As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Heart Transplant Surgeon in the United States is $685,260 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $329.
However, a Heart Transplant Surgeon's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Heart Transplant 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 Heart Transplant 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 Heart Transplant Surgeon | $658,860 |
| Intermediate Level Heart Transplant Surgeon | $663,749 |
| Senior Level Heart Transplant Surgeon | $670,594 |
| Specialist Level Heart Transplant Surgeon | $714,493 |
| Expert Level Heart Transplant Surgeon | $736,417 |
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 Heart Transplant Surgeons. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.09% |
| Acute Care | 4.4% |
| Medical Education | 3.02% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Communication Skills
|
$863,428 |
26%
|
|
Dedication
|
$822,312 |
20%
|
|
Geriatrics
|
$822,312 |
20%
|
|
Internal Medicine
|
$808,607 |
18%
|
|
Radiology
|
$767,491 |
12%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$767,491 |
12%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Heart Transplant 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 Heart Transplant Surgeon with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $648,835 and $753,288).
Heart Transplant Surgeon Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.0% |
| High School | 3.0% |
| Associates | 90.9% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 6.1% |
| Doctorate | 90.9% |
Understanding how a Heart Transplant 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Heart Transplant 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 Heart Transplant 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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A heart transplant surgeon is known as a cardiothoracic surgeon. This specialist performs surgeries on the heart, lungs, and esophagus, addressing conditions such as heart valve replacements and heart transplants. The salary for a heart transplant surgeon ranges from approximately $459,880 to $861,700, with a median salary of around $712,290.
Yes, surgeons can make over $500,000 a year. For heart transplant surgeons, the salary ranges from a minimum of $459,880 to a mid-range of $712,290, with a maximum salary reaching $861,700. This indicates that many surgeons in this specialty earn well above the $500,000 mark annually.
Becoming a heart transplant surgeon requires extensive education and training, typically taking at least 15 years. Those specializing further may spend over 20 years in training. In terms of compensation, heart transplant surgeons earn a minimum salary of $459,880, a mid-range salary of $712,290, and a maximum salary of $861,700.
Lungs are considered the hardest organ to transplant due to their vulnerability to infections and potential damage during recovery. This complexity is reflected in the high salaries of specialists in the field, with Heart Transplant Surgeons earning between $459,880 and $861,700, highlighting the expertise required for such intricate procedures.
The highest salary for a Heart Transplant Surgeon in the US can reach up to USD 861,700 annually. The average salary typically falls around USD 712,290, while the minimum salary starts at USD 459,880. This positions Heart Transplant Surgeons among the top earners in the medical field.
Heart transplant surgeons earn substantial salaries, with a minimum of $459,880, a mid-range salary of $712,290, and a maximum of $861,700. While neurosurgeons are often considered the highest-paid surgeons, heart transplant surgeons also command impressive compensation, making the comparison nuanced and dependent on specific circumstances.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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