Pursuing a career as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS) is one of the most demanding yet rewarding paths in the healthcare industry. It requires years of intensive education and training, but the professional and financial rewards are substantial. If you're considering this highly specialized field, one of your primary questions is likely about compensation.
This guide provides a data-driven look into an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon's salary, exploring the key factors that influence earning potential and the overall outlook for this prestigious career.
What Does an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Do?
An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is a medical specialist who bridges the gap between dentistry and medicine. After completing dental school, they undergo an additional four-to-six-year hospital-based surgical residency program, often earning a medical degree (MD) in the process.
Their expertise lies in diagnosing and performing complex surgical procedures on the hard and soft tissues of the face, mouth, and jaws. Key responsibilities include:
- Dentoalveolar Surgery: Complex tooth extractions, including impacted wisdom teeth.
- Dental Implant Surgery: Placing implants to support crowns, bridges, and dentures.
- Corrective Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery: Realigning jaws to correct functional and aesthetic issues.
- Facial Trauma Repair: Treating facial fractures and soft tissue injuries.
- Pathology & Reconstruction: Biopsying and removing tumors or cysts and reconstructing the affected areas.
- Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery: Performing corrective surgery for congenital deformities.
- Cosmetic Facial Surgery: Offering procedures like rhinoplasty, facelifts, and more.
Average Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Salary
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is consistently ranked as one of the highest-paying professions in the United States. The extensive training and high-stakes nature of the work command a significant salary.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons was $309,850 as of May 2023. However, the BLS often notes that its highest wage category is "greater than or equal to $239,200 per year," meaning the actual median and top-end salaries are likely much higher.
Reputable salary aggregators provide a more detailed and often higher range:
- Salary.com reports the median salary for an Oral Surgeon in the U.S. is $328,100, with a typical range falling between $301,500 and $362,300 as of early 2024.
- Payscale estimates an average salary of around $280,314, but notes that total pay, including bonuses and profit-sharing, can push compensation well over $400,000.
It's crucial to understand that these figures are just averages. The salary range is vast, with entry-level associates earning around $250,000, while experienced practice owners in high-demand areas can earn upwards of $500,000 to $1,000,000 annually.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Multiple variables determine an OMS's earning potential. Understanding these factors is key to maximizing your career income.
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Level of Education and Training
The foundation of an OMS's high salary is the rigorous educational path. This includes four years of undergraduate study, four years of dental school (DDS or DMD), and a demanding four-to-six-year surgical residency. Surgeons who complete a six-year program also earn a medical degree (MD), which can enhance their qualifications and potentially their earning potential, especially in hospital settings or when dealing with complex medical cases.
Furthermore, pursuing a fellowship in a sub-specialty like craniofacial surgery or head and neck oncology can lead to highly specialized, higher-paying positions.
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Years of Experience
Experience is a powerful driver of salary growth in this field. As surgeons build their skills, reputation, and patient base, their income rises accordingly.
- Entry-Level (0-5 Years): An OMS just out of residency, typically working as an associate in a group practice, can expect a starting salary in the $250,000 to $350,000 range.
- Mid-Career (5-15 Years): With significant experience, surgeons may become partners in a practice or establish their own. Their income often grows substantially, reaching the $350,000 to $500,000+ range.
- Senior/Experienced (15+ Years): Highly experienced surgeons, particularly successful practice owners, are at the peak of their earning potential. It's not uncommon for these professionals to earn well over $500,000 annually, with top earners exceeding seven figures.
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Geographic Location
Where you practice has a major impact on your salary. This is influenced by the local cost of living, the demand for specialized surgical services, and the concentration of other surgeons in the area.
According to BLS data, the top-paying states for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons include:
1. Maine
2. North Carolina
3. Iowa
4. Rhode Island
5. Nebraska
Metropolitan areas with a high demand for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and a high cost of living often offer top-tier salaries. Conversely, practicing in a rural, underserved area can also be highly lucrative due to a lack of competition and high demand for services.
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Practice Setting (Company Type)
The type of environment an OMS works in is perhaps the most significant factor influencing their take-home pay.
- Private Practice (Owner/Partner): This setting offers the highest earning potential. Practice owners not only earn a salary from their clinical work but also share in the practice's profits. However, this comes with the responsibilities of running a business, including managing staff, marketing, and overhead costs.
- Private Practice (Associate): This is a common starting point for new surgeons. Associates earn a competitive salary or a percentage of their production without the financial risk and administrative burden of ownership.
- Hospital-Based Surgeon: Surgeons employed directly by hospitals earn a set salary and often receive excellent benefits. They typically handle more complex trauma and emergency cases. While the base salary may be slightly lower than a top private practice owner's, the stability and case diversity are significant advantages.
- Academic/University Setting: Working at a university hospital or dental school involves a mix of clinical practice, teaching, and research. The base salary is generally lower than in private practice, but it is often supplemented by a faculty practice plan, allowing surgeons to earn additional income from their clinical work.
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Area of Specialization
While Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is itself a specialty, the *case mix* within a practice can affect revenue. A practice that focuses on high-value procedures, such as full-arch dental implant reconstructions, corrective jaw surgery, and cosmetic facial procedures, will likely generate more revenue than a practice focused primarily on routine wisdom teeth extractions. Developing a reputation for excellence in a high-demand niche can significantly boost earning potential.
Job Outlook
The future for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons is bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for dentists, a category that includes specialists like OMS, will grow by 4% from 2022 to 2032, which is as fast as the average for all occupations.
Several factors fuel this positive outlook:
- Aging Population: An older population will require more complex dental work, including dental implants and treatment for oral diseases.
- Advancements in Technology: New techniques and technologies are making surgical procedures safer and more desirable for patients.
- Cosmetic Demand: There is growing public interest in cosmetic procedures, from dental implants to corrective jaw surgery, to improve appearance and function.
- Link to Overall Health: Increasing awareness of the connection between oral health and systemic health (like heart disease and diabetes) drives demand for specialized care.
Conclusion
A career as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon represents the pinnacle of the dental profession. The path is long and challenging, but the rewards are exceptional. With salaries starting well into six figures and the potential to exceed $500,000 with experience and practice ownership, it is one of the most financially lucrative careers in healthcare.
For aspiring surgeons, the key takeaways are clear:
- Earning potential is extremely high, reflecting the extensive training required.
- Your income will be directly influenced by your experience, location, and choice of practice setting.
- Practice ownership offers the highest ceiling for earnings, but comes with business responsibilities.
- The job outlook is stable and positive, ensuring strong demand for your specialized skills for years to come.
Ultimately, this career offers a rare combination of intellectual challenge, surgical skill, and the profound ability to restore function and confidence to patients' lives—all while providing outstanding financial security.