Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) stands as one of the most challenging, prestigious, and financially rewarding specialties at the intersection of dentistry and medicine. For those willing to undertake the extensive education and rigorous training, the career offers immense professional satisfaction and a highly competitive compensation package. But what does that compensation actually look like?
This guide will provide a data-driven breakdown of a "max fax" surgeon's salary, exploring the key factors that influence earning potential, from experience and location to practice type and sub-specialization.
What Does an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's essential to understand the scope of this dynamic profession. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are dental specialists who are surgically trained to treat a wide spectrum of diseases, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws, and the hard and soft tissues of the oral (mouth) and maxillofacial (jaws and face) region.
They are, in essence, the bridge between dentistry and medicine. Their responsibilities include:
- Performing complex tooth extractions (like impacted wisdom teeth).
- Placing dental implants.
- Administering anesthesia and sedation.
- Treating facial trauma, including fractured jaws and facial bones.
- Performing corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery.
- Diagnosing and treating oral cancers and other pathologies.
- Performing cosmetic facial procedures and reconstructive surgery.
The immense skill and responsibility required for this role are directly reflected in its earning potential.
Average Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Salary
The salary for an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is among the highest in both the dental and medical fields. While figures vary based on numerous factors, a clear picture emerges from authoritative data sources.
According to Salary.com, the median annual salary for an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in the United States is $350,700 as of May 2024. However, this is just the midpoint. The typical salary range is quite broad, reflecting the different stages of a surgeon's career:
- Bottom 10%: Approximately $269,700 (often representing entry-level or associate positions).
- Top 10%: Can exceed $466,500 (typically experienced surgeons, practice owners, or those in high-demand specializations).
It is important to note that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) often groups Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons with other dental specialists. For the specific category of "Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons," the BLS reports a median annual wage that frequently exceeds the maximum value in their wage data surveys, simply stating it as "$239,200 or greater." This indicates that incomes are so high they often surpass the upper limits of standard government surveys, reinforcing the high-earning nature of the profession.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
A surgeon's salary is not a single, static number. It is a dynamic figure influenced by a combination of professional and environmental factors.
### Level of Education
The educational path to becoming an OMS is one of the longest in healthcare, and this investment is a primary driver of salary. The journey includes:
1. Bachelor's Degree: 4 years
2. Dental School (DDS or DMD): 4 years
3. OMS Residency: A 4-to-6-year, hospital-based surgical residency.
Many 6-year programs also include earning a medical degree (MD), making these individuals dual-degree surgeons. While not always directly translating to a higher starting salary, holding an MD can open doors to more complex hospital cases, academic leadership positions, and certain fellowships, which can significantly boost long-term earning potential. Further fellowship training in areas like craniofacial surgery or head and neck oncology adds another layer of expertise that can command a higher salary.
### Years of Experience
Experience is a critical determinant of an OMS's income. The career and salary progression typically follows this path:
- Associate Surgeon (0-5 Years): After residency, most surgeons join an existing group practice as an associate. They earn a strong, stable salary but have less control and do not share in the practice's profits. Salaries often start in the $250,000 to $300,000 range.
- Partner/Mid-Career (5-15 Years): Surgeons may be offered a partnership track or buy into a practice. As a partner or owner, their income is tied to the practice's profitability, leading to a significant increase in earnings.
- Senior Partner/Practice Owner (15+ Years): Highly experienced surgeons with an established reputation and a thriving practice represent the top earners in the field. With full ownership and a steady stream of complex, high-value cases, their income can easily surpass $500,000 annually, as reflected in the top percentile data from sites like Salary.com.
### Geographic Location
Where you practice matters—a lot. Compensation varies significantly by state and between urban and rural settings. This is often driven by a combination of the local cost of living and, more importantly, market demand.
According to recent industry analyses, some of the highest-paying states for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons often include:
- North Dakota
- Minnesota
- Alaska
- New Hampshire
- Maine
These states often have fewer specialists per capita, especially in rural areas, creating high demand that drives up compensation. In contrast, metropolitan areas with a high concentration of surgeons and a high cost of living (e.g., New York City, Los Angeles) may offer high salaries, but the competition can be more intense.
### Company Type (Practice Setting)
The type of setting where a surgeon works is one of the most significant factors influencing their take-home pay.
- Private Practice (Group or Solo): This is the most common and typically most lucrative path. Associates earn a salary, while partners and owners earn a share of the profits. Practice ownership offers the highest ceiling for income but also comes with the responsibilities of running a business.
- Hospital or Academic Medical Center: Surgeons employed by hospitals or universities earn a fixed salary. While this salary is substantial, it may have a lower ceiling than private practice ownership. This path often comes with excellent benefits, research opportunities, a focus on complex cases, and a better work-life balance.
- Government and Military: Surgeons working for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or as commissioned officers in the military earn a government-set salary. While generally lower than in the private sector, these positions offer unparalleled job security, excellent federal benefits, and loan repayment programs.
### Area of Specialization
While OMS is already a specialty, many surgeons pursue further fellowship training to sub-specialize. Focusing on high-demand, high-complexity procedures can significantly boost earnings. Key sub-specialties include:
- Cosmetic Facial Surgery: Procedures like rhinoplasty, facelifts, and blepharoplasty are often paid for out-of-pocket by patients and can be very lucrative.
- Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery: Treating oral cancers is highly complex and commands high reimbursement.
- Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery: Treating congenital deformities is a demanding but rewarding sub-specialty, often based in major pediatric hospitals.
Job Outlook
The future for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons is bright and stable. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 4% growth for dentists from 2022 to 2032, which is as fast as the average for all occupations.
The demand for specialists like Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons is expected to be particularly strong due to:
- An Aging Population: An older population requires more advanced dental procedures like dental implants and treatment for complex oral health issues.
- Technological Advances: New techniques in corrective jaw surgery, implants, and reconstructive surgery continue to expand the scope and demand for OMS services.
- Strong Public Demand: There is growing public awareness and demand for both functional (implants, wisdom teeth) and cosmetic procedures.
Conclusion: A Rewarding Path for the Dedicated
Becoming an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon requires a significant investment of time, effort, and financial resources. However, for those who successfully navigate the demanding educational and training path, the rewards are exceptional.
Key Takeaways:
- High Earning Potential: With a median salary well over $350,000 and top earners exceeding $500,000, OMS is one of the most lucrative healthcare careers.
- Experience Pays: Income grows substantially from an associate position to a practice partner or owner.
- Ownership is Key: The highest incomes are typically found in private practice ownership.
- Strong and Stable Demand: The profession has a positive job outlook, ensuring long-term career security.
If you are a driven individual with a passion for both medicine and dentistry, a career as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon offers a unique opportunity to achieve profound professional impact and outstanding financial success.