Average Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Salary in the United States
Percentile Wage Estimates for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Salary in the United States
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons hold one of the highest-paying roles within the dental and medical fields in the United States. These highly trained specialists perform complex surgical procedures that address diseases, injuries, and defects involving the mouth, jaws, face, and neck, work that requires years of advanced education and surgical expertise.
According to recent national data, oral and maxillofacial surgeons’ earnings in the U.S. are within an impressive average annual salary range of approximately $501,000, positioning them among the top earners across all dental specialties. Depending on factors such as location, years of surgical experience, practice ownership, and caseload complexity, salaries for these specialists typically range between $335,000 and $666,000 per year, with seasoned surgeons in high-demand regions often earning significantly more.
Currently, there are more than 1,500 job openings for oral and maxillofacial surgeons nationwide, underscoring the ongoing need for surgical expertise to meet patient demand for advanced facial and oral treatments.
Dental Hygienist Salary Trends in California, USA
| States | Average Monthly Salary | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $38,417 | $461,000 | $240/hour |
| New York | $35,833 | $430,000 | $224/hour |
| Florida | $39,917 | $479,000 | $249/hour |
| California | $37,500 | $450,000 | $216/hour |
The steady demand for licensed oral and maxillofacial surgeons across urban and rural regions is driven by factors like increased access to elective facial surgeries, dental implants, corrective jaw surgery, and trauma care. As patients become more aware of the benefits of surgical solutions for functional and aesthetic concerns, this field continues to offer high earning potential and rewarding career opportunities.
Dental Hygienist Salary Trends in California, USA
Recent figures place the average annual oral and maxillofacial surgeon’s income in the U.S between $335,000 and $666,000, with top performers in busy surgical centers or hospital systems earning upwards of $666,000 or more. As demand for both medically necessary and elective facial procedures grows, the outlook for OMS earnings remains strong and continues to rise steadily each year.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon’s Roles and Responsibilities
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) provide specialized surgical care that goes far beyond standard dental procedures. Their advanced training enables them to perform delicate and complex operations that restore function, appearance, and patient quality of life.
- ●Performing Complex Surgical Procedures
- OMSs perform a range of surgeries, including wisdom tooth removal, complex tooth extractions, corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery), cleft lip and palate repair, and reconstructive facial surgery.
- ●Diagnosing and Treating Facial Trauma
- They manage facial injuries resulting from accidents or trauma, treating fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, eye sockets, and other facial structures.
- ●Placing Dental Implants
- Oral surgeons are leaders in dental implant placement, bone grafting, and related procedures that restore patients’ oral function and aesthetics.
- ●Managing Oral Pathology Cases
- OMSs diagnose and treat cysts, tumors, and infections of the oral and maxillofacial region, coordinating care with pathologists and other specialists as needed.
- ●Performing Cosmetic Facial Surgery
- Many surgeons expand their practice to offer elective facial cosmetic procedures such as rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, or facial contouring.
- ●Using Advanced Surgical Technologies
- OMSs utilize sophisticated imaging systems, 3D treatment planning, and minimally invasive techniques to achieve precise outcomes and enhance patient safety.
- ●Collaborating Across Specialties
- They work closely with general dentists, orthodontists, ENT specialists, and plastic surgeons to deliver coordinated treatment plans for complex cases.
- ●Managing Surgical Practices
- In private practice or hospital settings, oral surgeons oversee surgical suites, ensure compliance with strict safety protocols, coordinate teams of surgical assistants, and handle administrative responsibilities.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon - Scope of Practice and Work Settings
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons practice in diverse settings, including private surgical practices, multi-specialty dental and medical centers, hospitals, trauma centers, and academic medical institutions. Many surgeons own and operate their surgical centers, often equipped with in-office operating suites to perform outpatient procedures efficiently and safely.
Some OMSs balance clinical practice with teaching and research roles, contributing to the advancement of surgical techniques and training future surgeons. The field also offers flexible scheduling options, with some surgeons focusing on specific subspecialties or providing emergency on-call services at regional hospitals.
Practicing in high-density metropolitan areas can increase access to cosmetic and elective procedures, driving higher income potential. In contrast, surgeons who serve in rural or underserved communities may qualify for competitive incentives and enjoy a steady stream of referrals for medically necessary surgical care.
Key Factors Driving Oral Surgeon Salaries in the US
- ●Increasing Demand for Complex Surgical Care
- More patients seek corrective jaw surgery, implants, and facial reconstruction, expanding the scope of practice for OMSs.
- ●Elective Cosmetic Procedures
- Many oral surgeons offer aesthetic services, which add additional revenue streams to their practices.
- ●Limited Number of Specialists
- The rigorous training required means there are relatively few OMSs compared to patient needs, especially in certain regions.
- ●Advancements in Surgical Technology
- Cutting-edge equipment and minimally invasive techniques improve surgical outcomes and practice revenue.
- ●Practice Ownership
- Many OMSs operate their surgical centers, maximizing earning potential through high-value procedures and efficient scheduling.
Build Your Dream Dental Team with America’s Top Oral Surgeons
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With the growing demand for advanced oral and facial surgical care, we help you find highly qualified surgeons who bring exceptional skill, commitment, and compassion to every case. Our specialized search process ensures your practice or surgical center is staffed with professionals who align with your standards and vision for patient care.
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