Flight surgeon vs reconstructive surgeon

The differences between flight surgeons and reconstructive 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 flight surgeon and a reconstructive surgeon. Additionally, a flight surgeon has an average salary of $429,498, which is higher than the $321,483 average annual salary of a reconstructive surgeon.

The top three skills for a flight surgeon include primary care, USAF and medical support. The most important skills for a reconstructive surgeon are cosmetic surgery, EMR, and exam rooms.

Flight surgeon vs reconstructive surgeon overview

	Flight Surgeon	Reconstructive Surgeon
Yearly salary	$429,498	$321,483
Hourly rate	$206.49	$154.56
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	4,876	3,458
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Doctoral Degree, 41%	Bachelor's Degree, 31%
Average age	49	49
Years of experience	6	6

Flight surgeon vs reconstructive surgeon salary

Flight surgeons and reconstructive surgeons have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Flight Surgeon	Reconstructive Surgeon
Average salary	$429,498	$321,483
Salary range	Between $214,000 And $860,000	Between $168,000 And $613,000
Highest paying City	-	Saint Paul, MN
Highest paying state	-	Minnesota
Best paying company	-	Allina Health
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between flight surgeon and reconstructive surgeon education

There are a few differences between a flight surgeon and a reconstructive surgeon in terms of educational background:

	Flight Surgeon	Reconstructive Surgeon
Most common degree	Doctoral Degree, 41%	Bachelor's Degree, 31%
Most common major	Medicine	Nursing
Most common college	Duke University	Case Western Reserve University

Flight surgeon vs reconstructive surgeon demographics

Here are the differences between flight surgeons' and reconstructive surgeons' demographics:

	Flight Surgeon	Reconstructive Surgeon
Average age	49	49
Gender ratio	Male, 81.9% Female, 18.1%	Male, 25.0% Female, 75.0%
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 flight surgeon and reconstructive surgeon duties and responsibilities

Flight surgeon example responsibilities.

Attain proficiency in high volume spay/neuter surgeries in order to support the mission of fighting pet overpopulation.
Coordinate with patients and medical staff at civilian and military treatment facilities to schedule medical appointments and retrieve medical documentation.
Collect R/R, IME and QME as they come in thru the billing department without having the case settle.

Reconstructive surgeon example responsibilities.

Manage insurance authorization and hospital bookings for surgery.
Perform administrative tasks regarding origination paperwork for patients, preoperative paperwork, medical clearance, financing and payment.
Manage insurance authorization and hospital bookings for surgery.

Flight surgeon vs reconstructive surgeon skills

Common flight surgeon skills

Primary Care, 59%
USAF, 29%
Medical Support, 4%
Physical Exams, 3%
Medical Examinations, 1%
NASA, 1%

Common reconstructive surgeon skills

Cosmetic Surgery, 62%
EMR, 12%
Exam Rooms, 12%
Front Desk, 7%
Hand Surgery, 3%
Post-Operative Care, 2%

Flight Surgeon vs. similar jobs

Flight Surgeon related careers

Flight Surgeon related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Healthcare Practitioner and Technical Industry
Flight Surgeon
Flight Surgeon vs Reconstructive Surgeon

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse healthcare practitioner and technical jobs