All About Surgeons
Job 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.
A Day in the Life of a Surgeon
- Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes.
- Provide consultation and surgical assistance to other physicians and surgeons.
- Manage surgery services, including planning, scheduling and coordination, determination of procedures, or procurement of supplies and equipment.
- Follow established surgical techniques during the operation.
- Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, assistants, specialists, residents, and other medical staff.
- Diagnose bodily disorders and orthopedic conditions and provide treatments, such as medicines and surgeries, in clinics, hospital wards, or operating rooms.
Featured schools near , edit
Surgeon Skills
These are the skills Surgeons say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Related Job Titles
- Ophthalmic Surgeon
- Medical Doctor (MD)
- Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Physician Surgeon
- Upper Extremity Surgeon
Job Outlook 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. 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.
Surgeon Salary
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Surgeons
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?
Learn what Surgeon education requirements there are.

How many years of work experience do I need?

Surgeons Sector

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Surgeon may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Surgeon sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |