Lucrative Plastic Surgery: Daily Earnings Of Surgeons

Plastic surgeons are among the highest-paid professionals in the medical field. In the United States, the average annual pay for a plastic surgeon is around $356,489, which equates to approximately $171.39 per hour, $6,855 per week, or $29,707 per month. While the salary range varies, with some plastic surgeons earning as little as $72,000 per year and others making over $400,000, the profession consistently commands a high level of compensation.

Plastic surgeons earn an average of $356,489 a year in the United States

Plastic surgeon compensation is affected by a range of factors, including salary vs. bonus compensation. Many plastic surgeons earn a combination of base salary and bonus compensation. The average pay range for a plastic surgeon varies little, suggesting that there are not many opportunities for increased pay or advancement, even with several years of experience.

In 2025, the average salary for a plastic surgeon was reported to be $286,901 per year. However, this figure is lower than the average compensation for board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States, which reached $501,000 in 2018 before receding slightly in subsequent years.

Plastic surgeons' salaries are much higher than those of primary care doctors. For example, pediatricians earn about $198,000 per year, while family doctors and internal medicine doctors make less than $250,000 on average.

This is a higher salary than primary care doctors, such as paediatricians

Plastic surgeons earn a higher salary than primary care doctors, such as paediatricians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, paediatricians make an average of $198,000 per year. In contrast, plastic surgeons in the United States earn an average of $286,901 to $356,489 per year, with some sources citing figures as high as $400,000 or even $501,000. This significant difference in earnings is influenced by a range of factors, including the variation in compensation structures, with many plastic surgeons receiving a combination of base salary and bonus pay.

The higher salaries of plastic surgeons compared to paediatricians and other primary care doctors can be attributed to several factors. One factor is the specialised nature of plastic surgery, which requires extensive training and expertise. As a result, plastic surgeons are in high demand and can command higher fees for their services. Additionally, plastic surgery is often considered an elective or cosmetic procedure, and patients are willing to pay a premium for these services.

Another factor contributing to the higher salaries of plastic surgeons is the cost of operating a plastic surgery practice. Plastic surgery procedures typically require advanced medical equipment and facilities, which can be expensive to acquire and maintain. Plastic surgeons may also incur higher costs for malpractice insurance and other professional expenses. These operational costs are reflected in the fees they charge for their services.

It is worth noting that the salary range for plastic surgeons can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and subspecialty. For example, plastic surgeons in certain states or regions may earn higher salaries due to higher demand or a higher cost of living. Additionally, plastic surgeons with more experience or those who specialise in specific areas of plastic surgery may command higher fees for their services.

Despite the considerable variation in salaries, plastic surgeons consistently earn significantly more than primary care doctors, including paediatricians. This disparity in earnings highlights the value placed on specialised medical skills and the demand for cosmetic procedures in today's society.

There is considerable variation in pay by state and subspecialty

The variation in pay by state is likely due to factors such as the cost of living and the demand for plastic surgery in different areas. For example, plastic surgeons in states with a higher cost of living, such as California or New York, may earn a higher salary to compensate for the higher expenses. Additionally, plastic surgeons in states with a higher demand for cosmetic procedures, such as Florida or Texas, may also earn a higher salary due to the increased volume of patients.

The variation in pay by subspecialty is likely due to factors such as the complexity of the procedures and the demand for specific types of plastic surgery. For example, plastic surgeons who specialise in facial plastic surgery or breast augmentation may earn a higher salary due to the high demand for these procedures. On the other hand, plastic surgeons who specialise in less common procedures, such as hand surgery or reconstructive surgery, may earn a lower salary due to the lower demand.

It's important to note that plastic surgeon compensation is not solely based on salary. Many plastic surgeons also earn bonus compensation on top of their base salary, which can significantly impact their overall earnings. Additionally, factors such as experience, location, and the type of practice (private practice vs. hospital) can also affect a plastic surgeon's pay.

Many plastic surgeons earn a combination of base salary and bonus compensation

In 2018, the average compensation for board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States was $501,000, which has since receded slightly. This is much higher than the salaries of primary care doctors, such as paediatricians, who earn about $198,000 per year, and family doctors and internal medicine doctors, who make less than $250,000 on average.

The average pay range for a plastic surgeon varies little, suggesting that there are not many opportunities for increased pay or advancement

While plastic surgeons earn high salaries, it is worth noting that there may be limited opportunities for advancement or significant pay increases. The average pay range remains relatively consistent, indicating that factors such as location, experience, and subspecialty may not significantly influence earnings. This suggests that plastic surgeons may reach a certain earning potential, beyond which advancement or substantial pay increases are less likely.

The compensation for plastic surgeons is influenced by a combination of base salary and bonus structures. While the majority of plastic surgeons earn within a specific salary range, there may be variations based on individual circumstances and performance. However, the overall trend indicates a narrow pay range, reinforcing the idea that plastic surgeon salaries have limited room for growth or advancement.

It is important to consider that plastic surgeon compensation can fluctuate over time. For example, the average total compensation for board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States reached $501,000 in 2018 before receding in subsequent years. This demonstrates that while plastic surgeons generally earn high salaries, the specific earnings can vary and may be subject to economic trends and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions