The spine surgeon salary starting salary is about $303,560 while the middle percentile earn about $383,078 to $595,244, while top earners earn up to $700,000. Usually they are entitled to allowances, paid vacation, insurance, relocation allowance, sign-on bonus at $35,000, according to the “2011 Orthopedic Recruiting Trends & Starting Salary Overview from Orthopedic Recruiting Group. Spine surgeons receive a median of $452,000 salary and $40,000 sign-on bonus.
Spine Surgeons are physicians who have combined the function of two specialty orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons to fix the complex spine. The spinal column contains nerves that control most of the human body’s functions. This makes spinal surgery a complex specialty and the most demanding form of orthopedic surgery.
The stakes are very high indeed: Any failure can result in a lasting disability for the patient. Aspiring spinal surgeons spend five years in residency and then another in a surgical fellowship before beginning independent practice. However, their salaries are among the highest from the first year onward.
Spine Surgeon Salary
This is on the average around $452,000.00 with salary usually starting at about $303,560 to $700,000. The more you progress in this profession the more salary you earn as a spine surgeon.
The Becker’s Hospital Review reported that the average for spine surgeon salary was around $250, giving them an average spine surgeon’s salary of $520,000. They also reported that the neurosurgeons’ wage is around $322, making their annual salary around $669,769.
Spine Surgeon Job Description
A spine surgeon is a type of doctor that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions with the spine. These types of surgeons will use surgery as well as other methods to properly treat the injuries or conditions of their patients.
- Spinal surgeons also perform corrective procedures, treat injuries, prevent further diseases, and help boost the functions of the patients.
- Spinal surgeons also oversee surgery services, as they plan, schedule, and coordinate, follow procedures, and get the necessary supplies and equipment.
- They examine the patient carefully to study their medical condition more and to weigh all the surgical risks involved.
- Spinal surgeons also diagnose orthopedic problems and other bodily disorders, while finding treatment for everyone
A few important skills that both Orthopedic Surgeons and neurosurgeon (Spinal Surgeons) must have include:
- The ability to work long hours
- They must be able to make smart decisions and astute choices under pressure
- They must have exceptional manual dexterity skills
- Patience
- The ability to interact well with patients
Neurosurgeons gain board certification from the American Board of Neurological Surgery. Orthopedic surgeons gain certification from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Spine Surgeon Schools and Educational Requirements
To train as a spine surgeon you need to follow the right path of education, typically spine surgeons spend about 13 years or more in the program. You will have to start with a bachelor’s degree from a 4 year college is first required to become a spine surgeon, and a student should pay close attention to the courses needed as prerequisites for their desired medical program.
After graduating from the 4 year program, one will then attend medical school for another 4 years, where they will be prepared for their national board exams, and study a track focused on orthopedic spine surgery. If the program is completed, and the exams passed, the student will then begin their 1 year internship and 4 year residency programs to get experience in the field with a professional and experienced orthopedic spine surgeon.
Orthopedic surgeons complete five years of residency in the treatment and diagnosis of all musculoskeletal disorders, including those of the spine. Neurosurgeons, on the other hand, complete residency training in disorders of the brain and spine.
Spinal surgeons still need to pursue one to two years of fellowship program
- 4 years Undergraduate program
- 4 years Med School
- 5-6 years orthopedic residency (depending on the program)
- 2 years orthopedic fellowship (e.g. subspecialty training: ortho spine, joints, sports, hand, foot/ankle, trauma, etc.)