The Average Income Of A Plastic Surgeon In The United States Will Make You Pause

Performing everything from subtle enhancements to life-changing reconstructions, plastic surgeons are highly regarded in the medical field for their expertise — and are well-compensated for it. Like many careers in the medical field, the journey to become a plastic surgeon is long, requiring years of intense studying and training. But with an average salary of $536,000, according to Forbes, it is one of the best-paying careers in the United States.

While income can vary based on location and specialty, plastic surgeons, and surgeons in general, consistently rank among the highest paying careers in the medical field. It is also a rapidly evolving field, driven by new advances in technology and changing patient trends, requiring constant adaptation and skill development to be at the top of the game. With both reconstructive and aesthetic procedures becoming increasingly common, job security is hardly a concern for those already in the field or considering it as a career path.

A plastic surgeon's salary can vary widely based on experience, but to become a plastic surgeon, individuals must first complete the traditional path of undergraduate education and medical school, typically an eight-year process. Following medical school, they enter a residency program where the hours are long and earn an average of $61,500 per year, according to Indeed. Here individuals can begin to focus on plastic surgery. After completing their residency, candidates must pass board certification exams before officially entering the field.

Starting off, entry-level plastic surgeons earn an average of $318,097 per year, according to Medscape. With more experience, plastic surgeons begin to earn significantly more. Those with 15 to 21 years in the field often reach and exceed the national average salary. In some cases, top earners with the right amount of experience and reputation, can make close to $1 million dollars a year.

While the salary of a plastic surgeon is undoubtedly great, there are notable financial obligations tied to the profession to know about. Many surgeons hold student loans from their time in medical school, and unless they work in the public field, they are responsible for repaying them over time. On average medical school graduates owe $264,519 in student loans, excluding undergraduate and other educational debt, according to the Education Data Initiative. In addition, plastic surgeons are required to keep malpractice insurance, which ranges between $30,000 and $50,000 annually. With these added expenses it may be a while before surgeons fully see a return on their investment.

Where a plastic surgeon works can have a major impact on their potential earnings, with some states and metro areas offering significantly higher compensation than others. According to ZipRecruiter, plastic surgeons in Washington, District of Columbia and New York, have the highest average salaries. On the lower end of the compensation scale are Florida, West Virginia, and Arkansas.

There is a combination of factors that plays into compensation on a state level but the biggest include cost of living, local demand for plastic surgery, and insurance reimbursement rates. Reimbursement rates are the amount of money health insurance companies will pay for specific procedures and vary from state to state. Typically, plastic surgeons who rely on insurance reimbursements will earn less than their peers who focus on elective cosmetic work or who only accept individuals who self-pay for medical procedures. Ultimately, a plastic surgeon's salary reflects their years of education, training and experience and can offer a rewarding career beyond just compensation.