Vascular surgeon vs cardiothoracic surgeon

The differences between vascular surgeons and cardiothoracic 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 vascular surgeon and a cardiothoracic surgeon. Additionally, a cardiothoracic surgeon has an average salary of $409,035, which is higher than the $324,217 average annual salary of a vascular surgeon.

The top three skills for a vascular surgeon include patients, patient care and private practice. The most important skills for a cardiothoracic surgeon are private practice, surgical procedures, and MRI.

Vascular surgeon vs cardiothoracic surgeon overview

	Vascular Surgeon	Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Yearly salary	$324,217	$409,035
Hourly rate	$155.87	$196.65
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	20,391	3,612
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 25%	Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Average age	49	49
Years of experience	6	6

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.

What does a cardiothoracic surgeon do?

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.

Vascular surgeon vs cardiothoracic surgeon salary

Vascular surgeons and cardiothoracic surgeons have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Vascular Surgeon	Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Average salary	$324,217	$409,035
Salary range	Between $169,000 And $619,000	Between $205,000 And $813,000
Highest paying City	Eau Claire, WI	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	Maine	Michigan
Best paying company	Yuma Regional Medical Center	Allina Health
Best paying industry	Health Care	Health Care

Differences between vascular surgeon and cardiothoracic surgeon education

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

	Vascular Surgeon	Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 25%	Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Most common major	Medicine	Nursing
Most common college	Duke University	University of Pennsylvania

Vascular surgeon vs cardiothoracic surgeon demographics

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

	Vascular Surgeon	Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Average age	49	49
Gender ratio	Male, 33.0% Female, 67.0%	Male, 58.1% Female, 41.9%
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 vascular surgeon and cardiothoracic surgeon duties and responsibilities

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.

Cardiothoracic surgeon example responsibilities.

Manage all incoming medical records requests (ensuring office is within HIPPA guidelines).
Coordinate with patients and medical staff at civilian and military treatment facilities to schedule medical appointments and retrieve medical documentation.
Observe fracture plating, skin grafting, wind cleaning, amputation, and other Orthopaedic surgeries.

Vascular surgeon vs cardiothoracic surgeon skills

Common vascular surgeon skills

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

Common cardiothoracic surgeon skills

Private Practice, 38%
Surgical Procedures, 28%
MRI, 19%
Post-Operative Care, 7%
Chest Tubes, 7%
Direct Care, 2%

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Vascular Surgeon
Vascular Surgeon vs Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Updated January 8, 2025

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