When most people think of a plastic surgeon, they think of a cosmetic surgeon who performs breast augmentation surgery, rhinoplasty, facelifts, and other forms of cosmetic surgery that are elective but not medically necessary.
Reconstructive surgeons, on the other hand, dedicate their careers to correcting abnormalities caused by congenital disabilities and injuries. Reconstructive plastic surgery is necessary to improve the function of the body, while cosmetic surgery is designed for aesthetics and not necessarily for function. While these subspecialists vary in their day-to-day work, all plastic surgeons must undergo significant training. In addition to medical school, plastic surgeons spend approximately six years in residency: two years in general surgery training and four years of plastic surgery training.
So what exactly is the national average and salary range for a plastic surgeon? According to the U. The BLS does not differentiate the salaries of surgeons of different specialties. According to other compensation sources, plastic surgeons earn considerably more per year than the average surgeon. The salaries below may be affected by various factors such as years of experience in the field, geographical location, specialization, and possibly other factors:. Compared to surgeons in other specialties, plastic surgeons earn salaries in the top percentile of their field.
According to Zippia , the states that pay plastic surgeons the most are as follows:. Physicians can command high salaries in regions where the supply of specialists outweighs the demand. While cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco may have a high cost of living, plastic surgeons working in other regions of the country can earn just as much or even more, depending on their demand.
However, it can put you in better standing than other surgeons in the field. This allows you to potentially request a better salary from potential employers. When a patient has to pay out of pocket, they tend to look for the services of surgeons who charge the least amount of money. Talk shows and television shows, such as Botched, have brought to light the danger of doing cosmetic surgery with a surgeon who is not board-certified. This has made the general public much more aware of the need to see a board-certified surgeon.
