General surgeon vs vascular surgeon

The differences between general surgeons and vascular 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 general surgeon and a vascular surgeon. Additionally, a vascular surgeon has an average salary of $324,217, which is higher than the $223,321 average annual salary of a general surgeon.

The top three skills for a general surgeon include patients, EMR and medical education. The most important skills for a vascular surgeon are patients, patient care, and private practice.

General surgeon vs vascular surgeon overview

	General Surgeon	Vascular Surgeon
Yearly salary	$223,321	$324,217
Hourly rate	$107.37	$155.87
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	45,174	20,391
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 30%	Bachelor's Degree, 25%
Average age	49	49
Years of experience	6	6

What does a general surgeon do?

The General Surgeon's role is to perform operations to treat or prevent diseases, repair damage caused by injuries, and improve the functions of the human body through the use of different surgical instruments. They also assess patients and explain different diagnostic tests that are performed.

What does a vascular surgeon do?

An avascular surgeon is a medical expert who specializes in treating conditions that affect blood vessels, primarily by performing surgeries. Before conducting surgical procedures, they must study the patients' medical histories, coordinate with staff and other experts, perform tests and examinations, determine surgical risks, and provide patients with consultations. It is also their duty to answer and address the patients' inquiries and concerns, explaining the extent and risks of procedures. Moreover, a vascular surgeon must build positive relationships with patients to help them and their families feel comfortable throughout the process.

General surgeon vs vascular surgeon salary

General surgeons and vascular surgeons have different pay scales, as shown below.

	General Surgeon	Vascular Surgeon
Average salary	$223,321	$324,217
Salary range	Between $121,000 And $411,000	Between $169,000 And $619,000
Highest paying City	Watertown, NY	Eau Claire, WI
Highest paying state	Connecticut	Maine
Best paying company	Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County	Yuma Regional Medical Center
Best paying industry	Health Care	Health Care

Differences between general surgeon and vascular surgeon education

There are a few differences between a general surgeon and a vascular surgeon in terms of educational background:

	General Surgeon	Vascular Surgeon
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 30%	Bachelor's Degree, 25%
Most common major	Medicine	Medicine
Most common college	Duke University	Duke University

General surgeon vs vascular surgeon demographics

Here are the differences between general surgeons' and vascular surgeons' demographics:

	General Surgeon	Vascular Surgeon
Average age	49	49
Gender ratio	Male, 53.9% Female, 46.1%	Male, 33.0% Female, 67.0%
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 general surgeon and vascular surgeon duties and responsibilities

General surgeon example responsibilities.

Manage insurance authorization and hospital bookings for surgery.
Provide preoperative diagnosis of patients, perform the necessary emergency or elective surgery, and provide postoperative surgical care and treatment.
Provide patient ancillary testing such as EKG, NDX and NCV.
Wash and sterilize equipment, using germicides and sterilizers.
Assist the physician during angioplasty and endovenous laser ablation procedures.
Clean operating room and wash and sterilize equipment, using germicides and sterilizers.

Vascular surgeon example responsibilities.

Manage all incoming medical records requests (ensuring office is within HIPPA guidelines).
Record patients daily vitals, demographics and other medical history into electronic medical records.
Room patients upon their arrival and prepare rooms/patients for physician examination.
Board-Certify dermatologist performing Mohs surgery, advance reconstruction, blepharoplasty, liposuction, cosmetic & medical dermatology.
Generate billing and conduct follow-up calls.

General surgeon vs vascular surgeon skills

Common general surgeon skills

Patients, 34%
EMR, 14%
Medical Education, 9%
Patient Care, 8%
Endoscopy, 6%
Private Practice, 3%

Common vascular surgeon skills

Patients, 64%
Patient Care, 24%
Private Practice, 9%
Office Locations, 1%
Ablation, 1%
Patient Appointments, 0%

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Healthcare Practitioner and Technical Industry
General Surgeon
General Surgeon vs Vascular Surgeon

Updated January 8, 2025

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