Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) stands as one of the most prestigious and demanding specialties in the dental and medical fields. It combines the precision of dentistry with the extensive knowledge of medicine and surgery. For those willing to undertake the rigorous educational path, it offers an exceptionally rewarding career—not just in terms of patient impact, but also in financial compensation. An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon can expect to be among the highest earners in healthcare, with average salaries often exceeding $300,000 annually and top earners reaching well over $400,000.
This guide will break down the salary you can expect as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, the key factors that influence your earnings, and the promising outlook for this dynamic profession.
What Does an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's essential to understand the scope of this role. An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is a surgical specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries, and defects involving both the hard and soft tissues of the head, neck, face, jaws, and oral cavity.
Their responsibilities are far-reaching and complex, including:
- Dentoalveolar Surgery: Complex tooth extractions, including impacted wisdom teeth.
- Dental Implant Surgery: Placing implants to support prosthetic teeth.
- Corrective Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery: Realigning jaws and teeth to improve function and appearance.
- Facial Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery: Repairing facial fractures and soft tissue injuries from accidents.
- Pathology and Oncology: Diagnosing and treating cysts, tumors, and cancers of the mouth and jaw.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Surgery: Treating painful conditions affecting the jaw joint.
- Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery: Performing corrective surgery for congenital deformities.
This unique blend of dental and medical expertise is why their training is so extensive and their compensation is so high.
Average Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Salary
The earning potential for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is substantial. While figures vary based on several factors, the data consistently points to a lucrative career.
According to Salary.com, the median annual salary for an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in the United States is approximately $309,901. The typical salary range falls between $291,101 and $337,101.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups this profession under its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. In its May 2023 data, the BLS reports that the median annual wage for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons was greater than or equal to $239,200—their highest reportable wage category. The BLS data further indicates the earning potential:
- 75th Percentile: Earn more than $239,200
- 90th Percentile: Earn more than $239,200
Salary aggregators that survey these high earners provide further insight. Glassdoor reports a total pay average of around $303,000 per year, while Payscale notes an average base salary of approximately $261,000, with bonuses and profit-sharing significantly increasing total compensation.
This range highlights that while the starting point is high, there is significant room for financial growth throughout one's career.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your exact salary as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon isn't a single number—it's a dynamic figure influenced by a combination of professional and environmental factors.
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Level of Education
The educational path to becoming an OMS is one of the longest in healthcare, and this investment is directly reflected in salary. The journey includes:
1. Bachelor's Degree (4 years)
2. Dental School (4 years) to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
3. OMS Residency Program (4-6 years).
The length of the residency is a key differentiator. A 4-year residency focuses on surgical training and leads to a certificate. A 6-year residency integrates medical school, granting a Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree alongside the surgical certificate. Surgeons with a dual degree (DDS/M.D.) can often command higher salaries and are qualified for a broader range of complex, hospital-based procedures, such as major facial reconstructions, which can significantly boost earning potential.
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Years of Experience
Like most professions, experience is a primary driver of salary growth.
- Entry-Level (0-3 Years): A recent graduate, typically working as an associate in an established practice or hospital. Salaries are at the lower end of the range but are still exceptionally high, often starting well above $200,000.
- Mid-Career (4-10 Years): Surgeons in this phase have honed their skills, built a strong patient referral base, and may be pursuing partnership in a private practice. Their earning potential increases significantly.
- Senior/Experienced (10+ Years): These are often practice owners, senior partners, or department heads in a hospital. They command the highest salaries, with earnings frequently exceeding $400,000, especially when factoring in profits from practice ownership.
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Geographic Location
Where you practice has a major impact on your paycheck. This is driven by both the cost of living and regional demand for specialists. For example, metropolitan areas with a high cost of living like New York City or San Francisco will naturally offer higher base salaries to attract talent.
However, some of the highest-paying opportunities can be found in less-populated or rural areas where there is a severe shortage of specialists. These communities may offer substantial salaries and attractive benefits packages to entice a surgeon to establish a practice. According to BLS data, top-paying states for dental specialists often include North Carolina, Oregon, Maine, Texas, and Iowa.
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Company Type
The setting in which an OMS works is a crucial determinant of their total compensation.
- Private Practice (Owner/Partner): This offers the highest earning potential. In addition to a clinical salary, practice owners earn a share of the business's profits. While it involves the risks and responsibilities of running a business, the financial rewards are unparalleled.
- Private Practice (Associate): An excellent and common career path. Associates receive a competitive salary, often with production-based bonuses, without the financial risk of ownership.
- Hospital or Academic Medical Center: Working for a hospital or university provides a stable, salaried position with a comprehensive benefits package. While the base salary might be slightly lower than in a top-tier private practice, it offers opportunities for teaching, research, and performing highly complex, cutting-edge surgeries.
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Area of Specialization
While OMS is already a specialty, surgeons can develop *sub-specialty* expertise that further enhances their value and income. Surgeons who become the go-to experts in high-demand, complex procedures can command higher fees. These sub-specialties include:
- Complex craniofacial and reconstructive surgery
- Head and neck cancer surgery and reconstruction
- Cosmetic facial surgery
- Advanced nerve repair
Job Outlook
The future for oral and maxillofacial surgeons is bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4% growth for dentists, including specialists, from 2022 to 2032, which is as fast as the average for all occupations.
Several factors fuel this sustained demand:
- Aging Population: An older population requires more complex dental procedures like dental implants and corrective surgeries.
- Technological Advancements: New techniques in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery are expanding the services an OMS can offer.
- Public Awareness: There is a growing public understanding of the functional and aesthetic benefits of procedures performed by oral surgeons.
Conclusion
Choosing a career as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is a commitment to a decade or more of intensive education and training. However, that commitment is rewarded with a profession that is intellectually stimulating, profoundly impactful for patients, and financially exceptional.
With a median salary well over $300,000 and the potential for much more based on experience, location, and practice type, it is one of the most lucrative careers in all of healthcare. For those with a passion for both medicine and dentistry and the dedication to excel, the path of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon offers a lifetime of professional and financial fulfillment.