:

• Charlotte, North Carolina
• St. Louis, Missouri
• Buffalo, New York
• Jacksonville, Florida
• Orlando, Florida

It’s also interesting to note which cities had the highest growth in compensation over the year:

• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Virginia Beach, Virginia
• St. Louis, Missouri
• Tampa, Florida
• Hartford, Connecticut

Charlotte and St. Louis may be cities to watch for those interested in this career path, although many metro areas are beginning to offer financial incentives to attract doctors and surgeons.

Gender Pay Gap for Surgeons and Physicians

While overall physician and surgeon salaries are back on the rise, there is still an income gap between men and women. The gap has remained relatively constant over the years: Male physicians earned 23% more than their female counterparts in 2012 and earn 25% more today.

Male physicians could make over $2 million more than female physicians throughout a career. However, that gap may narrow in these top five cities with the highest compensation for women:

• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Sacramento, California
• Tampa, Florida
• Buffalo, New York
• Charlotte, North Carolina

Compensation by Racial and Ethnic Group

There is also a wage gap between racial and ethnic groups. The compensation for each demographic breaks down as follows:

• Caucasian/White surgeons and physicians: $346,000
• Asian American surgeons and physicians: $329,000
• Hispanic surgeons and physicians: $328,000
• African American/Black surgeons and physicians: $313,000

Top 10 Highest Paid Surgeons in the U.S. by Specialty

As mentioned above, specialists already make more than general PCPs. But which surgeons make the most money also depends on their specialty.

1. Plastic Surgeons

Average salary: $576,000

Percent change since last year: +10%

Plastic surgeons are the highest paid surgeons overall. They not only perform cosmetic surgery but also use reconstructive techniques to repair injuries and trauma, correct congenital defects and reconstruct cancer sites.

2. Orthopedic Surgeons

Average salary: $557,000

Percent change since last year: +9%

Orthopedic surgeons focus on the musculoskeletal system, which includes the muscle, soft tissue, bones and joints. They’re able to diagnose and treat conditions including arthritis, bone cancer, trauma, sprains, tendinitis and congenital defects.

3. Otolaryngologists

Average salary: $469,000

Percent change since last year: +13%

Otolaryngologists may have a title that’s difficult to pronounce, but they also have one of the highest surgeon salaries on our list. They are ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists who perform a variety of procedures including tonsillectomies, inserting ear tubes and removing various cancers.

4. Urologists

Average salary: $461,000

Percent change since last year: +8%

Urologists specialize in disorders of the urinary tract and reproductive system. They treat a wide range of conditions, from incontinence and urinary tract infections to infertility. Surgeries they perform might include reconstruction and minimally invasive procedures like endoscopic surgery.

5. Dermatologists

Average salary: $438,000

Percent change since last year: +11%

The skin is the body’s largest organ, and skin conditions are common, affecting an estimated 1.9 billion people globally. That could help explain why dermatologists are some of the highest paid surgeons, performing a range of procedures including biopsies and mole removal.

6. Colorectal Surgeons

Average salary: $425,000

Percent change since last year: +12%* (for Gastroenterologists)

Colon and rectal surgeons have specialized training in diagnosis and treatment of a variety of gastrointestinal conditions, as well as issues affecting the rectum. Some procedures and treatments they typically perform include sphincter repairs, surgical management of inflammatory bowel diseases, rectal prolapse surgery and surgical options for diverticular disease.

7. Ophthalmologists

Average salary: $417,000

Percent change since last year: +10%

Ophthalmologists are doctors of the eyes, but unlike optometrists, they have earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and have the qualifications to perform surgery. The most common types of surgery they perform are for cataracts, glaucoma and retinal detachment.

8. Surgical Oncologists

Average salary: $411,000

Percent change since last year: +2%

Oncologists are cancer specialists, and surgical oncologists are one sub-specialty within this profession. Once the doctor diagnoses cancer, they are the ones who perform the surgery to remove it and also help patients recover.

9. General Surgeons

Average salary: $402,000

Percent change since last year: +8%

General surgeons have training to perform a variety of the most common procedures including biopsies, appendectomies, laparoscopic surgeries, gallbladder removal and hernia repair. They also counsel patients on pre- and postoperative care.

10. Trauma Surgeons

Average salary: $373,000

Percent change since last year: +5%

Trauma surgeons perform emergency surgeries on those with critical injuries and illnesses. They often see patients with blunt force trauma, penetrating wounds or burns and may also treat medical emergencies like appendicitis and perforated bowels. This can be a high-stress job, so their high salary is well earned.

Final Thoughts on Surgeon Salaries

Becoming a surgeon requires years of study and practice, including medical school and residencies. Those who are up for the challenge can earn a high salary, especially if they go into one of the specialties above. While gender and racial or ethnic wage gaps persist, with growing awareness, the medical field is working to remedy these. As the need for healthcare professionals continues to rise, we can expect surgeon salaries to rise along with it.

Top Takeaways

Which Surgeons Get Paid the Most?

• The cities with the highest paid surgeons are Charlotte, St. Louis, Buffalo, Jacksonville and Orlando.
• The cities with the most growth in surgeon salaries are Charlotte, Virginia Beach, St. Louis, Tampa and Hartford.
• Male surgeons make about 25% more than female surgeons.
• White surgeons make an average of $346,000 each year, followed by Asian Americans at $329,000, Hispanic surgeons at $328,000 and African Americans at $313,000.
• The top specialties for surgeon salaries are plastic surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, otolaryngologists, urologists and colorectal surgeons, who all make more than $450,00 per year.

(Reporting by NPD)