As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cardiothoracic Surgeon in the United States is $518,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $249.
However, a Cardiothoracic Surgeon's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cardiothoracic Surgeon's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cardiothoracic Surgeon's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Cardiothoracic Surgeon | $498,030 |
| Intermediate Level Cardiothoracic Surgeon | $501,784 |
| Senior Level Cardiothoracic Surgeon | $520,518 |
| Specialist Level Cardiothoracic Surgeon | $551,569 |
| Expert Level Cardiothoracic Surgeon | $557,113 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cardiothoracic Surgeons. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 3.09% |
| Acute Care | 4.94% |
| Anesthesia | 3.09% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Effective Communication
|
$621,960 |
20%
|
|
Service Excellence
|
$564,947 |
9%
|
|
Empathy
|
$554,581 |
7%
|
|
Team Building
|
$554,581 |
7%
|
|
Oncology
|
$533,849 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$528,666 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Cardiothoracic Surgeons enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Cardiothoracic Surgeon with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $504,637 and $572,067).
Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.6% |
| High School | 2.5% |
| Associates | 0.8% |
| Bachelors | 0.8% |
| Masters | 2.5% |
| Doctorate | 92.6% |
Understanding how a Cardiothoracic Surgeon's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Salaries for a Cardiothoracic Surgeon can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $231,993 in 2023 to around $226,789 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cardiothoracic Surgeon salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $231,993 |
| 2024 | $237,504 |
| 2025 | $226,789 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Heart surgeons, or cardiothoracic surgeons, earn high salaries due to their extensive training and the complexity of their work. The average salary ranges from $428,000 to $669,300, with a mid-salary of $533,900. Factors like state economies, healthcare facility availability, and local demand for medical services also influence their earnings significantly.
The US is among the highest-paying countries for Cardiothoracic Surgeons, with salaries ranging from $428,000 to $669,300. The median salary is approximately $533,900. Other countries like Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and Switzerland also offer competitive compensation, but the US remains a top choice for high earnings in this field.
The highest salary for a cardiothoracic surgeon in the US can reach up to approximately USD 669,300 annually. The average salary typically falls around USD 533,900, while the minimum is about USD 428,000. This places cardiothoracic surgeons among the top earners in the medical field.
While many high-paying jobs exist, a Cardiothoracic Surgeon stands out with a salary range from $428,000 to $669,300, depending on experience and location. This role involves performing complex surgeries on the heart and chest, requiring extensive training and expertise, making it one of the most lucrative professions in the medical field.
Becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon requires extensive education and training, typically taking at least 15 years. For those specializing further, it may exceed 20 years. In terms of compensation, cardiothoracic surgeons earn a minimum salary of $428,000, a mid-range salary of $533,900, and can earn up to $669,300 annually.
How much does a Cardiothoracic Surgeon make? Based on recent data, the salary for a Cardiothoracic Surgeon in the USA ranges from $428,000 to $669,300 annually, with a median salary of $533,900. This translates to approximately $205.77 to $321.63 per hour, or $8,500 to $13,900 per week.
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