Is Plastic Surgery a Good Career in 2026?
Reconstructing and enhancing form and function through surgical and non-surgical techniques.
Based on 67 verified physician submissions + BLS employment projections
Plastic Surgery Compensation at a Glance
Plastic Surgery Compensation
$750,000
$710,000 – $890,000(P25–P75)
Career Score Breakdown
SalaryDr Career Intelligence
Based on 67 verified physician submissions + BLS employment projections
Score Breakdown
Demand score powered by BLS Employment Projections (2024-2034): 3.9% projected growth (as fast as average)
AI & Automation Impact
AI & Automation Impact
Aesthetic judgment and microsurgical skill are uniquely human. AI helps patients visualize outcomes but cannot perform the surgery.
Best States for Plastic Surgery Physicians (After Tax)
| State | Median Salary | After-Tax Income | Demand Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $1,215,000(4) | $1,215,000 | Very High(24,080 jobs) |
| Iowa | $900,000(2) | $865,800 | Low(220 jobs) |
| Colorado | $900,000(2) | $860,400 | Moderate(550 jobs) |
| Washington | $800,000(2) | $800,000 | Moderate(820 jobs) |
| Massachusetts | $780,000(9) | $741,000 | Moderate(540 jobs) |
Take-Home Pay by State
How much a Plastic Surgery physician actually keeps after federal, state, and FICA taxes
Highest Take-Home States
Lowest Take-Home States
Tax impact: A Plastic Surgery physician keeps $404,369 more per year in Alaska vs. Texas — a 53.9% difference on gross income of $750,000.
Assumes single filer, standard deduction, W-2 employment. State rates from Tax Foundation 2025. Gross salaries from BLS OEWS May 2024. FICA includes Social Security (6.2% up to $168,600) and Medicare (1.45% + 0.9% above $200K). Actual take-home varies with deductions, filing status, and local taxes.
Career Reality: By the Numbers
Real data from 67 verified Plastic Surgery physicians — not job board estimates.
Employment Growth Trajectory
BLS projects 3.9% growth for Plastic Surgery (2024-2034), as fast as average. Approximately 900 new positions expected.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034. Employment includes both wage/salary and self-employed physicians.
What Physicians Actually Say
Thematic analysis of career insights from Plastic Surgery physicians. Based on 7 anonymized responses.
About the Career (3 responses)
Intellectual Stimulation
33%1 physician mentioned this
“Fun cases, challenging, great patients”— Private Practice, 7 yrs
Compensation
33%1 physician mentioned this
“Still employed so taking smaller total compensation than when I buy in.”— Private Practice, 3 yrs
About the Lifestyle (4 responses)
Predictable Schedule
75%3 physicians mentioned this
“Predictable clinic. OR time slightly less predictable but easy to estimate. I’m in private practice so I take as much time off as I want. Can spend lots of time with my kids.”— Private Practice, 7 yrs
“Very good. 4.5 days per week. 2 surgery usually 7:30-4 and 2.5 clinic 9-5 or 9-1”— Private Practice, 3 yrs
Family Time
25%1 physician mentioned this
“Predictable clinic. OR time slightly less predictable but easy to estimate. I’m in private practice so I take as much time off as I want. Can spend lots of time with my kids.”— Private Practice, 7 yrs
Call Impact
25%1 physician mentioned this
“Busy but predictable schedule for the most part call not excessive”— Hospital Employed, 11 yrs
Take the Next Step in Your Plastic Surgery Career
Real compensation data from verified physicians. Know your market value before your next contract negotiation.
Powered by SalaryDr Career Intelligence
Training Path
6 years of post-medical-school training, with subspecialty fellowship options
Subspecialty Fellowships
Explore Plastic Surgery
Career Score methodology: salarydr.com/methodology