Omar Khalid
Plastic surgeons in the United States earn an average annual salary of $356,489, which equates to approximately $171.39 per hour. However, this varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and the type of procedures performed. For example, plastic surgeons in Washington are paid $47,269 more than the national average, whereas surgeons in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina earn around 70% less than their counterparts in Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Hawaii. Additionally, those who perform traditional facelifts tend to earn more per procedure than those who supervise minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average Salary in the United States | $356,489 per year |
| $171.39 per hour | |
| Salary Range | $72,000–$400,000 per year |
| Average Salary in New York | $521,913 per year |
| Average Salary in San Francisco | $558,554 per year |
| Average Salary in Boston | $500,912 per year |
| Average Salary in California | $492,868 per year |
| Average Salary in New Jersey | $489,741 per year |
| Average Salary for Entry-Level Positions | $412,754 per year |
| Average Salary with 1-2 Years of Experience | $418,165 per year |
| Average Salary with 2-4 Years of Experience | $445,153 per year |
| Average Salary with 5-8 Years of Experience | $489,653 per year |
| Average Salary with Over 8 Years of Experience | $497,599 per year |
What You'll Learn
Plastic surgeon salary by state
Plastic surgeons in the United States consistently rank among the highest-paid medical specialists. As of March 2025, the average annual pay for a plastic surgeon in the country is $356,489, with salaries ranging from $72,000 to $400,000. However, estimates claim that this figure can be as high as $571,373 per year.
The salary of a plastic surgeon can vary depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. For instance, plastic surgeons in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina earn about 70% of what their counterparts in Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Hawaii make. Within states, salaries can also differ between high and low cost-of-living areas.
According to Salary.com, the average salary for a plastic surgeon with five years of experience is $477,342, compared to the average of $449,921 for those with less experience. An entry-level plastic surgeon with less than a year of experience can expect to earn about $412,754, while those with over eight years of experience can make around $497,599 per year.
The geographic region also plays a significant role in a plastic surgeon's salary. For example, the average yearly salary for a plastic surgeon in California is $492,868, while in Massachusetts, it is $486,166, and in New Jersey, it is $489,741. Surgeons in San Jose, California, earn the most, with an average annual salary of $560,789.
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Surgeon experience
Experience is a crucial factor in determining a plastic surgeon's salary. While plastic surgeons are already among the highest-paid medical professionals, their earnings can increase significantly with more experience. For instance, Salary Expert reports that a recently licensed plastic surgeon in the United States earns an average base salary of $471,439 annually. After gaining experience, the average salary jumps to $444,000 after three years, and $596,000 after eight or more years in the field. This trend is supported by Salary.com, which reports an average salary of $449,921 for plastic surgeons in general, but this increases to $477,342 after five years of experience.
The value of experience in plastic surgery is also reflected in patient preferences. Most patients prefer surgeons with extensive experience, having performed hundreds or thousands of surgeries, as this indicates a higher level of skill and expertise. This preference can contribute to higher earnings for experienced surgeons as they can attract a wider patient base and command higher fees.
In addition to years of experience, the type of experience and subspecialty can also impact a plastic surgeon's earnings. Subspecialties that require additional training and expertise, such as microvascular surgery, can attract a unique client base willing to pay a premium for specialized skills. Plastic surgeons who perform traditional, invasive procedures like facelifts tend to earn more per procedure than those supervising less invasive cosmetic treatments like Botox or dermal filler injections. However, the latter group can perform more procedures overall, potentially resulting in higher total compensation.
Geographic location interacts with experience to influence plastic surgeon salaries. Experienced surgeons in high-demand urban centres or regions focused on cosmetic procedures can often command salaries that exceed the national average. For example, plastic surgeons in the Midwest reportedly earn an average of $343,495, while those in states like Tennessee, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Minnesota enjoy even higher salaries. Relocating to a state with a high demand for plastic surgery services can be a strategic move to maximize revenue.
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Salary by city
The salary of a plastic surgeon varies depending on geographical location, years of experience, and gender. The average yearly salary for a plastic surgeon in the United States is $356,489, with the lowest salary being $72,000 and the highest being $400,000. However, some sources state that the average salary is $286,901, while others state it to be $172,467, $449,921, or even $526,000.
According to Zippia, the highest-paying cities for plastic surgeons are Rockville Centre, New York; Boston, Massachusetts; and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The average salary in these cities ranges from $87,000 to $339,000. In addition, Maine, New York, and West Virginia are among the states with the highest average plastic surgeon salaries. Tennessee, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Minnesota also offer competitive salaries for plastic surgeons.
On the other hand, Wasco, California, and Santa Clara, California, have average salaries for plastic surgeons that are only 8% higher than the national average. This suggests that the potential for wage advancement in these cities may be limited.
While cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco may have a high cost of living, plastic surgeons in these areas can still earn high salaries. However, it's important to note that surgeons in other regions of the country can sometimes earn just as much or even more, depending on the demand for their services.
Lastly, it's worth mentioning that a gender wage gap exists in the field of plastic surgery, with male practitioners earning an average of $70,000 more annually than female practitioners.
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Salary vs. bonus compensation
The salary of a plastic surgeon in the United States varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, education level, marketing trends, company size, and the types of procedures performed.
As of March 2025, the average annual salary for a plastic surgeon in the US is reported to be $356,489, which equates to approximately $171.39 per hour. However, this figure can vary significantly depending on the state and even the city in which the surgeon is practising. For example, the average annual salary for a plastic surgeon in Washington is reported to be $403,758, while in New York, it is $385,936, and in Florida, it is $260,266. At the city level, the average yearly salary for a plastic surgeon in San Francisco is $558,554, while in New York City, it is $521,913, and in Boston, it is $500,912.
In terms of salary vs. bonus compensation, it is worth noting that many plastic surgeons earn a combination of base salary and bonus compensation. Bonus compensation is not guaranteed and can vary depending on the types of procedures performed and the number of procedures completed. For example, surgeons performing traditional facelifts may earn more per procedure than those performing minimally invasive cosmetic procedures like Botox, but they may perform fewer procedures overall. As such, the total compensation for surgeons performing more invasive procedures may be higher, even with a lower per-procedure rate. Nonetheless, for most plastic surgeons, the base salary typically comprises 80% or more of their total compensation.
While the average salary for plastic surgeons can provide a useful benchmark, it is important to recognize that compensation can vary widely depending on individual circumstances and factors such as experience, location, and specialization. Therefore, when considering salary vs. bonus compensation, it is essential to analyze the specific details of a position and negotiate compensation accordingly.
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Procedure performed
Plastic surgery is a broad field that encompasses two main categories: cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Plastic surgeons perform various procedures to restore function and improve appearance. They use reconstructive and cosmetic techniques to restore areas impacted by major illnesses such as cancer. They also perform procedures to enhance physical features for aesthetic reasons.
Plastic surgeons perform procedures on various parts of the body, including the breasts and chest, extremities (arms, legs, hands, and feet), external genitalia, and facial structures (mouth, face, ears, head, and neck). Some common procedures include augmentation mammoplasty (breast enlargement), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and mastopexy (breast lift). Surgeons may also perform multiple procedures at once, such as a combination of breast augmentation and abdominoplasty.
In addition to aesthetic procedures, plastic surgeons also perform reconstructive procedures. There has been a significant increase in the number of breast reconstruction, breast implant removal, and maxillofacial surgery procedures. Plastic surgeons use advanced techniques such as microsurgery, prosthesis preparation, and skin grafts to achieve the desired results. Microsurgery involves using a microscope to perform complex procedures, such as reconnecting tiny blood vessels or nerves. Prosthesis preparation involves preparing and attaching a donor or human-made replacement, commonly used in breast reconstruction. Skin grafts, on the other hand, involve shaving and attaching healthy skin to another area of the body, aiding in the repair of large wounds, including burns.
The compensation for plastic surgeons can vary depending on the types of procedures performed, the geographic location, experience, practice type, and certifications. Plastic surgeons in high-demand states with a shortage of specialists tend to earn more. Additionally, surgeons with more experience and those who focus on a specific area of expertise tend to have higher earnings.
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Frequently asked questions
The average yearly salary for plastic surgeons in the United States is $446,844. However, some sources state that the average is $526,000, while others state it to be $286,901.
Plastic surgeons who own their own practice made an extra $18,000 per year on average.
The salary of a plastic surgeon varies widely between states and cities. For example, the average yearly salary for a plastic surgeon in California is $492,868, while in New York, it is $521,913, and in San Francisco, it is $558,554.
The salary of a plastic surgeon increases with experience. While an entry-level plastic surgeon with less than a year of experience earns about $412,754, those with over eight years of experience can expect an average salary of $497,599.
Plastic surgeon salaries at private clinics are more volatile and are usually based on the number of patients they serve. On the other hand, surgeons at hospitals have guaranteed salaries that do not fluctuate based on the number of patients.
