The average annual salary among plastic surgeons increased by $302,000 in the last 10 years, according to data from Medscape's "Physician Compensation Report" for 2023 and 2013.
Plastic surgeons earned an average of $317,000 in 2013. In 2023, that figure grew to $619,000 — an increase of 95%. This was the highest 10-year salary increase among 25 specialties, which ranged from the next-highest increase of $185,000 to only $49,000.
Here are three notes on changes in plastic surgeon pay in the last 10 years:
1. Fifty-four percent of all plastic surgeons surveyed in 2023 indicated they feel fairly compensated, compared to 41% in 2013.
2. In 2013, the largest portion of plastic surgeons (28%) reported they spent between 30 and 40 hours a week seeing patients. In 2023, 47% said they are with patients 30 to 40 hours a week.
3. In 2013, 58% percent of plastic surgeons indicated they would choose the same specialty again, if given the chance to go back. In 2023, 74% said they would.