Source: SalaryDr satisfaction data for Cardiothoracic Surgery (N=20 verified submissions, updated May 5, 2026, data as of 2026-05-05). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
100% of cardiothoracic surgeons would choose their specialty again, with an average satisfaction of 4.2/5 and median salary of $1,200,000, based on 20 verified physician submissions on SalaryDr.
$1,200,000
$1,551,125
$1,000,000
$1,300,000
Based on 20 physician responses (1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied)
20 of 20 respondents would choose cardiothoracic surgery again
Based on 20 physician responses (bar scaled to 80 hrs/week)
Anonymized responses from cardiothoracic surgeons about their career and work-life balance.
“I love saving lives, and getting to see a smile on people face and their families.”
On career & specialty — Verified Cardiothoracic Surgeon
“It’s amazing worth the studying time”
On career & specialty — Verified Cardiothoracic Surgeon
“The work life balance is brutal but very rewarding.”
On work-life balance — Verified Cardiothoracic Surgeon
“It’s a bit hard I get called in even when I’m sleeping ”
On work-life balance — Verified Cardiothoracic Surgeon
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