The average 2011 pay scale for surgeons varies from $121,830 to $1,352,000.
It's difficult to generalize what the average salary of a surgeon would be because of the wide variety of medical concentrations and specific ailments and diseases that exist. The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics estimates that physicians and surgeons collectively on a whole earned a median average salary of $339,738 between 2010 and 2011. Other employment and finance publications offer more specific information about different types of surgeons and their pay scale.
Neurosurgeons
Neurosurgeons specialize in surgical healing techniques that are specific to the nervous system of the patient. Typically, neurosurgeons concentrate on disorders associated with brain or spine injuries and disorders but are trained to treat and repair all aspects of the central nervous system. According to the Healthcare Salary Online website, the annual salary for neurosurgeons in 2011 varies between $121,830 and $500,000. The lowest 10 percent earn below $125k, the highest 10 percent make more than $300k and the median average is around $220k per year. When broken down hourly, neurosurgeons earn between $58 and $150 per hour.
Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons perform surgical procedures to repair a patient's bones. This may include procedures to repair birth defects or abnormalities and injuries induced by accidents and sporting mishaps. The Student Doc medical education resource website estimates that in the period of 2003 through 2006 the national average salary for orthopedic surgeons was between $228,000 and $1,352,000. These figures represent the lowest and highest reported orthopedic surgeon's salaries during the three-year period. The median average reported salary was around $459,000.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in surgeries and medical procedures associated with the bone structure of the head, neck, jaw and most specifically the mouth. This type of surgeon typically performs procedures to correct dental abnormalities, remove tumors, treat fractured jaws, extract teeth and insert dental prosthetics. In 2011, CNN Money Magazine and Salary.com reported that oral and maxillofacial surgeons' annual earning range between $139,967 and $276,254 with a full earning potential -- including bonuses and benefits -- of up to $475,247.
Plastic Surgeons
Plastic -- or cosmetic -- surgeons perform procedures to repair and improve the physical appearance of their patients. They work with patients who have suffered accidents and ailments that have left them disfigured or physically vulnerable such as burn victims and patients with birth defects. Other cosmetic procedures are performed as elective surgery such as breast augmentation, face lifts and liposuction. According to Student Doc, experienced cosmetic surgeons in 2011 earn anywhere from $237,000 to $820,000 per year with the average median salary around $412,000.
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