Jordan Ellis
The number of surgeons at a hospital varies depending on the type of hospital and its size. A small hospital may have a handful of general surgeons, while a large inner-city teaching hospital with a level 1 trauma center, burn unit, and specialists may have hundreds of surgeons with various specializations. For example, a hospital with 400 beds typically has around 20 surgeons. On average, investor-owned system hospitals have 91 physicians, which is almost twice as many as contract-managed hospitals. Surgeons work long hours, often more than 40 hours per week, and their shifts can range from 12 to 28 hours. They may also be on call, which means they are available to come into the hospital if needed. A surgical team typically consists of a surgeon, an anesthesiologist, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, and an operating room nurse.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of surgeons in a hospital | 5-6 in small hospitals, 20 in a hospital with 400 beds, and hundreds in large inner-city hospitals |
| Surgical team composition | Surgeon, anesthesiologist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, and operating room nurse |
| Surgeon's work hours | May work up to 80 hours a week, including on-call hours and overnight shifts |
| Surgeon's work location | Hospitals or private practices |
| Surgeon's wages | Median wage of $239,200 or more per year |
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What You'll Learn
Number varies by hospital size
The number of surgeons at a hospital varies depending on the size of the hospital and its location. For instance, a small hospital may have a handful of general surgeons, while a large inner-city teaching hospital with a level 1 trauma center, burn unit, and specialists may have hundreds of surgeons with various specializations. The number of surgeons at a hospital also depends on the hospital's bed capacity. For example, a hospital with 400 beds typically has around 20 surgeons, including general and trauma surgeons.
Hospitals are always open, and a few surgeons must be present at all times. Surgeons who work in hospitals have more colleagues than those in private practice, allowing them to spend less time on-call. However, surgeons in private practice often have set hours of operation and may spend more time on-call. They may also need to go to the hospital during emergencies. Most hospitals and private practices do not allow surgeons to work more than 80 hours a week, including on-call and research time.
The size of a hospital's medical staff, including the number of surgeons, can vary depending on the hospital's ownership and management structure. For example, investor-owned (IO) system hospitals have an average of 91 physicians, which is comparable to freestanding hospitals and almost twice as many as contract-managed hospitals. When measured per 100 beds, IO system hospitals have over 61 physicians, the highest among the different types of hospitals.
The number of surgeons at a hospital also depends on the surgical team's composition. A surgical team typically includes a surgeon, an anesthesiologist, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, and an operating room nurse. In some cases, a surgical team may include multiple surgeons, especially for complex procedures or when training residents.
While television shows and movies may portray hospitals as having only 5-6 surgeons, this number can vary greatly in reality, depending on the factors mentioned above. Therefore, the number of surgeons at a hospital can range from a single-digit figure in very small hospitals to several hundred in large, comprehensive medical centers.
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Surgeons' working hours
Surgeons work long hours, often exceeding 40 hours per week. Many surgeons work 50-60 hours per week, excluding their on-call hours. Hospitals and private practices typically do not allow surgeons to work more than 80 hours per week, encompassing both regular work hours and on-call time. Surgeon shifts may range from 12 to 28 hours, with the length influenced by factors such as experience level and the nature of the specialty. For instance, trauma and pediatric surgeons often work longer shifts due to the broader scope of their expertise. Conversely, a thoracic surgeon may have shorter shifts as they treat a more specific patient population.
The work schedule of a surgeon can be influenced by their work setting. Surgeons employed in hospitals usually have more colleagues, resulting in reduced on-call hours compared to those in private practices. Private practices often have set hours of operation and may require their surgeons to be on call more frequently due to having fewer doctors on staff. On-call duties may involve providing consultations over the phone or physically coming into the hospital to perform surgery.
A surgeon's weekly schedule typically includes four days of work, with a mix of scheduled surgeries, research, and emergency care. In certain situations, such as public health crises, their shifts may extend beyond the standard duration. To manage their long shifts, surgeons often work fewer than six days a week.
The country of practice also influences a surgeon's working hours. For example, a surgeon working in the United States may experience different work patterns compared to other countries. In the US, a general surgeon may work 60 hours or more per week, while in other countries, the average may be around 80 hours per week.
While surgery is not typically considered shift work, some surgeons may adopt shift-based patterns, such as traditional clinic schedules or surgicalist groups advocating for 24-hour shifts. Ultimately, the workload and schedule of a surgeon can vary based on their specialty, work setting, and country of practice.
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Surgical team composition
The number of surgeons in a hospital varies depending on the size and type of hospital. A small hospital may have a handful of general surgeons, while a large inner-city teaching hospital with a level 1 trauma center, burn unit, and specialists may have hundreds of surgeons with various specializations. For example, a hospital with 400 beds may have around 20 surgeons, including general and trauma surgeons.
The surgical team composition typically includes a surgeon, an anesthesiologist, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, and an operating room nurse. Anesthesiologists have completed 4 years of medical school and an additional 4 years of specialized training in anesthesia. They participate in all phases of surgery and may receive additional training in specific surgical specialties, such as neurosurgical or cardiac anesthesia. Nurse anesthetists hold a bachelor's degree in nursing and have at least one year of experience as a registered nurse. They play a crucial role in monitoring a patient's vital functions and adjusting anesthesia during surgery to ensure safety and comfort.
Surgeons in hospitals generally have more colleagues than those in private practice, allowing them to spend less time on-call. However, the number of on-call hours can vary based on the surgeon's specialty and the nature of their work. For instance, neurosurgeons are more likely to be called in for emergencies compared to general surgeons. Surgeons with more experience tend to work longer shifts, which can range from 12 to 28 hours, and they may work irregular hours, including overnight shifts. While the work can be demanding, it offers the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse team of medical professionals and provide specialized care to patients.
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Surgeons' wages
The number of surgeons at a hospital varies depending on the type of hospital. Smaller hospitals may have a handful of general surgeons, while large inner-city teaching hospitals with level 1 trauma centres, burn units, and specialists may have hundreds. One source estimates that a hospital with 400 beds would have around 20 surgeons.
Now, onto surgeons' wages. Surgeon salaries can vary widely depending on several factors, including experience, location, education level, and specialisation. For example, in the United States, an entry-level surgeon with less than a year of experience can expect to earn around $390,392, while a senior-level professional with over eight years of experience can anticipate an average salary of $414,338. Surgeon salaries also differ between states and cities due to factors like the cost of living, local economies, and industry presence. For instance, in California, the average yearly salary for a surgeon is $453,308, whereas in Massachusetts, it is $447,266. Surgeon wages in specific cities can be even higher, such as in San Francisco, where the average annual salary is $513,269.
Specialty is another critical factor influencing surgeon wages. Certain surgical specialties are in higher demand and are more complex, driving up compensation. For example, orthopedic surgery and cardiovascular surgery are among the highest-paid specialities due to the intricate and critical nature of their procedures. In 2024, the average orthopedic surgeon salary was approximately $633,620 per year, while the average cardiovascular surgeon salary was about $567,300 annually. Trauma surgeons, who play a crucial role in emergency care, treating severe and life-threatening injuries, earn an average of $417,500 per year. Neurosurgeons, who operate on the brain, spine, and nervous system, have one of the highest average salaries at approximately $746,500 annually, reflecting the specialised knowledge and complexity of their work.
It is worth noting that wages for physicians and surgeons are among the highest across all occupations in the US economy. As of May 1, 2025, the average annual salary for a surgeon in the United States is $410,977, with pay typically ranging from $359,895 to $456,009. These wages are expected to continue rising, with a median salary increase observed from $231,993 in 2023 to approximately $237,504 in 2024.
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Surgeons' specialties
The number of surgeons at a hospital varies depending on the type of hospital. A small hospital may have a handful of general surgeons, while a large inner-city teaching hospital with a level 1 trauma center, burn unit, specialists, etc., may have hundreds.
Surgeons undergo specialized training to perform complicated procedures. They must be adept at handling surgical tools and have a broad understanding of anatomy, chemistry, pathology, and physiology. They are also responsible for diagnosing patients and providing pre- and post-operative care.
The American College of Surgeons recognizes 14 surgical specialties, with several subspecialties within each:
- Cardiothoracic Surgery: This specialty involves surgical procedures of the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest. It includes cardiac surgeons, cardiovascular surgeons, general thoracic surgeons, and congenital heart surgeons.
- Colon and Rectal Surgery: Surgeons in this field treat diseases of the intestinal tract, including the colon and rectum, such as inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. They also address issues like constipation and incontinence.
- General Surgery: General surgeons manage a wide range of surgical conditions affecting almost any area of the body. They often deal with problems in the abdomen, head, and neck, and are experts in commonly performed surgeries, such as appendectomies, splenectomies, and hernia repairs.
- Gynecology and Obstetrics: This specialty focuses on the female reproductive system and pregnancy-related care. Obstetricians perform surgeries related to prenatal care and childbirth, while gynecologists may address issues like incontinence, overactive bladder, and ovarian cysts.
- Gynecologic Oncology: Gynecologic oncologists specialize in the management of gynecologic cancers, studying their unique causes, prevention, detection, treatment, and survival rates.
- Neurological Surgery: Neurological surgeons diagnose, evaluate, and treat disorders of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, including the brain and spinal injuries. They also address brain and spinal tumors and aneurysms.
- Ophthalmic Surgery: Ophthalmic surgeons treat disorders affecting the eyes and vision, including the eyelids and surrounding muscles. They can prescribe glasses and contact lenses, as well as perform procedures like cataract and glaucoma treatments.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: This specialty focuses on the head, neck, face, jaws, and associated tissues. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat problems like wisdom tooth extraction, misaligned jaws, and tumors or cysts in the jaw and mouth, and they may also perform dental implant surgery.
- Orthopaedic Surgery: Orthopaedic surgeons devote their practice to the care of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, associated nerves, arteries, and overlying skin. They perform surgical procedures and also utilize non-surgical treatments like braces, casts, splints, or physical therapy.
- Pediatric Surgery: This specialty focuses on surgical care for children and may involve working with a variety of body systems.
- Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery: This specialty involves surgical procedures to address defects or injuries in the maxillofacial region, often with a focus on improving function and aesthetics.
- Urology: Urological surgeons specialize in the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the urinary tract and the male reproductive system.
- Vascular Surgery: Vascular surgeons operate on the arteries and veins, addressing conditions that impact blood flow and circulation.
- Otorhinolaryngology: This specialty involves surgical procedures and treatments for conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, and related structures.
It is important to note that the specific duties and focus areas within each specialty may vary, and surgeons often collaborate with other medical professionals as part of a surgical team to ensure comprehensive patient care.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the size of the hospital. A hospital with 400 beds may have around 20 surgeons, while a hospital with 1,000 beds may have 5 to 6 neurosurgeons alone. Large inner-city teaching hospitals with level 1 trauma centers, burn units, and specialists will have hundreds of surgeons.
This depends on the number of operating rooms and the availability of surgical teams. Surgeons from different specialties rotate through operating rooms on surgical lists.
No, surgeons may also work in private practices or clinics. They may travel between their offices and the hospital to care for patients.
Surgeons typically work full-time, with some working more than 40 hours per week. They often work less than six days a week, with an average weekly schedule of four days. On-call hours refer to specific times when they must be available to come in but don't have to be physically present unless requested.
