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Job outlook for thoracic surgeons in the United States
Are thoracic surgeon jobs in demand?
Yes, thoracic surgeon jobs are in demand. Thoracic surgeon demand is projected to grow 7% from 2018 to 2028.
Thoracic surgeon job and salary trends over time
Compare the number of thoracic surgeon jobs and the average thoracic surgeon salary over time.
Thoracic surgeon jobs over time
Thoracic surgeon job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 401 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 0 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 350 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 295 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 332 | 0.00% |
Average thoracic surgeon salary over time
Thoracic surgeon salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $437,281 | $210.23 | +2.5% |
| 2025 | $426,664 | $205.13 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $419,465 | $201.67 | +1.3% |
| 2023 | $414,170 | $199.12 | --0.4% |
| 2022 | $415,847 | $199.93 | +2.2% |
Thoracic surgeon jobs by state
The map below shows you the number of thoracic surgeon job openings in each state. The darker areas on the map show where thoracic surgeons earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.
Average salary: Job openings:
Most common states for thoracic surgeons
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 40 | 3% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 16 | 3% |
| 3 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 107 | 2% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 16 | 2% |
| 5 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 15 | 2% |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 136 | 1% |
| 7 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 93 | 1% |
| 8 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 91 | 1% |
| 9 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 68 | 1% |
| 10 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 67 | 1% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 61 | 1% |
| 12 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 48 | 1% |
| 13 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 29 | 1% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 29 | 1% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 19 | 1% |
| 16 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 17 | 1% |
| 17 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 16 | 1% |
| 18 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 12 | 1% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 11 | 1% |
| 20 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 6 | 1% |
Most common cities for thoracic surgeons
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rapid City | 2 | 3% | $359,282 |
| 2 | Great Falls | 1 | 2% | $495,136 |
| 3 | Chandler | 2 | 1% | $290,064 |
| 4 | Lakewood | 1 | 1% | $363,776 |
| 5 | Baltimore | 2 | 0% | $372,631 |
| 6 | Greensboro | 1 | 0% | $268,311 |
| 7 | New York | 1 | 0% | $305,686 |
Thoracic Surgeon job outlook: Expert opinions
We spoke to thoracic surgeon professors and experts from several universities and companies to get their opinions on where the thoracic surgeon job market for recent graduates is heading and how young graduates entering the thoracic surgeon industry can be adequately prepared. Here are their thoughts.
Our panel of thoracic surgeon experts
R
Rajesh Balkrishnan Ph.D.
University of Virginia
R
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Thoracic 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
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Thoracic 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)
Thoracic surgeon jobs
Updated January 22, 2021