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Careers/Surgery

Surgery Careers

Surgeons, surgical technologists, perioperative nurses — every role in the operating theatre.

The operating theatre is a team sport. Surgeons drive the case but rely on surgical technologists, anesthesia, perioperative nursing, and recovery staff to make the procedure work. Each role has its own training arc.

14 careers in this collection

Compare every surgical-track career — from years-long surgeon residencies to faster-entry roles in surgical tech and perioperative support. Salary, training length, and autonomy differ by an order of magnitude across the team.
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Neurosurgeon

Perform surgery on the brain, spine, and nervous system

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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Perform surgery and related procedures on the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions to treat diseases, injuries, or defects.

$239,200+ median
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Oral Surgeon

Perform surgical procedures of the mouth, jaws, and face

$239,200+ median
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Orthopedic Surgeon

Perform surgery on bones, joints, and soft tissue

$239,200+ median
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Orthopedic Surgeons

Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and prevent rheumatic and other diseases in the musculoskeletal system.

$239,200+ median
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Pediatric Surgeons

Diagnose and perform surgery to treat fetal abnormalities and birth defects, diseases, and injuries in fetuses, premature and newborn infants, children, and adolescents.

$239,200+ median
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Plastic Surgeon

Perform reconstructive and cosmetic surgery

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Surgeons

All surgeons not listed separately.

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Surgical Oncologist

Perform cancer surgery across organ systems

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Pediatric Surgeon

Perform surgery on infants and children

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Veterinary Surgeon (Specialist)

Perform specialty veterinary surgery

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Surgical Technologist

Prepare operating rooms and assist surgeons

$60,610 median
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Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel.

$60,610 median
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Surgical Assistants

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons.

$59,160 median

Median annual wage figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023, for the occupation each career is classified under. Careers with no published federal figure show none.

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