Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specialized dentists who treat diseases, injuries, and defects involving the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. They perform complex surgical procedures to improve function and appearance. But how much do oral and maxillofacial surgeons make? Let’s delve into the details of their earnings, exploring national averages, industry variations, and geographical influences.
National Salary Estimates for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
According to the latest Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2023), the national average salary for oral and maxillofacial surgeons is significant, reflecting their specialized skills and extensive training.
- Employment: Approximately 4,160 oral and maxillofacial surgeons are employed in the United States.
- Mean Hourly Wage: $160.73
- Mean Annual Wage: $334,310
- Wage RSE: 5.7%
These figures provide a general overview, but it’s important to consider the range of salaries within the profession. The percentile wage estimates offer further insights:
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | 50% (Median) | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $42.34 | $102.07 | >= $115.00 | >= $115.00 | >= $115.00 |
| Annual Wage | $88,060 | $212,300 | >= $239,200 | >= $239,200 | >= $239,200 |
This shows a considerable range, with the top earners making significantly more than the average. Factors such as experience, location, and type of practice contribute to these differences.
Salary Variations by Industry
Where an oral and maxillofacial surgeon works significantly impacts their earning potential. Here’s a breakdown of the industries with the highest employment and wages for this occupation:
| Industry | Employment | Percent of Industry Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offices of Dentists | 3,540 | 0.35 | $168.90 | $351,320 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 260 | 0.00 | $125.10 | $260,200 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 30 | 0.00 | $98.41 | $204,700 |
As the data shows, “Offices of Dentists” not only employ the most oral and maxillofacial surgeons but also offer the highest average salaries. This is likely due to the specialized nature of these practices and the high demand for their services.
Geographic Influences on Salary
Location plays a crucial role in determining the salary of oral and maxillofacial surgeons. States with higher costs of living or greater demand for specialized medical services tend to offer higher compensation.
Here’s a look at the top-paying states for oral and maxillofacial surgeons:
| State | Employment | Employment per Thousand Jobs | Location Quotient | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 150 | 0.03 | 1.17 | $173.79 | $361,480 |
| Massachusetts | 480 | 0.13 | 4.80 | $166.75 | $346,840 |
| South Dakota | 70 | 0.16 | 5.89 | $147.61 | $307,030 |
| New York | 360 | 0.04 | 1.41 | $140.93 | $293,130 |
| Iowa | 140 | 0.09 | 3.29 | $143.66 | $298,800 |
It’s interesting to note that while some states like Massachusetts have high employment levels and location quotients, others like North Carolina offer higher average wages despite lower employment numbers.
Examining metropolitan areas provides even more granular data:
| Metropolitan Area | Employment | Employment per Thousand Jobs | Location Quotient | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 50 | 0.04 | 1.51 | $179.17 | $372,680 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | N/A | N/A | N/A | $184.73 | $384,240 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 420 | 0.15 | 5.51 | $172.75 | $359,330 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 270 | 0.03 | 1.05 | $140.93 | $293,130 |
Metropolitan areas like Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC, and Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH, stand out for both high employment and competitive wages.
Factors Influencing Earning Potential
Several factors can influence how much an oral and maxillofacial surgeon makes:
- Experience: As with most professions, experience plays a significant role. Surgeons with more years of practice often command higher salaries.
- Specialization: Some surgeons may choose to specialize in specific areas, such as reconstructive surgery or TMJ disorders, which can increase their earning potential.
- Education and Training: Completing fellowships or additional training programs can enhance a surgeon’s skills and marketability.
- Practice Setting: Whether a surgeon works in a private practice, hospital, or academic institution can affect their salary.
- Location: As demonstrated above, geographic location is a major determinant of salary.
The Path to Becoming an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Becoming an oral and maxillofacial surgeon requires extensive education and training:
- Bachelor’s Degree: A four-year bachelor’s degree is the first step.
- Dental School: Completion of a four-year dental school program.
- Residency: A four- to six-year residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
- Licensure: Obtain the necessary licenses to practice in their state.
- Certification: Board certification is often pursued to demonstrate expertise.
This rigorous path reflects the complexity and responsibility of the profession, justifying the high earning potential.
Conclusion: Is a Career as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Worth It?
So, how much do oral and maxillofacial surgeons make? The data clearly indicates that this is a high-paying profession. The mean annual wage of $334,310, coupled with the potential for even higher earnings based on location, experience, and specialization, makes it an attractive career choice.
However, the financial rewards are accompanied by significant challenges, including years of demanding education and training. Ultimately, the decision to pursue this career path depends on individual interests, skills, and dedication to the field. If you are passionate about surgery, have a strong aptitude for science, and are committed to helping patients improve their oral and facial health, then a career as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon may be an excellent fit.
