General Surgeons As the name implies, general surgeons receive training to perform a range of procedures. They operate on such common medical issues as hernias, appendicitis and problems with the gallbladder, stomach and intestines. General surgeons also have the knowledge to deal with critical care, oncology and trauma. All types of surgeons must begin their training as general surgeons before they can move on to a specialty. According to salary.com, the median salary for a general surgeon is $374,310. The lowest 10 percent average $264,228, while the highest 10 percent have an average income of $444,728. Neurological Surgeons Neurological surgeons deal with problems associated with the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord and other nerves of the body. Neurosurgeons are first trained as general surgeons for about five years and then receive several additional years of specialized training in neurosurgery for adults and children. This training teaches them to diagnose, treat and perform surgery to cure issues that appear in the nervous system. Some neurosurgeons become further specialized and only practice on specific areas. They may focus on brain surgery or only on the neck or spine. The median income of neurosurgeons is $580,362. The lowest 10 percent earn $306,279, and the top 10 percent bring in an average of $734,317. Orthopedic Surgeons Orthopedic surgeons diagnose and treat musculoskeletal injuries and diseases. They cast broken bones, splint limbs, reattach tendons and perform hip and knee replacements. While they're trained as surgeons, as much as 50 percent of their treatments involve noninvasive procedures with drug prescriptions and therapeutic exercises. Orthopedic surgeons have a median income of $463,731. The top 10 percent bring in an average of $599,983, and the lowest 10 percent earn $274,310. Plastic Surgeons The most serious work of a plastic surgeon is to repair damage resulting from tragic accidents and to perform skin grafts from burns. However, the more well-known facet of their work is performing cosmetic surgical procedures to enhance one's appearance. The top 10 percent of plastic surgeons will average $464,731. The lowest 10 percent are paid an average of $257,239, and the median income for all plastic surgeons is $374,485. Cardiothoracic Surgeons Cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and surgery of patients who have medical issues with their hearts and lungs. Heart surgeons need about 10 years of training and are among the most highly skilled in their field. Their work is very stressful since they're often dealing with life-and-death issues. A heart surgeon's salary is a median of $449,624. The upper 10 percent bring in an average of $563,608, while the lower 10 percent earns $279,222. Job Outlook The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for surgeons will increase by 14 percent from 2016 through 2026. This growth will be driven by an aging population that will need more care for heart conditions and treatments for cancer. Source
