Cardiothoracic Surgery Work-Life Balance: Real Physician Insights (2026) | SalaryDr
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Cardiothoracic Surgery Work-Life Balance: What Doctors Actually Say

Real insights from 2 verified Cardiothoracic Surgery physicians about their work-life balance, career satisfaction, and daily reality.

Verified Physician Data|Updated March 2026|SalaryDr Research Team
4/5
Avg Satisfaction
100%
Would Choose Again
3
Physician Responses
68
Avg Hours/Week

📋 Key Takeaways: Cardiothoracic Surgery Lifestyle at a Glance

  • •Career Satisfaction: Cardiothoracic Surgery physicians report 4/5 average satisfaction, with 100% saying they would choose the specialty again.
  • •Work Hours: The average Cardiothoracic Surgery physician works 68 hours per week.
  • •Experience Level: Insights based on physicians with an average of 9 years of experience.
  • •Data Source: Based on 3 verified, anonymous physician submissions to SalaryDr.
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💚What Do Cardiothoracic Surgery Physicians Love About Their Job?

"I have always wanted to help people and it makes me happy when I do."
— Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellow
"It’s amazing worth the studying time"
— Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician

⚖️Is Cardiothoracic Surgery a Good Work-Life Balance Specialty?

"well I'm just a 18 year old and I'm looking up this b/c its been my dream since I was 10 to be a Cardio surgeon and I'm very happy about this website, its very helpful and I'm so excited to be a doctor!!!!"
— Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellow
"It’s a bit hard I get called in even when I’m sleeping "
— Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician

Be one of the first Cardiothoracic Surgery physicians to share insights. Only 3 responses so far.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cardiothoracic Surgery Lifestyle

Is Cardiothoracic Surgery a good work-life balance specialty?

Based on 3 verified physician responses, Cardiothoracic Surgery has a 4/5 average career satisfaction rating.100% of Cardiothoracic Surgery physicians say they would choose the specialty again if starting their career over. The average Cardiothoracic Surgery physician works 68 hours per week.

What do Cardiothoracic Surgery physicians love about their job?

Based on 2 responses, Cardiothoracic Surgery physicians report: “I have always wanted to help people and it makes me happy when I do.” Another physician shared: “It’s amazing worth the studying time”

How many hours do Cardiothoracic Surgery physicians work per week?

Based on SalaryDr data, Cardiothoracic Surgery physicians work an average of 68 hours per week. This varies by practice setting—academic and hospital-employed positions often require more hours than private practice.

What are the biggest challenges in Cardiothoracic Surgery?

Common challenges cited by Cardiothoracic Surgery physicians include administrative burden, call schedule demands, and work-life balance pressures, especially early in career.

Would Cardiothoracic Surgery physicians choose their specialty again?

100% of Cardiothoracic Surgery physicians surveyed say they would choose Cardiothoracic Surgeryagain if starting their career over. This data is based on 3 verified, anonymous physician responses collected by SalaryDr.

About This Data

This analysis is based on 3 verified, anonymous physician submissions to SalaryDr. All data comes from practicing Cardiothoracic Surgery physicians across the United States. Respondents have an average of 9 years of experience. Data is collected through our anonymous salary and lifestyle submission form, verified for accuracy, and updated continuously. Learn more about our methodology.

📊How Does Cardiothoracic Surgery Compare?

See how Cardiothoracic Surgery stacks up against other medical specialties.

Cardiothoracic SurgeryCurrent
Satisfaction:4/5
Choose Again:100%
Hours:68
Comp:$1873K
Plastic Surgery
Satisfaction:4.6/5
Choose Again:91%
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Satisfaction:4.5/5
Choose Again:100%
Ophthalmology
Satisfaction:4.4/5
Choose Again:95%
Dermatology

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Quick Stats

Avg Satisfaction4/5
Would Choose Again100%
Avg Experience9 years
Avg Hours/Week68

By Practice Setting

Hospital Employed
1 physicians • 4/5 satisfaction
Community
1 physicians • 4/5 satisfaction
Independent / Contract-Based
1 physicians • 4/5 satisfaction

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Compare Specialties
Side-by-side salary & lifestyle data
Share Your Experience
Help other physicians
Satisfaction:4.4/5
Choose Again:96%
Pulmonary
Satisfaction:4.3/5
Choose Again:97%
SpecialtySatisfactionWould Choose AgainAvg HoursAvg Comp
Cardiothoracic SurgeryCurrent4/5100%68$1873K
Plastic Surgery4.6/591%54$952K
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery4.5/5100%40$1288K
Ophthalmology4.4/595%43$844K
Dermatology4.4/596%41$637K
Pulmonary4.3/597%52$445K
View Full Rankings →
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