Highest-Paying Surgical Specialties: Which Surgeons Earn the Most?

Surgical specialties are among the highest-paying professions in the medical field, but which ones offer the highest salaries? If you're considering pursuing a career in surgery, you may be wondering what type of surgeon makes the most money.

Examining the Top-Paying Specialties

According to the Medscape 2021 Physician Compensation Report, the highest-paid surgical specialties in the United States are orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and cardiothoracic surgery. Orthopedic surgeons earn an average salary of $526,000 per year, while neurosurgeons and cardiothoracic surgeons earn an average salary of $616,000 and $648,000 per year, respectively what type of surgeon makes the most money.

Plastic surgery is also a high-paying specialty, with an average salary of $526,000 per year. General surgery, which encompasses a wide range of surgical procedures, including emergency surgeries and routine procedures such as appendectomies and hernia repairs, has an average salary of $417,000 per year.

A Breakdown of Surgical Specialties

Specialization is a key factor in determining a surgeon's earning potential. While the top-paying surgical specialties are orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and plastic surgery, other specialties can also be lucrative. For example, urologists, otolaryngologists (ENTs), and ophthalmologists are also among the highest-paid surgical specialties, with average salaries ranging from $426,000 to $511,000 per year.

1. Orthopedic Surgery: Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and joint replacements. They are among the highest-paid surgical specialists, with an average salary of around $511,000 per year according to the Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2021.
2. Neurosurgery: Neurosurgeons specialize in the treatment of conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nervous system. Their expertise is highly valued, and they earn an average salary of around $616,000 per year.
3. Cardiothoracic Surgery: Cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in the treatment of conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as heart disease and lung cancer. They earn an average salary of around $587,000 per year.
4. Plastic Surgery: Plastic surgeons specialize in the reconstruction and restoration of various parts of the body, including the face, breasts, and abdomen. They earn an average salary of around $479,000 per year.
5. Urology: Urologists specialize in the treatment of conditions affecting the urinary tract and male reproductive system. They earn an average salary of around $426,000 per year.

Factors That Affect Surgeon Salaries: Location, Experience, and More

While surgical specialties play a significant role in a surgeon's earning potential, other factors also come into play. For example, a surgeon's location can impact their salary. Surgeons in urban areas or those who practice in areas with a high cost of living tend to earn more than those in rural areas or areas with a lower cost of living.

Experience is another factor that can impact a surgeon's salary. Experienced surgeons who have been in practice for many years tend to earn more than those who are just starting out. However, experience alone is not always a guarantee of higher earnings. Surgeons who keep themselves updated with the latest techniques, technologies, and research tend to be in higher demand and can command higher salaries for what type of surgeon makes the most money.

The Highest-Paid Surgeon in the World: A Closer Look

Dr. Gary Michelson, an orthopedic spinal surgeon, is often considered to be the highest-paid surgeon in the world. Dr. Michelson's net worth is estimated to be around $1.6 billion, primarily from his patents related to spinal surgery devices. While Dr. Michelson's case is unique, it highlights the potential financial rewards of innovation and entrepreneurship in the medical field.

While Dr. Michelson's net worth is certainly impressive, it is worth noting that he made his fortune primarily through his work as an inventor and entrepreneur, rather than through his earnings as a practicing surgeon. As such, it is important to distinguish between the highest-paid practicing surgeons and those who have achieved significant financial success through other means and what type of surgeon makes the most money.

That being said, there are certainly highly-paid surgeons who have achieved notable success in their fields. One example is Dr. David Samadi, a urologic oncologist who specializes in robotic surgery for prostate cancer. According to a 2019 report by Forbes, Dr. Samadi earned an estimated $7.5 million that year, making him one of the highest-paid surgeons in the United States. Similarly, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a neurosurgeon and medical correspondent for CNN, reportedly earns a salary of $4.5 million per year.

Conclusion

In conclusion, surgical specialties offer some of the highest salaries in the medical field, and orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and cardiothoracic surgery are among the highest-paying specialties. However, other factors such as location, experience, and specialization also play a role in a surgeon's earning potential. Regardless of the specialty, all surgeons undergo extensive education and training to provide safe and effective surgical care to their patients. And while financial rewards can be significant, most surgeons will agree that their greatest reward comes from improving the health and wellwell-beingtheir patients.