Life As a Surgeon
Position 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.
Life As a Surgeon: What Do They Do?
- Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes.
- 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.
- Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioners when necessary.
- Examine instruments, equipment, and operating room to ensure sterility.
- Analyze patient’s medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and examination results to verify operation’s necessity and to determine best procedure.
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Surgeon Skills
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
- Orthopaedic Surgeon
- General Surgeon
- Urologic Surgeon
- Podiatric Foot and Ankle Specialist
- Orthopedic Surgeon
Surgeon Job Outlook
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,900 job openings in this field each 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 Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Surgeon ranges between $94,960 and $208,000.

Surgeons who work in Alabama, Alaska, or Arizona, make the highest salaries.
How much do Surgeons make 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 Long Does it Take to Become a Surgeon?

Who Employs Surgeons?

Surgeons work in the following industries:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
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
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