* Location: Salaries are generally higher in high-cost-of-living areas like major metropolitan centers on the coasts compared to rural areas.
* Institution: Academic medical centers, large hospital systems, and private practices all offer different compensation packages. Prestigious institutions often pay more.
* Year of residency: Resident salaries increase each year of training.
* Specialty within surgery: Some surgical subspecialties (e.g., cardiac surgery) command higher salaries than others (e.g., general surgery).
* Negotiation skills: Attending surgeons, especially those with experience and in-demand skills, have more leverage in salary negotiations.
Surgical Intern Resident:
* A surgical intern (first year resident) typically earns a salary in the range of $60,000 - $75,000 per year in the United States. This is a gross estimate, and actual compensation can vary widely.
Attending Surgeon:
* The salary of an attending surgeon is far more variable. A general surgeon might earn anywhere from $200,000 to $500,000+ per year, while highly specialized surgeons (e.g., cardiothoracic surgeons, neurosurgeons) can earn significantly more, potentially exceeding $1,000,000 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, practice type (private vs. employed), and patient volume.
It's important to consult resources like the American Medical Association (AMA), Physician Compensation Reports (available from various medical publications and consulting firms), and salary surveys specifically targeting surgical specialties for more precise and up-to-date information. These resources often break down compensation data by location, specialty, and experience level.