Cardiothoracic surgeon vs plastic surgeon

The differences between cardiothoracic surgeons and plastic surgeons can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a cardiothoracic surgeon and a plastic surgeon. Additionally, a cardiothoracic surgeon has an average salary of $409,035, which is higher than the $172,467 average annual salary of a plastic surgeon.

The top three skills for a cardiothoracic surgeon include private practice, surgical procedures and MRI. The most important skills for a plastic surgeon are patients, patient care, and hand surgery.

Cardiothoracic surgeon vs plastic surgeon overview

	Cardiothoracic Surgeon	Plastic Surgeon
Yearly salary	$409,035	$172,467
Hourly rate	$196.65	$82.92
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	3,612	3,906
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 39%	Bachelor's Degree, 34%
Average age	49	49
Years of experience	6	6

What does a cardiothoracic surgeon do?

A cardiothoracic surgeon specializes in performing surgeries on the heart, esophagus, lungs, and other organs within the chest to treat different health conditions, some even life-threatening. A cardiothoracic surgeon is responsible for studying the patients' medical records and histories, conducting extensive tests and examinations, coordinating with physicians and other experts, and helping patients understand the extent and risks of the operations. They are also responsible for monitoring the patients' conditions after surgeries, conducting tests as necessary. Moreover, they maintain an open and transparent communication line with nurses and other staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.

What does a plastic surgeon do?

Plastic surgeons must have skills in hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, organization, communication, and teamwork. This career also requires a bachelor's degree in a premedical major and completion of a four-year M.D. and a surgical residency. Those who choose this career path perform reconstructive plastic surgery in order to restore form and function following illness or trauma and/or perform cosmetic surgery for simple alteration of appearance.

Cardiothoracic surgeon vs plastic surgeon salary

Cardiothoracic surgeons and plastic surgeons have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Cardiothoracic Surgeon	Plastic Surgeon
Average salary	$409,035	$172,467
Salary range	Between $205,000 And $813,000	Between $87,000 And $339,000
Highest paying City	Minneapolis, MN	Rockville Centre, NY
Highest paying state	Michigan	Maine
Best paying company	Allina Health	MaineGeneral Health
Best paying industry	Health Care	Professional

Differences between cardiothoracic surgeon and plastic surgeon education

There are a few differences between a cardiothoracic surgeon and a plastic surgeon in terms of educational background:

	Cardiothoracic Surgeon	Plastic Surgeon
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 39%	Bachelor's Degree, 34%
Most common major	Nursing	Nursing
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Case Western Reserve University

Cardiothoracic surgeon vs plastic surgeon demographics

Here are the differences between cardiothoracic surgeons' and plastic surgeons' demographics:

	Cardiothoracic Surgeon	Plastic Surgeon
Average age	49	49
Gender ratio	Male, 58.1% Female, 41.9%	Male, 23.6% Female, 76.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 1.8% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 5.0% Asian, 12.7% White, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%	Black or African American, 1.8% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 5.0% Asian, 12.7% White, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage	12%	12%

Differences between cardiothoracic surgeon and plastic surgeon duties and responsibilities

Cardiothoracic surgeon example responsibilities.

Manage all incoming medical records requests (ensuring office is within HIPPA guidelines).
Coordinate with patients and medical staff at civilian and military treatment facilities to schedule medical appointments and retrieve medical documentation.
Observe fracture plating, skin grafting, wind cleaning, amputation, and other Orthopaedic surgeries.

Plastic surgeon example responsibilities.

Manage insurance authorization and hospital bookings for surgery.
Develop x-rays, foot and ankle therapies, including hydrotherapy, ultrasound and hot wax.
Assist with surgery scheduling, casting/removing, & casting for orthotics.
Check patient in/out, collect co-payments/deductibles that apply for orthotics, enter charges/post payments.
Perform administrative tasks regarding origination paperwork for patients, preoperative paperwork, medical clearance, financing and payment.
Complete knowledge of military and DOD protocols pertaining to network and computer systems.

Cardiothoracic surgeon vs plastic surgeon skills

Common cardiothoracic surgeon skills

Private Practice, 38%
Surgical Procedures, 28%
MRI, 19%
Post-Operative Care, 7%
Chest Tubes, 7%
Direct Care, 2%

Common plastic surgeon skills

Patients, 55%
Patient Care, 9%
Hand Surgery, 6%
Private Practice, 6%
Medical Procedures, 5%
Surgical Procedures, 4%

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Healthcare Practitioner and Technical Industry
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Cardiothoracic Surgeon vs Plastic Surgeon

Updated January 8, 2025

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