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Life As a Surgeon

Surgeon 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

  • Examine instruments, equipment, and operating room to ensure sterility.
  • Manage surgery services, including planning, scheduling and coordination, determination of procedures, or procurement of supplies and equipment.
  • Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioners when necessary.
  • Follow established surgical techniques during the operation.
  • Provide consultation and surgical assistance to other physicians and surgeons.
  • Operate on patients to correct deformities, repair injuries, prevent and treat diseases, or improve or restore patients' functions.

Surgeon Required Skills

Below is a list of the skills most Surgeons say are important on the job.

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.

  • Vascular Surgeon
  • Transverse Abdominal Muscle Surgeon (TRAM Surgeon)
  • Heart Doctor
  • Orthopedic Surgeon
  • General Surgeon

Is There 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. There will be an estimated 1,900 positions for Surgeon per year.

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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

Surgeons make between $94,960 and $208,000 a year.

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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

What Tools 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 to Become a Surgeon

Individuals working as a Surgeon have obtained the following education levels:

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where Surgeons Work

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Surgeons work in the following industries:

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You May Also Be Interested In…

Those interested in being a Surgeon may also be interested in:

Are you already one of the many Surgeon in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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