CARDIOTHORACIC SURGEON SALARIES
Cardiothoracic Surgery or Cardiovascular Surgery is a 2-year fellowship affair after completing a Residency in General Surgery, some places even offer further training. While a lot of programs will want you to complete a ACGME accredited (American Council of General Medical Education) residency, some programs even accept International Medical Graduates who have completed general surgery residencies in their home countries. For example the Cardiothoracic Surgery fellowship program at Baylor College of Medicine says:
"Residents and/or practicing surgeons who have completed their general surgery education and desire further education in cardiothoracic surgery may apply. They must have completed their training (or its equivalent) in their home country or be in their final year of training when applying."
So an aspiring physician must be ready spend a total of at least seven to eight years of rigorous hospital hours after medical school to be labeled as a cardiothoracic surgeon in the USA. And boy ! they command big bucks - check these mid-career salary levels at representative cities:
These are averages - some docs have been know to earn more than $800,000/- a year almost flirting with the Million Dollar salary figure.
Having said that, there are about 140 to 150 Fellowship spots for Cardiothoracic surgery in the USA. Life can get real busy with lotsa responsibilities and recruiting firms try to lure away docs to high-paying clients with perks like 3-4 months of vacation a year with loads
of income!
In an interview published online, William E. Cohn, MD of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Dept. of Surgery (Harvard) mentioned this about his career as a cardiac surgeon:
so ....u thinking ? ;-)
If you are an International Medical Graduate (IMG) - Do read US Fellowships Without Residency
The Cardiac Stents, which can be even placed by non-surgical Interventional Cardiologists, have spun down the income for Cardiovascular Surgeons, while boosting the income of the former. This is coz' stents offered a great and less-invasive option for the more feared, invasive bypass surgery. As John O. Goodman notes, salaries for Cardiothoracic surgeons averaged out at $425,000/- in 2006, down from $1.02 million in 1990, after adjusting for inflation. While income for the interventional cardiologists has risen to $550,000 from an inflation-adjusted $392,000 in 1990. However, after a recent evidence on the risk of clotting that stents pose, bypass surgery may come back to mainstream - Read more about this here.
Q. So how long does it take to become a Cardiovascular Surgeon in America ?
A. 5 to 6 years in General Surgery Residency + 2 to 3 Years of Fellowship training in Cardiovascular Surgery = 7 to 9 years, depending on the programs you choose
Search Keywords to this Blog:
- "cardiac surgeon salary"
- "How much does a heart surgeon earn?"
- "physician salaries by specialty"
- "Cocker & Jackson physician"
- "www.physicianssalaries.com"
- "physician salaries united states"
- "how much does a heart surgeon pay"
- 'salaries for heart surgeons in hollywood"
- "how much money thoracic surgeons make"
"Residents and/or practicing surgeons who have completed their general surgery education and desire further education in cardiothoracic surgery may apply. They must have completed their training (or its equivalent) in their home country or be in their final year of training when applying."
So an aspiring physician must be ready spend a total of at least seven to eight years of rigorous hospital hours after medical school to be labeled as a cardiothoracic surgeon in the USA. And boy ! they command big bucks - check these mid-career salary levels at representative cities:
- New York, NY : $507,829/-
- Los Angeles, CA: $485,028/-
- Seattle, WA: $472,862/-
- Miami,FL : $429,728/-
- Houston, TX: $445,461/-
These are averages - some docs have been know to earn more than $800,000/- a year almost flirting with the Million Dollar salary figure.
Having said that, there are about 140 to 150 Fellowship spots for Cardiothoracic surgery in the USA. Life can get real busy with lotsa responsibilities and recruiting firms try to lure away docs to high-paying clients with perks like 3-4 months of vacation a year with loads
of income!In an interview published online, William E. Cohn, MD of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Dept. of Surgery (Harvard) mentioned this about his career as a cardiac surgeon:
"The lows are pretty low, but the highs are incredible. The opportunity to save a life is a wonderful thing."
so ....u thinking ? ;-)
If you are an International Medical Graduate (IMG) - Do read US Fellowships Without Residency
The Cardiac Stents, which can be even placed by non-surgical Interventional Cardiologists, have spun down the income for Cardiovascular Surgeons, while boosting the income of the former. This is coz' stents offered a great and less-invasive option for the more feared, invasive bypass surgery. As John O. Goodman notes, salaries for Cardiothoracic surgeons averaged out at $425,000/- in 2006, down from $1.02 million in 1990, after adjusting for inflation. While income for the interventional cardiologists has risen to $550,000 from an inflation-adjusted $392,000 in 1990. However, after a recent evidence on the risk of clotting that stents pose, bypass surgery may come back to mainstream - Read more about this here.
Q. So how long does it take to become a Cardiovascular Surgeon in America ?
A. 5 to 6 years in General Surgery Residency + 2 to 3 Years of Fellowship training in Cardiovascular Surgery = 7 to 9 years, depending on the programs you choose
Search Keywords to this Blog:
- "cardiac surgeon salary"
- "How much does a heart surgeon earn?"
- "physician salaries by specialty"
- "Cocker & Jackson physician"
- "www.physicianssalaries.com"
- "physician salaries united states"
- "how much does a heart surgeon pay"
- 'salaries for heart surgeons in hollywood"
- "how much money thoracic surgeons make"
Labels: Cardiologist, Cardiology, Surgery

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Comments on "CARDIOTHORACIC SURGEON SALARIES"
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Post Your Comment !To whom it may concern:
I am a intern at Duke University. I am currently studying under a surgeon at Duke Hospital. I make as a intern about $374,000 a year. Working at Duke i have seen doctors that have made up to $1 million a year. these people are considered the best in the world.They studied at a University in Africa. Who would have thought that Africa would have the best school?
To the anonymous comment before about an intern making >300K is an ABSURD LIE!!! I am a Cardiothoracic surgeon it took me 10 years of residency and fellowship to finish, the pay during training is very loww ranging between 27K to 60K as you rise in level of training, its a little higher now with inflation. Im not sure what pleasure the loser above gets from posting lies, but it is pretty pathetic. CT surgery is the best job, go for it if you have the commitment in you!
General Surgery residencies range between 5-6 yrs, CT fellowships between 2-3. In short I'll be 42 before I can call myself a CT surgeon. Would I do it again? In a 'heart beat'. :)
Finally, someone that earns $500K a year and DESERVES it! Compare their profession to the aggressive business development/sales professional or the investment fund manager; important jobs, yes, but not life saving importance.
Regarding the first poster that claims to be a high paid intern at Duke: here is the link to the Duke faculty, and there isn't a single one with any training from "a University in Africa". No credibility to his posting.
http://cardio.surgery.duke.edu/modules/div_sgy_cardio_fac/index.php?id=1
im doin a project bout cardiac surgeon.so anyone who knoe bout it...please help me!!
hello i have completed my residency of 3 yrs in general surgery and 1 yr pos m.s. experience in india//
how can i get admissioin in some fellowship programe in us can any one guide me out//??
It's crazy that someone would earn $300k as an intern. what a job. if I could earn that as a 3rd year Cardiothoracic Fellow at Hopkins, I would just stay an intern for the rest of my life. I'm making $67,000 before taxes after 8 years of training....so please!!!!!
Hi,
I just graduated high school at 16, and I would love to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. however, I want to become a specialist first and start working while I continue to a surgeon. Does any one know exactly how long that will take? And also wheather I can start med school at 21 years old?
Thanks
Quick question. Can anybody post a link, or tell me what spinal surgeons make? Only place I can find out about them is from some archives, and some site saying they make 80k, ridiculous. So does anybody know?
Thanks
Yeah! I have a link to information on SS salaries, actually to a list of SS direct salaries pre-tax.
But this is a CT post. I can send you the link privately if you post your email address (hope that's not too wacky sounding but I don't want everyone to know)
sure, its a.smelgus10@gmail.com.
thnx
what is the best school for a high school stundent go to in order to be a cardiothoracic surgeon. I mean colleges. And what sould I major in and what sould my MD degree say.
Cardiothoracic Surgery or Cardiovascular Surgery is a 2-year fellowship affair after completing a Residency in General Surgery, some places even offer further training. While a lot of programs will want you to complete a ACGME accredited (American Council of General Medical Education) residency, some programs even accept International Medical Graduates who have completed general surgery residencies in their home countries. For example the Cardiothoracic Surgery fellowship program at Baylor College of Medicine says:
Sorry but when i click this link it shows something different. so what is reality
I have now included the right link above in the article..thanks :)
IM SPECIALIST CARDIAC SURGEON FROM 1994 AFTER 8 YEARS TRAINING AT THE BIG HOSPITAL 14-18 HOURS DAILY AND I OPERATE AND ASSIST 5000 OPERATIONS PRIVATE HOSPITAL ATHENSIN CARDIAC SURGERY(CABG-VALVES-ANEURYSMS-TRANSPLANTATIONS) I CAN USE AMBIDEXTROS AND I APPLY FOR AJOB IN N.H.S.GREECE FOR 2.500 US ANNUAL.THIS IS THE CONDITION IN GREECE.ANY BODY HEAR ME.
Dear Digital doc thanks for replying
but question is that which programs offer direct fellowship to IMG without residency in cardiac surgery? If u can provide this information it would be great help.
Congrates for your Good work.
regards
dr. khanna
I am an undergrad student and i am wondering what would be the best subject to major in and which medical school would be the best to attend to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.
If you are in college and want to go to med. school, DO NOT MAJOR IN A TRADITION SCIENCE!!! You will not stand out, consider getting a BSN (Bachelor Science in Nursing). I got into one on the top schools in the nation for BSN (Texas Woman's University), around Dallas TWU grads get top pick at everything. You will not get into TWU nursing without a 3.8. It is competetive. I have taken every traditional science they offer as part of my degree (Physics, Chem, A/P, Patho) but I also get clinical experience at hospitals. As a nursing student you get to do foley caths., starting IV lines, etc.
How many Biology student do you know that could start an IV?
It just a consideration.
Hi
I am a high school student graduating at 18. i plan on gouing to school to become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon i was wondering if anyone can give me any type of info on how to reach my goal.
Hi
I am a high school student graduating at 18. i plan on gouing to school to become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon i was wondering if anyone can give me any type of info on how to reach my goal.
In response to the above comment: do NOT get a BSN before going to medical school. It may have worked for you, but you got lucky. The US is short on nurses right now and you shouldn't take a spot in a medical program you won't work in. Most admissions committees feel the same way and don't want to scavenge professionals from other medical fields.
Just major in something you enjoy and keep a high GPA. Do well on the MCAT, and volunteer. That's really all there is to it. Regardless of the spin they like to put on it, ADCOMS are looking at
1. Your MCAT score
2. Your GPA
3. Volunteerism/Extracurriculars/Research/ETC
hi i want to be a cardiottharic surgeon i am aboy from barbados and i am interested in becoming one. is it possible to be one before 30 also i would like to work for 400000 a year please tell me where would be the best for me to study
Hi i'm currently a freshman undergrad or premed student and i'd like to specialize is pediatric cardiac surgery. i'm not in it for the money at all but i am curious to know how much a pediatric cardiac surgeon makes a year on average and what would be about an average they'd have to pay in Medical Liability Insurance? P.S.- it'd be nice to get an answer from someone who actually is a surgeon so as not to have someone guess.
People that are planning on being doctors or claim to be one should know how to spell and use proper syntax.
Frankly speaking dont become a cardiac surgeon,I am trained in the Ivy league university and have no job still after 1 year.Cardiology has taken it all away.
I am currently 17, and graduating in about a year-and lives in Florida. I am intersted in having a job as a Thoracic Surgeon, but am lost on where to start.
My G.P.A. is about a 3.5, and I plan to take it higher-I hear UF is a good college-but is very selective.
I also plan to have two years in a community college-to jumpstart my resume.
What majors would you have to have? Math? Biology? (I have taken biology honors in 9th grade-it was okay)
And lastly, those of you who are doctors, do you enjoy your job, and how are the average hours a week?
Hi i am a final year med student studying abroad...I was curious to know that if one was able to complete a course in CT surgery...would they afterwards be able to do a fellow in interventional cardiology??
DO i have this right? Lets say I do my Pre-med at UMCP, and then DO my Medical at School of Medicine in Baltimore. Then i have to do a 5-6 year general surgery residency at a hospital. Than another 2-3 Cardiovascular Fellowship? Will this make me a Qualified Cardiovascular Surgeon?
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/358/4/331 <--- If you've lived in a hole or just haven't heard of this... huge!!!
hi i am currriently in high school i have good grades and i was wondering what my gpa should be if i would likr to be a caridothorastic surgeon. also i was wondering how long it takes to become a pediatric cardiothorastic surgeon?
-thanks
Seriously. Enough with the same question over and over. "I'm in high school and I want to be a cardiothoracic surgeon....how do I do it".
WORK HARD! If you have a low GPA now, you better figure out how to improve it becuase it will only get harder - much harder. High school was a complete joke compared to college and college was an even bigger joke compared to medical school. If you're in it for the money you will never make it. You must be willing to make a lot of sacrifice. Medical school is hell and you must do very well to earn a competetive residency. I am a 3rd year medical student (AOA hopeful) who graduated with honors with an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science.
I know I sound like a Debbie Downer, but I'm not going to sugar coat it for you guys. I can't help but be cynical when I hear people speak of how they want to "be a doctor" since over 95% of the people I know that said that are now working in a cubicle or lab somewhere. Just when you get to the top of a mountain there will be another mountain range in sight to conquer. It's all about endurance and hard work. If you want it badly you will make it - isn't that the kind of physician you would like to have?
Stop looking at the final mountain and set your sights on the the one in front of you. As soon as you get to college go to your professional school advisor and they can help you out.
hi im now 19 i was a human biology student for a year but i shifted to BSN and now an upcoming 2nd year BSN student...
do you think what i did was a wise decision and if i would take up residency here in my country getting high grades would i easily get a spot in a CT fellowship??...
is the fellowship offered free or they have to deduct some amount of money from the salary we would earn?
what are the requirement if i want to take a CT fellowship program cause im a student from a different country?
i was wondering if CT's salary is around 300-500k a year is tax already deducted from it? and may i know the monthly income of a CT surgeon or basically a graduate of resident with a major of cardiac surgeon?
I read your post and I am a little upset. I do not have my BSN and I am a biology student. I am planning on becoming a CT surgeon in some years to come; however nurses are not the only ones who can start IV's. In fact you cannot intubate, perform needle thoracotomies, cricothyrotomies, or administer medications off-line and use RSI protocols. Nurses are fantastic, but what is wrong with paramedics as well?
Hello!
If this has not been said enough, the first post about an intern making $300,000/an. is a liar.
Cardiothoracic surgery is an amazing field filled with monumental tasks and low points, but the rewards are countless. Pay is wonderful, the amount of lives you save is incredible, and at the end of the day you can look at yourself ask: "How many people get to do what I do? How many people are allowed to stop a heart, operate on it, start it again, and have the patient wake up and in better health?"
How amazing.
Great field. Considering it?...
Try your hardest throughout high school, undergraduate, medical school, and GS residency... you'll make it.
is it worth it?
so did u guys pay your own fees or it was scholarships
I am not a doctor, just a 10 week post op quadruple by-pass. If my doctor makes $500K, more power to him. I hope he makes more.
Anyone smart and driven enough to become a cardiac surgeon could be making millions upon millions more in business. And these surgeons survived years of working for less than janitors as residents. Thank you to all those who have succeeded in this field.
Can I get a bit of advice?
I'm an ambitious college kid. I'm a sophomore at ColumbiaU with a 3.8 gpa. I've been involved in a clinical paying position for the past 10 months. I'm going to Central America to help young kids this winter. And over the summer I plan on getting some research position. I'm president of a society as well as involved in a few others. I'm very sociable and very smart (I skipped two grades of high school). I'm going for two pre-medical school degrees. One in biology and the second in biomedical engineering. My life goal is to make innovative progress in nanomedicine and hopefully save so many lives. So I'm driven to get into a PhD MD program at Harvard Med.
I assume I've got a straight chance at getting in. I want to know if I'm right. (I apologize for all that in your face I'm so bright background, but it was necessary).
Also, currently life is very tough and competitive here. My classes aren't per say overly challenging, but the stress to do perfect and not slack is crazy. Is med-school really on a whole new level of stress? (I mean I won't have to be involved in loads of extra curricular activities at that point = more time = less stress). Or is it just harder class-wise?
Premed,
Would you really ask if you didn't already know the answer? I'm guessing not. Good luck to you. I have to say I wouldn't want someone like you as a friend, but I sure wouldn't turn you down as my surgeon. Just remember you need to take care of your own heart and that means your stress level. You can achieve all the things you currently do without stress. Think about your whole life and not the details so often. Why save a life? Why is it important for you to be one who saves lives? Is it important that others know your contributions? I trust all professionals at some point along the way have answered these and even more thought provoking questions. Just make sure that you try and answer your own questions before you're maxed out.
hey people. i am doing my rsidency prigram in general surgery in hungary. can i specialise in cardiac surgey in america
Hey! I'm 18 and leaving high school. I have always wanted to be a cardiothoracic surgeon. I have a few questions...
- Including EVERYTHING, how many years will it take to officially be a CT surgeon?
- What does Haravrd Med. look for?
- To get into Harvard Med., what does your GPA have to be around?
- Do they get weekends off?
- Vacations?
And last but not least... PLEASE!!! I don't want some random kid to answere these questions. I want someone who actually knows what they are talking about!
Thanks for evreything!!!
Hi I am in fifth grade and have to do a project on cardithoracic surgeons, can anyone help me?
I need a three paragraph paper.
Thank you to those of you who save lives everyday!
hello,
I am three years old and interested in becoming a cardiovascular surgeon. I was just wondering what you all think my chances are... My IQ is 200, I'm a chess Grand Master, I have a 4.0 GPA, have done extensive cancer research and am currently developing a tentative cure. I'm dual-enrolling at both Harvard and Yale, and am triple majoring in biology, chemistry, and the classics.
Do I have even a little chance of "making it"? My only experience with surgery is the triple bypass I performed on an injured man stranded in a broken down bus. Please give me some hope!
Sincerely,
Annoying I'm-a-smart-medschool-shoe-in-but-my-self-confidence-remains-incredibly-low-so-I-post-here-for-validation guy
Everything included (i.e. college, medical school, residency, fellowship) will take at minimum 15 years post high school.
4 years of undergrad
4 years of medical school
5 years of GS residency
2 years of CT residency/fellowship
Recommendations, GPA, extracurriculars, and life-exprience are factors that will help, but the primary factor is the MCAT score. Obviously, the higher the score, the better, and if your score is good, they look at other factors to determine your admission.
While Harvard Med is an easily recognized medical school, it's not the best, at least not in primary care. There are medical schools that specialize in two types: medical research and primary care. While Harvard Med is the number 1 in medical research, it's only 15 in primary care. Historically, public university med schools have been the best in primary care, namely U-Dub as the number 1 medical school for the past 15 consecutive years.
If you're acccepted, study really hard because you're 2nd year of medical school will determine your residencies (medical or surgical). At the mid to end of your 2nd year, you'll take your first USMLE exame (Steps 1, 2, and 3); you have score at least a 230 in your Steps 1 to qualify for a GS-residency. Obviously, the higher the score, the better.
During your fourth year of med school, your advisors will let you know about Match Day. Match Day is this giant selection process that will determine your teaching hospital. It's a rather complex process, but the oversimplified version of it is you enter your residency program selections into this database and then the residency programs choose their candidates. Those that "match" up will be given the opportunity to elect that residency. While the name of the med school will help in the selection process, it will ultimately come from your Steps 1 score.
At then end of the 4th year of med school, you'll take the Steps 2 exam of the USMLE that'll grant you a limited restricted license to practice on patients.
Once you begin GS-residency, your first year is deemed your intern year. You'll be under the direct supervision of an assigned GS-resident and round on several surgical specialities under the general supervision of surgical attendings. Study hard, work hard, cause at the end of your intern year, you'll take Steps 3 of the USMLE. This may or may not serve as your intern test that'll move you into 2nd-year GS resident level. This will also upgrade your license to an unrestricted license that allows unsupervised practice on patients.
Another 4 years of GS can qualify you to take the ABS, which board-certifies you as a general surgeon. It's not a requirement, but board-certs recognize your skills and knowledge as a general surgeon. This also qualifies you to be a fellow in the ACS, which upon examination and admission to the ACS, can grant you post-nominal letters additional to your M.D. (F.A.C.S.)
After your 5th year, you can elect CT as a fellowship or another residency depending on the program. After you complete the fellowship/residency, you're recognized as a CT-surgeon. You are also eligble to be board-certified by the ABTS (American Board of Thoracic Surgery).
That's the summary to be come a CT-surgeon.
i have always wanted to be a CT i have a 3.8 gpa....can i do it????????????