All About Surgeons
Career Description Physicians who treat diseases, injuries, and deformities by invasive, minimally-invasive, or non-invasive surgical methods, such as using instruments, appliances, or by manual manipulation.
What Do Surgeons Do On a Daily Basis?
- Operate on patients to correct deformities, repair injuries, prevent and treat diseases, or improve or restore patients’ functions.
- Manage surgery services, including planning, scheduling and coordination, determination of procedures, or procurement of supplies and equipment.
- Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioners when necessary.
- Examine patient to obtain information on medical condition and surgical risk.
- Prepare case histories.
- Follow established surgical techniques during the operation.
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What a Surgeon Should Know
Surgeons state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Types of Surgeon Jobs
- Medical Doctor (MD)
- Cardiac Surgeon
- Trauma Doctor
- Orthopedic Surgeon
- Plastic Surgeon
Surgeon Employment Estimates
There were about 45,000 jobs for Surgeon in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 6,500 new jobs for Surgeon by 2026. There will be an estimated 1,900 positions for Surgeon per year.
The states with the most job growth for Surgeon are New York, Maryland, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Mississippi, Vermont, or Rhode Island. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Surgeon
The salary for Surgeons ranges between about $94,960 and $208,000 a year.
Surgeons who work in Alabama, Alaska, or Arizona, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Surgeons in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $278,810 |
Alaska | $208,000 |
Arizona | $208,000 |
Arkansas | $266,630 |
California | $221,490 |
Colorado | $244,940 |
Connecticut | $224,570 |
Delaware | $277,280 |
District of Columbia | $244,230 |
Florida | $211,640 |
Georgia | $273,450 |
Hawaii | $208,000 |
Idaho | $241,030 |
Illinois | $243,350 |
Indiana | $259,850 |
Iowa | $231,450 |
Kansas | $282,940 |
Kentucky | $268,550 |
Louisiana | $253,630 |
Maine | $286,810 |
Maryland | $284,120 |
Massachusetts | $242,790 |
Michigan | $244,710 |
Minnesota | $208,000 |
Mississippi | $280,350 |
Missouri | $248,250 |
Montana | $266,470 |
Nebraska | $287,890 |
Nevada | $208,000 |
New Hampshire | $208,000 |
New Jersey | $285,850 |
New Mexico | $280,430 |
New York | $250,620 |
North Carolina | $278,260 |
North Dakota | $219,390 |
Ohio | $267,680 |
Oklahoma | $279,020 |
Oregon | $208,000 |
Pennsylvania | $252,140 |
Rhode Island | $257,000 |
South Carolina | $208,000 |
South Dakota | $208,000 |
Tennessee | $271,680 |
Texas | $238,080 |
Utah | $208,000 |
Vermont | $272,550 |
Virginia | $264,160 |
Washington | $240,910 |
Wisconsin | $208,000 |
Wyoming | $208,000 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Surgeons
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Surgeons:
- Microsoft Windows
- MEDITECH software
- Epic Systems
- SmugMug Flickr
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Practice management software PMS
- Human resources management system HRMS
- Computer imaging software
How do I Become a Surgeon?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Surgeon?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Surgeons Are Employed
Surgeons work in the following industries:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Surgeon may also be interested in:
Are you already one of the many Surgeon in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
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