US Thoracic Surgeon Compensation Reaches $749,707 in Doximity’s 2026 Report

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Average annual compensation for US thoracic surgeons reached $749,707 in Doximity’s 2026 Physician Compensation Report, providing a new national benchmark for physicians working in the specialty.

US thoracic surgeons recorded average annual compensation of $749,707, according to Doximity’s 2026 Physician Compensation Report. The latest figure provides thoracic surgeons with an updated specialty-specific benchmark when evaluating their own compensation, employment arrangements and earning potential.

Key findings

Doximity reports average annual compensation of $749,707 for thoracic surgeons in its 2026 Physician Compensation Report.

For physicians working in thoracic surgery, the figure provides a useful national reference point for assessing compensation within a specialty characterised by complex surgical care and significant procedural responsibilities.

The national average should not, however, be interpreted as the amount every thoracic surgeon will earn. Individual compensation can vary considerably depending on factors such as geography, experience, workload, subspecialty focus, call responsibilities, practice setting and employment structure.

Thoracic surgeon compensation reaches $749,707

The $749,707 average establishes an updated compensation benchmark for US thoracic surgeons.

Thoracic surgery encompasses the surgical management of diseases affecting organs within the chest, with physicians potentially treating conditions involving the lungs, oesophagus, mediastinum and other thoracic structures. Individual practices can therefore differ substantially according to clinical focus and case mix.

For thoracic surgeons reviewing their current remuneration or considering a new position, the Doximity figure offers a national specialty benchmark against which an individual compensation package can be considered.

It remains important to assess the figure alongside the specific requirements of a role rather than viewing the national average as an expected salary.

What influences thoracic surgeon compensation?

Thoracic surgery involves highly specialised operative care, with compensation potentially influenced by the complexity and volume of surgical procedures undertaken.

Individual thoracic surgeon compensation may also reflect experience, procedural workload, subspecialisation, call commitments, geographic market and employment model.

A physician working within a large hospital system may have a different compensation structure from one employed by a specialist surgical group or another practice model. Productivity incentives, leadership responsibilities and other contractual components can further affect total compensation.

These factors mean two thoracic surgeons can have significantly different compensation packages even when practising within the same specialty.

What the latest figure means for thoracic surgeons

For US thoracic surgeons, $749,707 provides a contemporary national reference point when reviewing existing compensation or assessing a prospective position.

The figure can be particularly useful during contract discussions, but it should be considered alongside the complete requirements of the role. Surgical volume, call schedules, working hours, clinical responsibilities, location and incentive arrangements can all affect whether an individual compensation package is competitive.

Non-financial considerations also matter. Factors such as clinical autonomy, operating capacity, support teams, workload and work-life balance can materially affect the attractiveness of a position even where headline compensation is similar.

The latest Doximity data therefore provide thoracic surgeons with a valuable starting point for benchmarking compensation, rather than a single figure that should determine the value of an individual role.

About the data

The Doximity 2026 Physician Compensation Report provides compensation benchmarks across a wide range of US medical and surgical specialties.

The specialty figures represent average compensation and should be treated as national benchmarks. An individual thoracic surgeon’s compensation may differ according to geography, experience, working arrangements, practice setting and other professional factors.