Becoming a plastic surgeon in the USA means a profession of commitment and is highly demanding. plastic surgeon salary in USA earn, and their salary depends on their experience, location, and more. Doctors undergo intense training and years of study to attain their specialisation. If you want to know what the salary of a plastic surgeon salary is, read the article below to learn all the details.
What Is the Plastic Surgeon Salary in the USA in 2026?
plastic surgeon salary in USA are higher than those of average physicians. In 2026, many plastic surgeons are earning very high in 6 figure brackets along with various bonuses and profit sharing. The salary of plastic surgeons in the USA is as follows:
| Median Salary | $750,000 per year |
| Average Salary | $828,803 per year |
| Typical Range (25th – 75th percentile) | $710,000 – $ 850,000 |
| Hourly income | $291 per hour |
Why Are Plastic Surgeon Salaries So High?
Plastic surgery is a very competitive and specialized branch of medicine. Many factors lead to high salaries, such as:
Extensive Training & Skill Requirements
Plastic surgeons undergo intense training along with a 4-year undergraduate program. Also, they attend 4 years of medical school and 5-8 years of residency and specialized surgical training. Many surgeons pursue fellowships. This tough path makes it challenging to become a plastic surgeon, which leads to limited professional expertise. It directly affects and increases salaries.
Demand & Earning Potential
Plastic surgery includes cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Many people choose to undergo cosmetic procedures and pay a high price. It leads to higher profit margins as compared to insurance-based reimbursement. The demand for plastic surgeons is higher in affluent locations, which increases the earning potential.
Read Also: Dentist Salary in USA | Radiologist Salary in USA
Plastic Surgeon Salary in the USA based on Practice Type
The salary of a plastic surgeon in USA also depends on the type of practice, such as:
- Private Practice
Plastic surgeons owning their own clinics have the potential to earn more. They get the highest compensation in private settings. The average income of a plastic surgeon working in a private setting is $836,944 per year.
- Academic Positions
Doctors who work in academics or teaching hospitals get slightly lower salaries. The average salary of a plastic surgeon in the USA working in an academic position is $755,125 per year. Their roles include research and teaching, which offer better benefits and work-life balance, but lower salaries.
- Hospital employee
If a plastic surgeon is working in a hospital, they have a stable salary but fewer opportunities for profit sharing. The plastic surgeon’s salary in the USA in hospital settings is $739,048 per year.
Plastic surgeon salary in the USA based on Experience Level
The experience of the surgeon decides the salary range. The plastic surgeon salary in USA increase with experience.
| Experience level | Annual Salary |
| 0-2 years | $605,000 |
| 3-5 years | $851,269 |
| 6-10 years | $818,269 |
| 11-15 years | $776,364 |
| 16+ years | $1,04,167 |
How do plastic surgeon salaries in the USA differ across subspecialties?
There are multiple subspecialties under plastic surgery. The salary of the surgeon also varies depending on their subspeciality. Cosmetic surgeons usually get the highest salaries.
| Subspeciality | Annual income |
| Cosmetic Surgery | $1,800,000 |
| Craniofacial Surgery | $790,200 |
| Hand Surgery | $757,692 |
| Reconstructive Surgery | $709,000 |
Plastic Surgeon salary in the USA based on location
The salary of plastic surgeons in the USA varies depending on their location. The high cost and high demand of cities like California and New York offer higher salaries. While in rural areas and low-demand locations, the surgeon’s salary is lower.
Factors affecting Plastic Surgeon Salaries in the USA
There are multiple factors that affect the plastic surgeon salary in USA, such as:
- Practice setting
Plastic surgeons get higher income in private settings than working in hospitals or teaching. However, surgeons working in hospitals and teaching roles get a more stable income.
- Subspeciality
The plastic surgeons with a cosmetic surgery subspecialty often get the highest salaries. It is because of the high demand for cosmetic surgeons in the USA.
- Cost of living
Plastic surgeons in urban areas such as New York get higher incomes than in rural areas. It is because of the difference in the cost of living in urban and rural locations.
- Experience level
Surgeons with higher experience levels get higher salaries than entry-level professionals. The reputation of a surgeon also plays a vital role in deciding earning potential.
Future Outlook and Job Demand for Plastic Surgeons in the USA
The demand for plastic surgeon salary in USA is growing because of several factors, such as an increase in demand for cosmetic procedures, reconstructive surgery requirements, and expanding medical tourism and elective procedures. The job growth prospects of plastic surgeons in the USA are strong, especially in underserved regions and metropolitan centres.
Conclusion
It is very challenging to become a plastic surgeon in the USA because of the years of training and education. The salary of plastic surgeon salary in USA is very high. The median salary is around $750,000 per year. Many experienced plastic surgeons are also earning more than $1 million annually. The salary of the plastic surgeons also depends on factors such as location, experience, work setting, and more.
FAQs
Q1)What is the annual salary of a plastic surgeon in the USA?
The average annual salary of a prolactin surgeon in the USA is $828,00 while the median salary is $750,000. The salary increases with experience.
Q2)Do plastic surgeons get the highest salary in the USA?
Yes, plastic surgeons get the highest salaries in the USA among medical professionals. Also, the salary varies as per their subspecialties.
Q3)Is the salary of a cosmetic plastic surgeon higher than that of a reconstructive surgeon in the USA?
Yes, cosmetic surgeons get a higher income than reconstructive surgeons. The cosmetic surgery procedures are usually paid out of pocket, while the reconstructive surgeries are mostly covered under insurance compensation.
Q4)How many years do I need to study to become a plastic surgeon in the USA?
To become a plastic surgeon in the USA, you need 13-15 years of study and training. It will include undergraduate education, medical school years, residency, and fellowship.
Q5)Is becoming a plastic surgeon in the USA a good career choice?
Yes, plastic surgery is a good career option in the USA, offering earning potential. Also, the increasing demand for plastic surgeons in the USA promises a bright future ahead.
Read Also: Neurosurgeon Salary in USA | SPG Commando Salary
