Source: SalaryDr salary data for Cardiothoracic Surgery (N=17 verified submissions, updated March 21, 2026, data as of 2026-03-21). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
Becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon requires 8 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 3-5 years of residency. The median attending salary is $1,200,000/year based on 17 verified submissions.
4 years
Average medical school debt: $200,000 (AAMC). No physician income during this period.
3-5 years
Residency salary data not yet available. Typical resident salaries range from $63,000-$88,000/year.(1 submissions)
0-5 years experience
Not enough early career data available(2 submissions)
6-15 years experience
Based on 10 verified submissions(10 submissions)
16+ years experience
Based on 5 verified submissions(5 submissions)
It takes 8 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 3-5 years of residency. Most physicians begin independent practice in their early 30s.
Cardiothoracic Surgeons earn a full attending salary after completing all required training (8 years post-college). During residency, physicians earn a training salary that is significantly less than attending pay.
With average medical school debt of $200,000 and a median attending salary of $1,200,000, cardiothoracic surgeons can typically expect to reach a financial break-even point approximately 1 years after starting attending practice. Actual timelines vary based on loan terms, living expenses, and repayment strategy.
Yes. Cardiothoracic Surgery attending salaries generally increase with experience. Salary growth depends on factors like practice setting, location, and subspecialty.
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