As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cosmetic Surgeon in the United States is $417,702 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $201.
However, a Cosmetic Surgeon's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cosmetic 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 Cosmetic 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 Cosmetic Surgeon | $410,315 |
| Intermediate Level Cosmetic Surgeon | $413,393 |
| Senior Level Cosmetic Surgeon | $416,471 |
| Specialist Level Cosmetic Surgeon | $420,780 |
| Expert Level Cosmetic Surgeon | $431,504 |
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 Cosmetic Surgeons. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 7.63% |
| HIPAA | 3.58% |
| Clinical Practice | 2.12% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Cardiac
|
$426,056 |
2%
|
|
Acute Care
|
$421,879 |
1%
|
|
Leadership
|
$421,879 |
1%
|
|
Clinical Care
|
$421,879 |
1%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$421,879 |
1%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$421,879 |
1%
|
For Cosmetic Surgeon roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Cosmetic Surgeon positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cosmetic Surgeon as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $626,553 | $301.0 | 50% |
| Biotechnology | $501,242 | $241.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Cosmetic 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 Cosmetic Surgeon with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $426,717 and $469,108).
Cosmetic Surgeon Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.4% |
| High School | 4.3% |
| Associates | 2.1% |
| Bachelors | 2.1% |
| Masters | 5.0% |
| Doctorate | 87.1% |
Understanding how a Cosmetic 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Cosmetic Surgeon can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $225,404 in 2023 to around $220,348 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cosmetic Surgeon salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $225,404 |
| 2024 | $230,759 |
| 2025 | $220,348 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Cosmetic Surgeon roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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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