Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salary in 2024: Key Trends and Insights

Cardiothoracic surgery is one of the most demanding and rewarding medical specialties, focusing on the surgical treatment of diseases affecting the heart, lungs, and other thoracic organs. In 2024, cardiothoracic surgeons continue to see high compensation, driven by the specialized skills and intense training required for this field. This article explores cardiothoracic surgeon salary trends for 2024, with insights from Doximity, MGMA, Medscape, and other leading sources.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salary
Average Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salary in 2024
Data from Doximity, MGMA, and Medscape Reports
Factors Influencing Cardiothoracic Surgeon Compensation
Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salary Trends Over the Years
Geographic Variations in Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salaries
The Gender Pay Gap in Cardiothoracic Surgery
FAQs About Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salaries

1. Introduction to Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salary

Cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in procedures involving the heart, lungs, and other chest organs. Given the complexity and high-risk nature of these surgeries, cardiothoracic surgeons command some of the highest salaries in medicine. Compensation in this field reflects the extensive training, skill, and expertise required, as well as the critical nature of the work.

2. Average Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salary in 2024

The average salary for cardiothoracic surgeons in 2024 is approximately $681,000, placing it among the top-earning surgical specialties. This high level of compensation reflects the specialized nature of the field and the demand for life-saving procedures.

Doximity 2024 Report: Cardiothoracic surgeons earn an average salary of $681,000, making it one of the highest-paying medical specialties.
Medscape 2024 Report: The average salary reported by Medscape is $680,000, indicating strong earning potential across various industry sources.
MGMA Data (2021): According to MGMA’s 2021 data, the median salary for cardiothoracic surgeons is around $700,000, with top earners exceeding $800,000, depending on subspecialty focus, case volume, and practice setting.

3. Data from Doximity, MGMA, and Medscape Reports

Insights from these reports provide a comprehensive view of cardiothoracic surgeon compensation:

Doximity 2024 Report: Cardiothoracic surgeons experienced a 5% increase in salaries from 2023, with private practice settings typically offering the highest compensation due to the high volume of specialized procedures performed.
Medscape 2024 Report: Cardiothoracic surgery ranks among the highest-paid medical specialties, with compensation influenced by the complexity of procedures, such as heart transplants, valve repairs, and lung resections.
MGMA 2021 Report: MGMA data highlights substantial variation in compensation by practice setting. Surgeons in private practices or specialty hospitals tend to earn higher salaries than those in academic medical centers, where salaries are often moderated by teaching and research responsibilities.

4. Factors Influencing Cardiothoracic Surgeon Compensation

Several factors can impact cardiothoracic surgeon salaries, including:

Subspecialty Focus: Surgeons specializing in complex procedures such as heart transplantation, minimally invasive valve repair, or pediatric cardiothoracic surgery may command higher compensation.
Practice Setting: Cardiothoracic surgeons in private practice or specialty hospitals generally earn more than those in academic settings, where compensation structures may also include research and educational duties.
Experience Level: More experienced surgeons often command higher salaries, particularly those who are renowned in specific procedures or hold leadership positions within surgical departments.
Location: Geographic location plays a major role in compensation, with higher salaries typically found in regions with a high demand for specialized cardiovascular and thoracic procedures.

5. Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salary Trends Over the Years

Cardiothoracic surgeon salaries have shown steady growth over the past decade:

2020-2022 Trends: Although the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily impacted elective surgeries, cardiothoracic surgery quickly rebounded due to the essential nature of the procedures. Salaries saw a 5% increase in 2023, reflecting a recovery from earlier disruptions.
Long-Term Growth: Over the past decade, cardiothoracic surgery has consistently maintained its status as a top-paying specialty. The MGMA 2021 report indicates a steady increase in median compensation, with salaries typically ranging between $650,000 and $700,000, depending on subspecialty and geographic location.

6. Geographic Variations in Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salaries

Location significantly influences cardiothoracic surgeon compensation:

Top-Paying Regions: Cities like New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, and Houston, TX offer some of the highest salaries for cardiothoracic surgeons, averaging $710,000 to $750,000, due to higher living costs and the demand for specialized cardiac and thoracic procedures.
Lower-Paying Regions: Areas such as Cleveland, OH, and Kansas City, MO, offer lower compensation, averaging around $620,000, due to different market conditions and a lower cost of living.

7. The Gender Pay Gap in Cardiothoracic Surgery

The gender pay gap in cardiothoracic surgery remains one of the largest in medicine:

Doximity 2024 Data: The gender pay gap for cardiothoracic surgeons is around 27%, with female surgeons earning about $180,000 less annually than their male counterparts. This gap is more pronounced in private practice, where compensation is tied to case volume and productivity.
MGMA Findings (2021): MGMA data indicates that while gender disparities are narrowing in some specialties, they remain significant in cardiothoracic surgery, particularly in leadership roles and private practice settings.

8. FAQs About Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salaries

1. What is the average salary for a cardiothoracic surgeon in 2024?

The average salary is approximately $681,000, with variations depending on subspecialty, location, and practice setting.

2. How does cardiothoracic surgery compare to other medical specialties in terms of compensation?

Cardiothoracic surgery is one of the highest-paying specialties, with salaries often exceeding $650,000.

3. Are cardiothoracic surgeon salaries increasing?

Yes, salaries increased by 5% in 2023, driven by ongoing demand for complex cardiovascular and thoracic procedures.

4. Which regions offer the highest salaries for cardiothoracic surgeons?

New York, San Francisco, and Houston offer higher compensation due to high living costs and demand for specialized procedures.

5. Does a gender pay gap exist in cardiothoracic surgery?

Yes, with a 27% gap, female surgeons earn significantly less than male surgeons, particularly in private practice.

Conclusion

Cardiothoracic surgery remains one of the most lucrative and demanding medical specialties, with salaries reflecting the high level of expertise required. Data from Doximity, MGMA, and Medscape highlight positive salary trends for 2024, despite ongoing challenges such as the gender pay gap and regional disparities. Understanding the factors affecting compensation can help cardiothoracic surgeons optimize their earning potential.