What Does it Take to Be 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.
Daily Life Of a Surgeon
- Prescribe preoperative and postoperative treatments and procedures, such as sedatives, diets, antibiotics, or preparation and treatment of the patient’s operative area.
- Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes.
- Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioners when necessary.
- Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, assistants, specialists, residents, and other medical staff.
- Examine patient to obtain information on medical condition and surgical risk.
- Examine instruments, equipment, and operating room to ensure sterility.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as 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.
Other Surgeon Job Titles
- Urologic Surgeon
- Spinal Surgeon
- Colorectal Surgeon
- Upper Extremity Surgeon
- Heart Surgeon
Is There Going to be Demand for Surgeons?
In the United States, there were 45,000 jobs for Surgeon in 2016. 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 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.
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
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 to Become a Surgeon
Individuals working as a Surgeon have obtained the following education levels:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Surgeon?
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References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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