Is Thoracic Surgery Worth It? 2025 Salary, Education Costs & Residency Truths


💵 Annual Salary in the USA

Data from various reliable sources shows significant variation based on experience and geography:

  • Minimum (10th percentile): ~$217,000/year 

  • Median: ~$397,000 - $437,000/year 

  • Average reported: $810,900/year (Society of Thoracic Surgeons); $511,630/year (primary thoracic surgery) 

  • Maximum (Top earners): $550,000 - $880,000+ in specialized or high-cost regions 

  • Hourly perspective: Median wage roughly $137/hr, with 90th percentile ~ $174/hr ($362k/year)

🎯 What They Do

Thoracic Surgeons—also known as Cardiothoracic Surgeons—are specialized surgeons who operate on the organs inside the chest, including the heart, lungs, esophagus, and major blood vessels. Their typical duties include:

  • Performing open or minimally invasive surgeries for coronary artery disease, valve repair/replacement, lung resections, and esophageal disorders

  • Managing trauma or congenital anomalies in thoracic structures

  • Conducting preoperative evaluations and postoperative care

  • Collaborating with cardiac teams to treat complex cases like heart transplant or ventricular assist device implantation 

🎓 Education & Training Path

  1. Bachelor’s degree (4 years, pre-med emphasis)

  2. Medical school (MD/DO) – 4 years

  3. General surgery residency – 5 years

  4. Thoracic surgery fellowship or integrated pathway – 2–3 years (total of 7–8 years in thoracic training) 

Total post-undergraduate training: 13–15 years

📜 Certification

  • American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS): Achieved via completing accredited training, passing written/oral exams 

  • Maintenance of Certification (MOC): Involves continuing education and CME (150 hours every 5 years) 

  • Fellowship with the American College of Surgeons (FACS) is an additional credential demonstrating professional excellence

🏛️ Licensing

  • Medical license required in every U.S. state

  • Exams: USMLE (MD) or COMLEX (DO) Steps 1–3 

  • Board certification is not legally mandatory but essential for hospital privileges and insurance participation

📈 Job Outlook & Career Insights

  • Compensation places Thoracic Surgeons among the highest in medicine—regular top-earners listed among top 3 surgical specialties 

  • Geographic variance: Highest pay often in regions like Minnesota, California, Virginia, and New Hampshire 

  • Work intensity: Involves demanding schedules, emergency surgeries, and high stakes, but also offers immense clinical impact and financial reward

✅ Final Takeaway

Becoming a Thoracic Surgeon demands over 13 years of rigorous training with specialization in chest and cardiac surgeries.

  • Salary: $217k at entry, typical $400k - $810k, with top earners exceeding $800k

  • Training: 4 years college + 4 med school + 7–8 years residency/fellowship

  • Certification: ABTS board certification and MOC; optional FACS

  • Licensing: State medical license via USMLE/COMLEX
    It’s a path that combines professional prestige, surgical expertise, and exceptional financial opportunity.