What is a Surgeon?
Example of Surgeon Job 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.
Surgeon Responsibilities
- Diagnose bodily disorders and orthopedic conditions and provide treatments, such as medicines and surgeries, in clinics, hospital wards, or operating rooms.
- Prescribe preoperative and postoperative treatments and procedures, such as sedatives, diets, antibiotics, or preparation and treatment of the patient’s operative area.
- Provide consultation and surgical assistance to other physicians and surgeons.
- Examine patient to obtain information on medical condition and surgical risk.
- Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes.
- Prepare case histories.
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Qualities of a Surgeon
Below is a list of the skills most Surgeons say are important on the job.
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.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Related Job Titles
- Assistant Professor of Surgery
- Surgical Endoscopist
- Doctor
- Physician
- Vascular Surgeon
Job Demand for Surgeons
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 45,000 jobs in the United States for Surgeon. 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. The BLS estimates 1,900 yearly job openings in this field.
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 typical yearly salary for Surgeons is somewhere between $94,960 and $208,000.
Surgeons who work in Alabama, Alaska, or Arizona, make the highest salaries.
How much do Surgeons make in each U.S. state?
| 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 |
What Tools & Technology do Surgeons Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Surgeons may use on a daily basis:
- 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 is needed to be a Surgeon?
What work experience do I need to become a Surgeon?
Surgeons Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Surgeon might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Surgeon sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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