Is Thoracic Surgery a Good Career in 2026?

Performing surgery on the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other thoracic structures.

Based on BLS employment data and national physician surveys

Thoracic Surgery Compensation & Earnings

Take-Home Pay by State

How much a Thoracic Surgery physician actually keeps after federal, state, and FICA taxes

Highest Take-Home States

1
Alaska
Gross: $300,000 · 28.7% tax
$214,033
+$27,600/yr
2
Florida
Gross: $300,000 · 28.7% tax
$214,033
+$27,600/yr
3
Nevada
Gross: $300,000 · 28.7% tax
$214,033
+$27,600/yr
4
New Hampshire
Gross: $300,000 · 28.7% tax
$214,033
+$27,600/yr
5
South Dakota
Gross: $300,000 · 28.7% tax
$214,033
+$27,600/yr

Lowest Take-Home States

47
California
Gross: $300,000 · 37.9% tax
$186,433
−$27,600/yr
48
Oregon
Gross: $300,000 · 37.7% tax
$187,033
−$27,000/yr
49
District of Columbia
Gross: $300,000 · 37.6% tax
$187,333
−$26,700/yr
50
Hawaii
Gross: $300,000 · 37.5% tax
$187,633
−$26,400/yr
51
Minnesota
Gross: $300,000 · 36.9% tax
$189,433
−$24,600/yr

Tax impact: A Thoracic Surgery physician keeps $27,600 more per year in Alaska vs. California — a 9.2% difference on gross income of $300,000.

Calculate your exact take-home pay →Need physician-specific tax planning? Talk to Doc Wealth

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

Is Thoracic Surgery Worth It? →
Detailed ROI analysis, satisfaction deep-dive, and physician perspectives

Job Market & Future Outlook

Training & Getting Started

4 years of post-medical-school training, with subspecialty fellowship options

Subspecialty Fellowships

Adult Cardiac SurgeryCongenital/Pediatric Cardiac SurgeryThoracic SurgeryHeart TransplantMechanical Circulatory Support

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Explore Thoracic Surgery

Full Salary Data
Percentiles, trends, comparisons
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ROI analysis and satisfaction deep-dive
Practice Settings
Academic vs private vs employed
Salary Trends
Historical compensation changes
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Take the Next Step in Your Thoracic Surgery Career

Real compensation data from verified physicians. Know your market value before your next contract negotiation.

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Powered by SalaryDr Career Intelligence

Data sources: BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (May 2024) • BLS Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Career Score methodology: salarydr.com/methodology

According to SalaryDr Career Intelligence data (as of March 2026), Thoracic Surgery is a medical specialty. Median total compensation is $0.