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The differences between cardiothoracic surgeons and 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 surgeon. Additionally, a cardiothoracic surgeon has an average salary of $409,035, which is higher than the $155,553 average annual salary of a surgeon.
The top three skills for a cardiothoracic surgeon include private practice, surgical procedures and MRI. The most important skills for a surgeon are patients, general surgery, and healthcare.
| Cardiothoracic Surgeon | Surgeon | |
| Yearly salary | $409,035 | $155,553 |
| Hourly rate | $196.65 | $74.79 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 3,612 | 37,918 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Average age | 49 | 49 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
A surgeon is a medical professional who conducts surgical procedures on the human body to treat injuries and diseases such as broken bones and cancerous tumors. Surgeons are required to review test results to identify abnormal findings and recommend a plan of treatment to patients. They must manage surgical technicians during the surgery process to ensure all standards of care and safety are followed in the operating room. Surgeons must also address concerns that the patients have about their health and well-being.
Cardiothoracic surgeons and surgeons have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cardiothoracic Surgeon | Surgeon | |
| Average salary | $409,035 | $155,553 |
| Salary range | Between $205,000 And $813,000 | Between $85,000 And $284,000 |
| Highest paying City | Minneapolis, MN | Lewiston, ME |
| Highest paying state | Michigan | Maine |
| Best paying company | Allina Health | MaineGeneral Health |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Professional |
There are a few differences between a cardiothoracic surgeon and a surgeon in terms of educational background:
| Cardiothoracic Surgeon | Surgeon | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Nursing | Medicine |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Duke University |
Here are the differences between cardiothoracic surgeons' and surgeons' demographics:
| Cardiothoracic Surgeon | Surgeon | |
| Average age | 49 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 58.1% Female, 41.9% | Male, 51.2% Female, 48.8% |
| 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% |