Source: SalaryDr salary data for Plastic Surgery (N=67 verified submissions, updated March 25, 2026, data as of 2026-03-25). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
Becoming a plastic surgeon requires 11 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 6 years (integrated) of residency, and 1 year (optional). The median attending salary is $750,000/year based on 67 verified submissions.
4 years
Average medical school debt: $200,000 (AAMC). No physician income during this period.
6 years (integrated)
Residency salary data not yet available. Typical resident salaries range from $63,000-$88,000/year.
1 year (optional)
Optional fellowship. Fellows typically earn $70,000-$95,000/year.
0-5 years experience
Based on 12 verified submissions(12 submissions)
6-15 years experience
Based on 49 verified submissions(49 submissions)
16+ years experience
Based on 6 verified submissions(6 submissions)
Plastic Surgeon salaries typically increase significantly with experience. Mid-career plastic surgeons earn approximately $39,500 more per year than early career physicians — a 6% increase. Senior plastic surgeons earn a median of $850,000/year, reflecting peak earning potential.
| Career Stage | Median Salary | vs. Early Career | Submissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Career (0-5 yrs) | $700,500 | Baseline | 12 |
| Mid-Career (6-15 yrs) | $740,000 | +$39,500 | 49 |
| Senior (16+ yrs) | $850,000 | +$149,500 | 6 |
It takes 11 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 6 years (integrated) of residency, and 1 year (optional). Most physicians begin independent practice in their early 30s.
Plastic Surgeons earn a full attending salary after completing all required training (11 years post-college). During residency and fellowship, 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 $750,000, plastic 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. Plastic Surgery attending salaries generally increase with experience. Our data shows mid-career plastic surgeons (6-15 years) earn approximately 6% more than early career physicians (0-5 years).
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