Neurosurgery vs Cardiothoracic Surgery: Salary Comparison (2026)
Compare Neurosurgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery compensation across salary, lifestyle, and career metrics. See how Neurosurgeon salaries stack up against Cardiothoracic Surgeon pay using verified physician data on SalaryDr.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Neurosurgery | Cardiothoracic Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Training Length | 7-year residency | 5yr gen surgery + 2-3yr fellowship |
| Practitioner Title | Neurosurgeon | Cardiothoracic Surgeon |
| Live Salary Data | View Neurosurgery salary → | View Cardiothoracic Surgery salary → |
| Lifestyle Rating | See details below | See details below |
Salary figures are updated in real-time on each specialty page from verified physician submissions.
Key Differences
Training Path
- Neurosurgery: 7-year residency
- Cardiothoracic Surgery: 5yr gen surgery + 2-3yr fellowship
Practice Setting
Both Neurosurgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery offer diverse practice settings including academic medical centers, private practice, and hospital employment. Compensation varies significantly by setting.
Lifestyle & Work-Life Balance
Neurosurgery
Most demanding surgical specialty with heavy call. Long cases and high acuity.
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Very demanding with heavy call and long operative cases.
Career Considerations
Job Market Outlook
Both Neurosurgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery continue to see strong demand driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access. Geographic demand varies; rural and underserved areas often offer higher compensation to attract specialists.
Compensation Growth Trajectory
Physician salaries in both specialties typically increase with experience, with the largest jumps in the first 5-10 years post-training. Partnership or ownership in private practice can meaningfully accelerate earnings.
Subspecialization Opportunities
Both specialties offer fellowship pathways that can further differentiate earning potential and lifestyle. Compare detailed salary data for each specialty to see how subspecialties affect pay.
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