Is Plastic Surgery a Good Career in 2026?
Reconstructing and enhancing form and function through surgical and non-surgical techniques.
Based on BLS employment data and national physician surveys
SalaryDr Career Intelligence
Based on BLS employment data and national physician surveys
* Limited data — score may shift as more physicians contribute
Score Breakdown
Demand score powered by BLS Employment Projections (2024-2034): 3.9% projected growth (as fast as average)
Plastic Surgery Compensation & Earnings
Best States for Plastic Surgery Physicians (After Tax)
| State | BLS Median | After-Tax Income | Demand Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $556,400 | $544,159 | Low(140 jobs) |
| Louisiana | $544,450 | $521,583 | Limited(90 jobs) |
| Ohio | $505,370 | $488,693 | Moderate(960 jobs) |
| Michigan | $498,340 | $477,161 | Moderate(530 jobs) |
| Wisconsin | $478,880 | $445,358 | Moderate(730 jobs) |
Estimate Your Take-Home
Based on median Plastic Surgery salary of $371K/yr
Select a state to see your estimated take-home pay
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 $273,357 more per year in North Dakota vs. Texas — a 73.6% difference on gross income of $371,280.
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 Lifestyle
Job Market & Future Outlook
Job Market Outlook
BLS Employment Projections (2024-2034) for Plastic Surgery
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034. Includes wage/salary and self-employed physicians.
AI & Automation Impact
Aesthetic judgment and microsurgical skill are uniquely human. AI helps patients visualize outcomes but cannot perform the surgery.
How Hard Is It to Match Into Plastic Surgery?
Plastic Surgery is one of the most competitive specialties to match into, with only 74.3% of U.S. MD seniors successfully matching. There were 1.19 applicants per position (253 applicants for 213 spots). Matched applicants had significantly higher Step 2 CK scores (256 vs 247). Students scoring >260 matched at 95%, compared to 55% for those scoring 231-240.
Match Rate by Step 2 CK Score
What Differentiates Matched Applicants
| Metric | Matched | Unmatched |
|---|---|---|
| Step 2 CK | 256 | 247 |
| Research Experiences | 8.6 | 9.2 |
| Publications | 35 | 26 |
| AOA Members | 36% | 19% |
| Programs Ranked | 14 | 7 |
Data from Charting Outcomes in the Match, National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), 2024. U.S. MD seniors. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Training & Getting Started
7 years of post-medical-school training, with subspecialty fellowship options
Subspecialty Fellowships
Physicians Also Consider
Explore Plastic Surgery
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
Career Score methodology: salarydr.com/methodology
According to SalaryDr Career Intelligence data (as of April 2026), the Physician Career Score for Plastic Surgery is 71/100. Median total compensation is $371,280. The BLS reports 25,100 practicing Plastic Surgeons nationally with 3.9% projected growth (2024-2034).