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Job outlook for plastic surgeons in the United States
Plastic surgeon job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected plastic surgeon job growth rate is 7% from 2018-2028.
About 55,400 new jobs for plastic surgeons are projected over the next decade.
Plastic surgeon salaries have increased 5% for plastic surgeons in the last 5 years.
There are over 9,540 plastic surgeons currently employed in the United States.
There are 3,906 active plastic surgeon job openings in the US.
The average plastic surgeon salary is $172,467.
Are plastic surgeon jobs in demand?
Plastic surgeon job and salary trends over time
Plastic surgeon jobs over time
Plastic surgeon job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9,540 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 7,374 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 8,323 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 7,029 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 7,889 | 0.00% |
Average plastic surgeon salary over time
Plastic surgeon salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $172,467 | $82.92 | +2.5% |
| 2025 | $168,279 | $80.90 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $165,440 | $79.54 | +1.3% |
| 2023 | $163,351 | $78.53 | --0.4% |
| 2022 | $164,013 | $78.85 | +2.2% |
Plastic surgeon jobs by state
Most common states for plastic surgeons
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 39 | 3% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 19 | 3% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 15 | 2% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 15 | 2% |
| 5 | New York | 19,849,399 | 141 | 1% |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 107 | 1% |
| 7 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 80 | 1% |
| 8 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 73 | 1% |
| 9 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 70 | 1% |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 68 | 1% |
| 11 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 59 | 1% |
| 12 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 53 | 1% |
| 13 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 50 | 1% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 33 | 1% |
| 15 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 25 | 1% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 25 | 1% |
| 17 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 25 | 1% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 19 | 1% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 13 | 1% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 9 | 1% |
Most common cities for plastic surgeons
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charleston | 1 | 2% | $155,567 |
| 2 | Grand Rapids | 2 | 1% | $139,272 |
| 3 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $112,056 |
| 4 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $142,363 |
| 5 | Fort Worth | 1 | 0% | $116,861 |
| 6 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $122,811 |
| 7 | Saint Petersburg | 1 | 0% | $100,178 |
Plastic Surgeon job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of plastic surgeon experts
Western University of Health Sciences
University of Virginia
Morehouse School of Medicine
Rebecca Moellmer DPM, FACFAS, FAAPSM, DABPM
Assistant Dean of Clinical Affairs and Faculty Affairs, Associate ProfessorWestern University of Health Sciences
Podiatric Medicine/Podiatry
What general advice would you give to a Plastic Surgeon?
Rebecca Moellmer DPM, FACFAS, FAAPSM, DABPM: My advice is to take every opportunity that comes your way. You don't know that you don't like it until you try it: serving as an officer of your local society, getting involved in research, student outreach, community outreach, special olympics, speaking for an online or in-person lecture, assisting an ortho on a knee at your hospital or writing a blog. So many things come to mind!
What Plastic Surgeon skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rebecca Moellmer DPM, FACFAS, FAAPSM, DABPM: When first starting out, regardless of your hard work and salary, live modestly and invest - find an investor you trust. Again, take every opportunity that comes your way. You'll meet new people and find new skills and interests. It is also important to take the path to board certification which opens more doors.
What will help Plastic Surgeons increase their earning potential?
Rebecca Moellmer DPM, FACFAS, FAAPSM, DABPM: Biomechanics was, is and will continue to be so important because of the demands on our lower extremity... surgeries need to look good but they also need to function and that's where our understanding of lower extremity biomechanics improves our outcomes.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Plastic Surgeon job market given the pandemic?
Rajesh Balkrishnan Ph.D.: Focus on hiring restricted to those who can fulfill multiple roles in given jobs
Focus on hiring self-starters and those who can work independently and remotely
Focus on more remote technology-based healthcare delivery such as telemedicine
What skills stand out on Plastic Surgeon resumes?
Rajesh Balkrishnan Ph.D.: Flexibility and resilience with work
Ability to lead projects with minimal supervision
Self-starter abilities and evidence of adaptability to newer work environments
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Plastic Surgeons to find work opportunities?
Rajesh Balkrishnan Ph.D.: Areas close to IT Hubs or where there are many new startups (For example, Northern Virginia or Bay Area)
Areas where health care technology industry is growing (Boston, NJ)
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Plastic Surgeon job market given the pandemic?
Erica Sutton: Our Associate Dean for Admissions reported that there has been an upward trend in applications, indicating that more people than ever are pursuing service in the medical field. We may see this trend occur also in "frontline specialties" such as emergency medicine and critical care.
What skills stand out on Plastic Surgeon resumes?
Erica Sutton: A desire to serve others greatly stands out this year.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Plastic Surgeons to find work opportunities?
Erica Sutton: The AAMC warns that there may be a shortage of 46,000 to 90,000 doctors by 2025. Geographically, this shortage will disproportionately affect rural communities. Rural America would be an excellent place to find work. In my experience, it is also amongst the most rewarding.