How Much Does a General Surgeon Make? – Salaries, Influencing Factors & Maximizing Earnings

Overview of Average Salary of a General Surgeon

When considering a career in surgery, it is important to understand the earning potential of a general surgeon. A general surgeon is a medical doctor who performs operations on the body to treat a variety of diseases, disorders, and injuries. These operations can range from minor procedures such as appendectomies to major surgeries like heart transplants. In this article, we will explore the average salary of a general surgeon, the factors that influence their pay, and how to maximize your earnings.

Definition of General Surgeon

A general surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in performing operations on the human body. They may specialize in a certain area, such as pediatric surgery, or they may be board-certified in a broader field, such as surgical oncology. General surgeons are responsible for diagnosing, treating, and managing patients before, during, and after surgery. They must have excellent knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology to effectively perform their job.

Average/Median Salaries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for general surgeons was $255,110 in May 2019. This means that half of all general surgeons earn more than this amount, while the other half earns less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $122,370, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $443,500. However, these figures do not take into account any bonuses or incentives that may be offered.

Top-Paying States

The top-paying states for general surgeons in the United States include California, New York, Florida, Texas, and Illinois. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wages for these states ranged from $310,000 to $360,000 in 2019. California had the highest mean annual wage of $360,000, followed by New York ($320,000), Florida ($310,000), Texas ($305,000), and Illinois ($300,000).

Factors That Influence General Surgeon Salaries

There are several factors that can influence the salaries of general surgeons, including level of education and training, specialization, location, experience, and type of employer. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.

Level of Education and Training

The level of education and training of a general surgeon can have a significant impact on their salary. Generally speaking, those with higher levels of education and specialized training will earn more than those with less. For example, according to the American Board of Surgery, those who have completed a fellowship program in a subspecialty area will likely earn more than those who have not.

Specialization

General surgeons can specialize in a variety of areas, such as trauma, vascular, cardiac, or plastic surgery. Those who specialize in a particular area may earn more than those who practice general surgery. For instance, according to the American College of Surgeons, the average salary for a trauma surgeon is around $400,000 per year, whereas the average salary for a general surgeon is around $250,000.

Location

The geographic location of a general surgeon can also have an effect on their salary. Generally speaking, those who practice in larger metropolitan areas tend to make more than those in rural areas. For example, according to the Medical Group Management Association, the average salary for a general surgeon in New York City is around $311,000, while the average salary for a general surgeon in rural Iowa is around $227,000.

Experience

Experience is another factor that can influence a general surgeon’s salary. Those with more years of experience typically command higher salaries than those with less experience. According to the American College of Surgeons, the average salary for a general surgeon with one to four years of experience is around $240,000, while the average salary for a general surgeon with 20 or more years of experience is around $320,000.

Type of Employer

The type of employer can also play a role in determining a general surgeon’s salary. For example, according to the American College of Surgeons, those who work in private practice generally make more than those who work in hospitals or other healthcare organizations. Additionally, those who are employed by the government may earn less than those who are employed by private practices.

How to Maximize Your Earnings as a General Surgeon

There are several ways to maximize your earnings as a general surgeon. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Continue Education and Training

Continuing your education and training is one of the best ways to increase your earning potential as a general surgeon. Pursuing advanced degrees or certifications can help you stand out from the competition and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Additionally, many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs to help offset the costs of continuing your education.

Take Advantage of Specialty Opportunities

Specializing in a specific area of surgery can also help you maximize your earnings. Many specialty areas, such as cardiothoracic or trauma surgery, offer higher salaries than general surgery. Additionally, these areas often require additional training and certification, which can further increase your earning potential.

Consider Moving to Higher Paying Locations

Moving to a location where general surgeons earn higher salaries can also help you maximize your earnings. As mentioned earlier, general surgeons in larger metropolitan areas tend to make more than those in rural areas. Additionally, some states, such as California and New York, offer higher salaries than others. Consider researching locations to find the one that offers the best salary for your skillset.

Negotiate Salaries

Finally, don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary. When interviewing for positions, be sure to ask about salary and benefits packages. If the offered salary isn’t what you’re looking for, don’t be afraid to ask for more. Employers are often willing to negotiate salaries if they feel the candidate is worth it.

Comparing the Salaries of General Surgeons in Different Countries

The salaries of general surgeons vary widely across different countries. Here is a quick comparison of the average salaries of general surgeons in some of the most popular countries:

United States

As previously mentioned, the average salary for a general surgeon in the United States is around $255,110 per year. However, this figure does not take into account bonuses or incentives that may be offered.

Canada

According to a survey conducted by Medscape, the average salary for a general surgeon in Canada is around $273,000 Canadian dollars (CAD) per year. This figure does not include bonuses or incentives.

Australia

According to the Australian Government, the average salary for a general surgeon in Australia is around $329,000 Australian dollars (AUD) per year. This figure does not include bonuses or incentives.

United Kingdom

According to the NHS, the average salary for a general surgeon in the United Kingdom is around £70,000 British pounds (GBP) per year. This figure does not include bonuses or incentives.

Other Countries

The salaries of general surgeons vary widely across other countries. For example, according to data from Statista, the average salary for a general surgeon in Japan is around ¥14 million Japanese yen (JPY) per year, while the average salary for a general surgeon in India is around Rs 2.7 million Indian rupees (INR) per year. Additionally, the average salary for a general surgeon in South Africa is around R1.4 million South African rand (ZAR) per year.

Conclusion

The salary of a general surgeon can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including level of education and training, specialization, location, experience, and type of employer. Additionally, the salaries of general surgeons vary widely across different countries. To maximize your earnings as a general surgeon, it is important to continue your education and training, take advantage of specialty opportunities, consider moving to higher paying locations, and negotiate salaries. With the right strategy, you can maximize your earning potential and enjoy a successful career as a general surgeon.