The latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data reports a $364,360 mean annual wage and $175.17 mean hourly wage for Surgeons in May 2025. Because BLS does not publish Plastic Surgeons as a separate national wage category, these figures represent a broader surgical benchmark rather than a Plastic Surgeon-specific national average.
Plastic surgery is a highly specialized medical field covering reconstructive procedures, cosmetic surgery, complex tissue repair and other operative treatments. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data reports a mean annual wage of $364,360 for the specific Surgeons occupational category and a mean hourly wage of $175.17. These figures provide an official federal benchmark for the broader surgical occupation, but they should not be presented as a Plastic Surgeon-specific national salary because BLS does not publish Plastic Surgeons as a separate wage category.
The May 2025 BLS OEWS data reports a mean annual wage of $364,360 for the Surgeons occupational category. Plastic Surgeons are not separately identified in this national BLS wage table.
This amount is calculated by dividing the BLS annual mean wage by 12. It is a mathematical equivalent for comparison and does not represent a guaranteed monthly Plastic Surgeon paycheck.
The May 2025 BLS data lists a mean hourly wage of $175.17 for the broader Surgeons occupational category. Individual Plastic Surgeon compensation may differ substantially according to practice and employment structure.
BLS estimated employment of 49,380 workers in the Surgeons occupational category in May 2025. This figure represents the broader occupation and is not a Plastic Surgeon-specific employment count.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2025 OEWS data reports a mean annual wage of $364,360, a mean hourly wage of $175.17 and estimated employment of 49,380 for the specific Surgeons occupational category. BLS does not provide a separate national wage category exclusively for Plastic Surgeons. SalaryPayslip therefore uses these official Surgeon figures as a broader federal benchmark rather than presenting them as the exact average Plastic Surgeon salary. Actual Plastic Surgeon compensation may vary according to clinical experience, reconstructive or cosmetic focus, geographic market, procedure volume, employer, call responsibilities, productivity arrangements, benefits and practice ownership.
The compensation figures below use the May 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for the broader Surgeons occupational category as the primary federal reference. BLS does not identify Plastic Surgeons as a separate national wage classification, so these figures should be understood as a general surgical benchmark rather than an exact Plastic Surgeon salary. Individual earnings can differ according to cosmetic or reconstructive focus, experience, location, employer, procedure volume, call obligations and practice structure.
| Salary Metric | BLS-Based Benchmark |
|---|---|
| BLS Mean Annual Wage | $364,360 per year |
| Monthly Equivalent | Approximately $30,363 per month |
| Weekly Equivalent | Approximately $6,999 per week |
| BLS Mean Hourly Wage | $175.17 per hour |
| BLS Occupational Category | Surgeons |
| Plastic Surgeon-Specific BLS Salary | Not separately published |
| Actual Plastic Surgeon Compensation | May vary with surgical experience, cosmetic or reconstructive specialization, geographic market, employer, procedure volume, call responsibilities, productivity incentives, benefits and practice ownership |
The May 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data reports a mean annual wage of $364,360 and a mean hourly wage of $175.17 for the broader Surgeons occupational category. BLS does not publish a separate national wage figure exclusively for Plastic Surgeons. The monthly and weekly amounts shown above are mathematical conversions of the annual BLS benchmark and are not independently reported Plastic Surgeon salary figures. Actual compensation can differ according to professional experience, reconstructive or cosmetic practice focus, geographic demand, procedure volume, employer arrangement, call coverage, productivity-based pay, benefits and partnership or ownership structure.
Experience can influence Plastic Surgeon compensation as physicians develop greater operative expertise, manage more complex cases and establish stronger professional networks. Earnings may also change with cosmetic or reconstructive specialization, procedure volume, geographic market, employer and practice ownership. The figures below provide current compensation market estimates rather than guaranteed earnings for an individual physician.
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary | Approx. Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level < 1 Year | $441,744 | ≈ $36,812/month |
| Early Career 1–2 Years | $445,058 | ≈ $37,088/month |
| Mid-Level 2–4 Years | $461,606 | ≈ $38,467/month |
| Senior Level 5–8 Years | $489,142 | ≈ $40,762/month |
| Expert Level 8+ Years | $494,059 | ≈ $41,172/month |
The experience-level figures above are current Salary.com market estimates for Plastic Surgeons in the United States. Salary.com reports approximately $441,744 for entry-level Plastic Surgeons, $445,058 for 1–2 years, $461,606 for 2–4 years, $489,142 for 5–8 years and $494,059 for more than 8 years of experience. These estimates illustrate how compensation can vary across career stages and should not be interpreted as guaranteed employment salaries.
Doximity's 2025 Physician Compensation Report, based on 2024 compensation survey data, reported average annual compensation of $621,445 for Plastic Surgery. Doximity's analysis used physician survey data and controlled for factors including specialty, metropolitan area, gender, years in practice and hours worked. This makes the figure a useful specialty-level market benchmark, while the experience figures above come from a separate compensation-market source.
Plastic Surgeon compensation can differ considerably across the United States. Geographic demand, healthcare markets, local competition, practice costs, patient demographics and the concentration of cosmetic and reconstructive services can all influence compensation. The state figures below use current Salary.com market estimates for Plastic Surgeons and should be viewed as compensation benchmarks rather than guaranteed earnings.
| State | Estimated Annual Salary | Approx. Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| California | $512,405 | ≈ $42,700/month |
| Massachusetts | $505,576 | ≈ $42,131/month |
| Washington | $503,718 | ≈ $41,977/month |
| New Jersey | $503,532 | ≈ $41,961/month |
| Connecticut | $496,471 | ≈ $41,373/month |
| New York | $493,869 | ≈ $41,156/month |
| Texas | $453,128 | ≈ $37,761/month |
| Florida | $439,563 | ≈ $36,630/month |
The state estimates above are based on current Salary.com Plastic Surgeon salary data updated August 1, 2026. Salary.com reports approximately $512,405 in California, $505,576 in Massachusetts, $503,718 in Washington, $503,532 in New Jersey, $496,471 in Connecticut, $493,869 in New York, $453,128 in Texas and $439,563 in Florida. These are market estimates from a compensation source, not BLS-published Plastic Surgeon-specific wages.
A higher reported salary in one state does not necessarily mean that every Plastic Surgeon there earns more. Cosmetic and reconstructive procedure demand, patient volume, physician supply, practice ownership, employer type, local operating costs and the mix of surgical services can materially affect individual compensation. Physicians should compare complete compensation packages and local practice conditions rather than relying on a single statewide estimate.
Employer type can have a major effect on Plastic Surgeon compensation. Academic institutions may combine clinical work with teaching and research, while non-academic employers can place greater emphasis on clinical productivity, procedure volume and financial performance. The figures below use current 2026 physician compensation data and should be treated as market benchmarks rather than guaranteed salaries for every Plastic Surgeon.
| Employer | Average Annual Compensation | Approx. Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| All Employer Types | $732,923 | ≈ $61,077/month |
| Academic Medical Centers | $699,428 | ≈ $58,286/month |
| Non-Academic Employers | $760,259 | ≈ $63,355/month |
| Hospital / Health System | $733,782 average | ≈ $61,149/month |
| Hospital-Employed Median | $730,000 | ≈ $60,833/month |
Current 2026 Marit physician compensation data reports average Plastic Surgeon compensation of approximately $732,923 across all employer types, with an average of $699,428 in academic settings and $760,259 in non-academic settings. A separate SalaryDr database reports a $730,000 median and $733,782 average for hospital-employed Plastic Surgeons based on 22 verified physician submissions. These sources use different methodologies and should not be presented as identical salary datasets.
Plastic Surgeon compensation can depend on whether the physician is employed by a hospital, works in an academic medical center, joins a private or non-academic group, or operates an independent practice. Base salary, productivity incentives, bonuses, call compensation, benefits, procedure mix and ownership income can all change total compensation. Practice ownership may create additional revenue potential but also introduces business costs and financial risk.
Plastic Surgeons work across both reconstructive and cosmetic medicine. Their responsibilities can range from restoring function and appearance after trauma or disease to planning elective procedures that address a patient's aesthetic goals. The clinical approach depends on the patient's condition, treatment objectives, surgical risks and expected recovery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recognizes both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery as major areas of plastic surgery practice.
Plastic Surgeons evaluate a patient's medical history, physical condition, treatment objectives and relevant risk factors before recommending surgery. For cosmetic care, assessment can include discussion of appearance-related goals and realistic outcomes, while reconstructive evaluation may focus on restoring form, function or tissue affected by trauma, disease or congenital conditions.
A surgical consultation allows the Plastic Surgeon to review available treatment options, explain expected benefits and limitations, discuss potential complications and determine an appropriate operative approach. Planning may also include examination, medical photographs, anesthesia considerations, facility selection and preparation for recovery.
Plastic Surgeons may perform a wide range of procedures involving the face, breast, body, skin, hands and other anatomical areas. Reconstructive work can include treatment following injury, cancer, congenital conditions or tissue loss, while cosmetic practice may include procedures intended to alter or enhance appearance.
Postoperative responsibilities can include monitoring healing, reviewing wounds and surgical results, managing recovery instructions and identifying possible complications. Follow-up is an important part of the surgical process, particularly when patients require ongoing wound care, activity restrictions or additional clinical assessment during recovery.
The exact responsibilities of a Plastic Surgeon depend on the physician's practice focus, training and patient population. Some surgeons concentrate primarily on reconstructive procedures, while others have a substantial cosmetic practice or combine both areas. Complex cases may also require coordination with other medical and surgical professionals. Patient assessment, informed treatment planning and appropriate postoperative follow-up remain important components of safe surgical care.
Before recommending a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, Plastic Surgeons review the patient's health history, examine the relevant anatomy, consider treatment objectives and evaluate factors that may affect surgical safety or recovery. A structured assessment helps determine whether a patient is an appropriate candidate and which treatment approach may be suitable. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons identifies medical history, medications, previous procedures, health conditions and risk factors as important parts of the consultation process.
The evaluation begins with a review of relevant medical history, previous operations or treatments, current medications, allergies, family history and other factors that could influence surgical planning. Lifestyle factors such as tobacco or alcohol use may also be discussed when they are relevant to healing and procedural risk.
A Plastic Surgeon examines the area being treated and evaluates anatomical features, tissue condition, existing scars and other characteristics that may influence the procedure. Depending on the treatment, measurements and clinical photographs may also be used to document the starting point and support treatment planning.
After reviewing the patient's condition and objectives, the surgeon may discuss available surgical approaches, alternatives, expected outcomes, anesthesia considerations and potential complications. The recommended procedure should reflect the patient's individual circumstances rather than a standardized approach.
Preoperative planning also considers the expected recovery period, wound care, activity restrictions and follow-up needs. Patients should understand how postoperative concerns will be handled and when additional clinical assessment may be required during recovery.
Patient assessment is not limited to selecting a cosmetic procedure. Plastic Surgeons must also consider medical suitability, surgical risk, realistic expectations and the practical requirements of recovery. The exact evaluation process varies according to whether the treatment is cosmetic or reconstructive and according to the complexity of the planned procedure. Comprehensive preoperative assessment and appropriate postoperative monitoring are important components of surgical care.
Modern Plastic Surgery combines detailed imaging, digital planning, microsurgical methods and procedure-specific techniques to support cosmetic and reconstructive treatment. The technology used varies according to the patient's anatomy, surgical objective and complexity of the procedure.
Advanced imaging can help Plastic Surgeons evaluate anatomy, tissue characteristics and areas requiring reconstruction or cosmetic correction. Imaging may contribute to preoperative assessment and help the surgical team understand anatomical structures before treatment.
Three-dimensional planning tools can provide a more detailed representation of patient anatomy and support discussion of potential treatment approaches. In appropriate cases, digital models may help surgeons plan procedure details and communicate expected treatment goals with patients.
Microsurgical techniques allow surgeons to work with small blood vessels and nerves using specialized instruments and magnification. These methods can play an important role in complex reconstruction, including selected tissue transfer procedures following trauma, cancer treatment or significant tissue loss.
Some cosmetic treatments use smaller incisions, specialized instruments or less extensive surgical approaches when clinically appropriate. The suitable technique depends on the patient's anatomy, treatment objective, procedure complexity and the surgeon's clinical assessment.
Advanced technology can support planning, visualization and surgical precision, but it does not replace clinical judgment or appropriate surgical training. Plastic Surgeons select equipment and techniques according to the specific procedure, patient characteristics, expected benefits and potential risks.
Plastic Surgeons can work in several healthcare environments, with the practice setting influencing clinical responsibilities, patient mix, procedure volume, compensation structure and opportunities for teaching or leadership. Reconstructive surgeons may have significant hospital-based responsibilities, while cosmetic-focused physicians may spend more of their time in private practices or specialized surgical facilities.
Hospital-based Plastic Surgeons may treat patients requiring reconstructive care after trauma, cancer treatment, burns or complex medical conditions. Their responsibilities can include inpatient consultations, operating-room procedures, emergency cases and postoperative management.
Private practices can provide cosmetic and reconstructive services directly to patients and may offer a broader range of elective procedures. Physicians in these practices may work under employed, partnership or ownership models, with compensation potentially influenced by patient volume and practice performance.
Academic Plastic Surgeons may combine patient care with medical education, resident supervision, clinical research and professional development. Academic environments can expose surgeons to complex cases and specialized reconstructive procedures while adding teaching and research responsibilities.
Specialty and cosmetic surgery centers may focus primarily on elective procedures and outpatient surgical services. Plastic Surgeons working in these settings can treat patients seeking aesthetic procedures while coordinating consultations, surgical care and postoperative follow-up.
The practice environment does not by itself determine a Plastic Surgeon's income. Total compensation can depend on specialty focus, procedure volume, geographic market, employment contract, productivity incentives, benefits, call requirements and whether the physician participates in partnership or practice ownership. Comparing both compensation and clinical responsibilities can provide a more useful picture of each employment option.
A successful Plastic Surgery career requires a combination of technical surgical ability, clinical judgment, communication and long-term professional development. Compensation and career opportunities can also be influenced by practice setting, specialization, experience and the physician's broader professional responsibilities.
Plastic Surgeons need strong anatomical knowledge, surgical precision, decision-making ability and attention to detail. Effective communication, patient counseling, teamwork and the ability to evaluate surgical risks are also important across cosmetic and reconstructive practice.
Employed Plastic Surgeons may receive compensation packages that include base salary, productivity incentives, retirement contributions, health insurance, paid leave and professional development support. The combination of benefits varies according to employer, contract terms and practice setting.
Employment opportunities can vary by geographic market, surgical subspecialty, healthcare system and patient demand. Reconstructive services remain relevant across hospitals and specialty centers, while cosmetic surgery opportunities are influenced by consumer demand, local competition and the availability of elective surgical services.
The field is likely to continue evolving through advances in surgical planning, microsurgery, tissue reconstruction, imaging, minimally invasive techniques and personalized patient care. Plastic Surgeons who maintain current clinical skills and adapt to developing technologies may find additional opportunities across specialized practice areas.
Plastic Surgery offers diverse professional pathways, but it also requires extensive medical education, specialized surgical training and continuing clinical development. When evaluating the career, prospective physicians should consider compensation alongside training length, workload, patient responsibility, practice environment, professional benefits and long-term specialization opportunities.
Physicians who receive their medical education outside the United States may consider the USA for postgraduate Plastic Surgery training or future clinical practice. The process can involve credential verification, required examinations, residency eligibility, professional certification and state-specific physician licensing requirements.
International medical graduates may pursue U.S. Plastic Surgery training after meeting the relevant educational, examination and credentialing requirements. Previous medical or surgical experience can strengthen a professional background, but it does not automatically provide authorization to practice independently in the United States.
Physicians trained outside the United States generally need to qualify for the applicable U.S. graduate medical education pathway. Residency and training programs may have their own eligibility, application and selection criteria in addition to national credentialing requirements.
International applicants may need to provide verified medical education records, examination results and professional documentation. Physicians who eventually practice in the USA must also satisfy the licensing requirements of the state in which they intend to provide medical services.
After completing the required U.S. training and obtaining appropriate licensure, qualified Plastic Surgeons may pursue positions in hospital systems, private practices, academic medical centers, specialty surgery centers and other healthcare organizations.
Requirements for international medical graduates can vary according to medical education, examination history, training eligibility, immigration circumstances and the licensing rules of the intended state. Applicants should confirm current requirements with recognized credentialing organizations, Plastic Surgery training programs and state medical licensing authorities before making education or career decisions.
Plastic Surgeon compensation can differ according to surgical experience, practice focus, geographic market, employer and compensation arrangement. SalaryPayslip distinguishes official government statistics from calculated salary equivalents and broader market information to make the source and meaning of each figure clearer.
| Research Factor | How It Is Used |
|---|---|
| Federal Labor Data | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics information is used as a primary government reference when the relevant occupational classification provides applicable wage information. |
| Salary Calculations | Annual wage figures may be mathematically converted into monthly, weekly or hourly equivalents to make compensation easier to compare. |
| Plastic Surgery Factors | Experience, cosmetic or reconstructive focus, procedure volume, employer type, call responsibilities and professional duties are considered when explaining compensation differences. |
| Geographic Market | State and regional compensation information is treated as market context because physician demand, healthcare systems and local economic conditions vary throughout the USA. |
| Practice Structure | Hospital employment, academic appointments, private practices, partnerships and practice ownership may use substantially different compensation models. |
| Individual Compensation | Published salary figures are presented as reference benchmarks and should not be interpreted as guaranteed earnings for an individual Plastic Surgeon. |
A national occupational wage can provide a useful starting benchmark, but it cannot capture every Plastic Surgeon's compensation arrangement. Actual earnings may vary because of surgical specialty, cosmetic versus reconstructive practice, procedure volume, geographic location, employer, productivity incentives, call obligations, benefits, partnership status and practice ownership.
The resources below can help medical students, residents, practicing Plastic Surgeons and international medical graduates research surgical education, residency pathways, professional certification, physician licensing, labor market information and Plastic Surgeon job opportunities in the United States.
Professional organizations and government agencies can provide more current information about Plastic Surgery training, board certification, physician licensing and employment requirements. Requirements and available positions can change, so applicants should verify important career information directly with the relevant organization or licensing authority.
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Read GuideThese questions cover common searches about Plastic Surgeon compensation in the USA, including BLS salary benchmarks, monthly pay calculations, salary ranges, state differences, experience, private practice, training requirements, career factors and long-term opportunities in Plastic Surgery.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not publish a separate national wage category exclusively for Plastic Surgeons. Its May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data reports a mean annual wage of $364,360 for Surgeons. This is a broader occupational benchmark and should not be presented as the exact average salary for Plastic Surgeons. Individual compensation can differ by experience, practice focus, location, employer and surgical volume.
Using the BLS May 2025 mean annual wage of $364,360 for the broader Surgeons category, the simple annual-to-monthly calculation is approximately $30,363 per month. This is a mathematical equivalent rather than a Plastic Surgeon-specific BLS monthly salary. Actual monthly compensation may include productivity incentives, bonuses, call pay, benefits or practice distributions.
BLS does not provide a dedicated salary distribution specifically for Plastic Surgeons. The federal wage statistics place Plastic Surgeons within broader physician and surgeon labor classifications. Actual Plastic Surgeon earnings can vary substantially according to cosmetic or reconstructive focus, experience, procedure volume, geographic market, employer and practice ownership.
Plastic Surgeon compensation can differ between states because of physician demand, population characteristics, healthcare markets, local competition, practice costs and the mix of cosmetic and reconstructive services. Available state-level BLS data for the broader Surgeons occupation can provide market context, but it should not be treated as a definitive state ranking for Plastic Surgeon-specific salaries.
Plastic Surgery remains a specialized physician field with opportunities across reconstructive and cosmetic care. Demand can be influenced by trauma care, cancer reconstruction, congenital conditions, burns, elective cosmetic procedures and changing patient needs. BLS does not publish a separate employment-growth projection exclusively for Plastic Surgeons, so broader Physicians and Surgeons outlook data should be interpreted carefully.
Experience can contribute to higher earning potential as Plastic Surgeons develop greater procedural expertise, patient relationships, referral networks and professional responsibilities. However, compensation does not increase at a fixed rate for every physician and can also depend on subspecialty, location, employer, procedure volume and compensation model.
Private practice ownership or partnership can create additional earning potential because physician income may be affected by patient volume, procedure revenue, practice performance and ownership distributions. However, practice owners also carry operating expenses, administrative duties and business risks that may not apply to employed Plastic Surgeons.
Plastic Surgeons generally complete an undergraduate education, medical school and the required postgraduate surgical training pathway before qualifying for independent practice. They must meet applicable state medical licensing requirements and may pursue certification through the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The exact training route can vary according to the physician's educational and residency pathway.
Plastic Surgeon compensation can be influenced by clinical experience, cosmetic or reconstructive specialization, residency and additional training, employer type, geographic location, procedure volume, call responsibilities, productivity incentives, benefits, academic duties and partnership or practice ownership.
Plastic Surgery can offer a highly specialized long-term medical career with opportunities in reconstructive surgery, cosmetic practice, hospital systems, private practices, academic medical centers, specialty surgery facilities, research and professional leadership. The extensive training requirements, surgical responsibility and demanding clinical workload should be considered alongside compensation and career opportunities.
Plastic Surgery combines extensive medical education with technically demanding procedures across reconstructive and cosmetic care. While the specialty can provide strong compensation opportunities, salary should be evaluated together with the length of surgical training, patient responsibilities, procedural workload, practice environment and ongoing professional development.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a mean annual wage of $364,360 for the broader Surgeons occupational category in May 2025. Because BLS does not identify Plastic Surgeons as a separate national wage category, this amount serves as a federal surgical benchmark rather than a guaranteed or Plastic Surgeon-specific average.
Individual earning potential may be affected by cosmetic or reconstructive focus, clinical experience, procedure volume, geographic market, employer type, productivity-based compensation, academic responsibilities and partnership or practice ownership. Private practice can introduce additional revenue opportunities while also bringing operational and financial responsibilities.
Plastic Surgery can offer a specialized and potentially well-compensated medical career, but there is no single salary figure that represents every physician. The BLS Surgeon benchmark provides useful national context; prospective Plastic Surgeons should also consider specialty focus, training, location, employer, workload and the structure of the compensation package.
The Plastic Surgeon salary information published by SalaryPayslip is intended for general educational and informational use. Physician compensation may vary according to surgical experience, cosmetic or reconstructive focus, residency and additional training, employer type, geographic location, procedure volume, call responsibilities, productivity incentives, benefits, partnership arrangements and practice ownership.
Salary figures and employment information in this guide should not be interpreted as guaranteed earnings, employment offers or contractual pay. Annual amounts and calculated monthly, weekly or hourly equivalents are provided for comparison and research purposes. Readers should verify current compensation information with prospective healthcare employers, professional organizations, licensing authorities and reliable U.S. labor-market sources before making career or financial decisions.
SalaryPayslip reviews publicly available government wage statistics, healthcare workforce information and established professional resources when developing its Plastic Surgeon salary guides. Since the BLS does not publish a separate national wage category exclusively for Plastic Surgeons, broader Surgeon occupational statistics may be used as an official benchmark and should not be represented as an exact Plastic Surgeon-specific salary.
The BLS wage figure referenced in this guide applies to the broader Surgeons occupational category and does not predict the income of an individual Plastic Surgeon. Actual compensation can change because of cosmetic or reconstructive specialization, geographic demand, procedure volume, employer structure, call requirements, productivity arrangements, partnership terms, practice ownership and changes in the U.S. healthcare market.