CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Surgeons perform operations on patients to treat diseases or illnesses and to correct injuries and deformities.
Career Level
Salary
National average, per year
$208,000
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
60,498
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticcs.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Surgeon
Becoming a surgeon generally requires the most intensive preparation of all medical specialties. It requires a large commitment of time, money and education. The result, however, can be a very rewarding career. Surgeons enjoy the benefits of an excellent salary, job stability and a high level of job satisfaction.
Surgeons are physicians who specialize their skills in treating patient’s injuries, diseases and other conditions through operations. They oversee all aspects of a patient’s surgery. They may choose to be a general surgeon or to specialize in an area such as vascular, orthopedics or oncology. Regardless of what area they choose, surgeons are able to positively impact patients every day.
Surgeon Job Responsibilities
Surgeons may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Examine patients and determine the need for surgery
- Analyze the patient’s medical history, allergies and physical condition
- Prescribe preoperative and postoperative treatments, procedures, tests and medications
- Perform operations to correct deformities, repair injuries, treat diseases or restore a patient’s function
- Education patients on possible risks and benefits of surgery
- Follow all established surgical techniques
- Manage healthcare teams
- Make hospital rounds
- Maintain accurate and detailed patient records
Surgeon Salary
The actual salary of the surgeon can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $208,000*
National average per hour: $100.00*
- $191,355 per year, $92.00 per hour**
- $269,597 per year, $129.61 per hour***
- $325,492 to $456,807 per year****
- $238,959 per year, $114.88 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Surgeon Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a surgeon? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Job stability
- Excellent salary
- High job satisfaction
- Positively impact patients every day
Cons
- Long educational path
- High educational debt
- Long and irregular work hours
- High stress levels and risk for burnout
- Exposure to malpractice suits
- Many rules and regulations to follow
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Surgeon?
If you are considering a career as surgeon, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Earn your high school diploma.
- Complete 4 years of undergraduate study to earn your bachelor’s degree.
- Complete 4 years of medical school to earn your medical degree.
- 5+ years of residency training.
- Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to become licensed to practice.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the surgeon is an advanced level medical profession that can be preceded by other medical jobs. A sample career path could
look like this:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) > Paramedic > Surgeon
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma
- 4 years of undergraduate study (Bachelor’s degree)
- 4 years of medical school (Medical degree)
- 5+ years of residency training
Typical Work Experience Required
Experience obtained during residency and fellowship.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by location.
- High degree of manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
- Excellent visual awareness
- Physical stamina
- Compassion/Empathy
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
- Excellent critical analysis skills
- Ability to collaborate and work well with a team
- Ability to explain complex information in simple terms
- Excellent organizational skills
- Patience
- Professionalism
- Resilience
Surgeon Certifications
Voluntary certification through the American Board of Surgery (ABS) is highly recommended. Board certification shows potential employers and patients that the surgeon has met certain standards for education and training.
Surgeon Licenses
All states require surgeons to be licensed. This includes passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Visit your state board to learn about other licensing requirements.
Surgeon Training and Preparation
After completion of the 5+ years of residency training and the optional fellowship training, the surgeon must pass the USMLE exam in order to practice. This is one of the requirements in obtaining state licensure. This is a very difficult exam and proper preparation is the key to success.
The USMLE website offers detailed exam information and practice questions and tests to help you prepare. There are many online and traditional classroom review courses available. Online tutoring, question banks and online practice exams are other useful tools.
Voluntary certification through the American Board of Surgery (ABS) is highly recommended. Board certification shows potential employers and patients that you have met certain standards for education and training. The ABS offers certifications in the following specialties: general surgery, vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, surgical critical care, hand surgery, complex general surgical oncology or hospice and palliative medicine.
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