Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Doctoral or professional degree
None
Internship/residency
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly trained medical professionals who typically complete a doctoral or professional degree before entering practice. This is a relatively small field, with national employment of about 6,000, so positions are specialized and limited in number. The occupation is projected to grow by 4.1%, indicating some expansion over time. The role calls for a combination of technical and interpersonal strengths, including fine motor skills, science knowledge, critical and analytical thinking, and strong problem solving and decision making. Success in this career also relies on adaptability, attention to detail, and the ability to lead and manage projects while working closely with patients and other professionals. Customer service and interpersonal skills support effective communication and patient care. For individuals prepared for extensive education and interested in a focused clinical path, oral and maxillofacial surgery offers a specialized career with defined growth and clear expectations for advanced training and skills.
Earnings for oral and maxillofacial surgeons vary significantly by location. Among the top states by opportunity score, reported median salaries range from $97,040 in Michigan to $475,250 in Minnesota. New York shows a median salary of $342,710, while Virginia reports $403,430 and Georgia $129,010. These figures illustrate how pay can differ across states even within the same occupation. At the metro level, the New York-Newark-Jersey City area reports a median salary of $342,730, closely aligned with the statewide New York median. For prospective or current surgeons, this spread highlights the importance of evaluating specific state and metro markets when considering job offers or relocation. Areas with higher median pay may also differ in employment levels and opportunity scores, so total career fit involves weighing compensation alongside job availability and other local factors.
Nationally, oral and maxillofacial surgeons account for about 6,000 jobs, reflecting a relatively small professional community. Projected employment growth of 4.1% indicates that the field is expected to expand over time. However, annual openings are listed as 0, suggesting that reported new or replacement positions may be very limited in the available data. This combination points to a specialized occupation where opportunities may be competitive and highly dependent on location and timing. Because the field is not large, even modest changes in employment numbers can matter for job seekers. Individuals planning a career in this area may want to pay careful attention to regional patterns in employment and opportunity scores when exploring where to train, practice, or relocate, since overall national growth is dispersed across a relatively small number of total positions.
Location plays a major role in the career landscape for oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Among the top states ranked by opportunity score, New York leads with an opportunity score of 65.78, median salary of $342,710, and employment of 350. Virginia follows with a score of 54.96, median salary of $403,430, and employment of 210. Minnesota shows a high median salary of $475,250 but relatively low employment at 40 and an opportunity score of 49.59. Georgia and Michigan have lower opportunity scores—41.49 and 29.78, respectively—with median salaries of $129,010 in Georgia and $97,040 in Michigan, and employment under 200 in each. All listed states share the same projected growth rate of 4.1%. At the metro level, the New York-Newark-Jersey City area stands out with an opportunity score of 77.27, median salary of $342,730, and employment of 240, making it a particularly notable market within New York’s broader state profile.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons typically need a doctoral or professional degree, reflecting the advanced knowledge and clinical expertise required for this occupation. This educational path prepares individuals to apply science in practice, use critical and analytical thinking, and solve complex problems while making sound decisions. Fine motor skills are essential for the precise work associated with this field, and being highly detail oriented supports accuracy and quality. Leadership and project management skills help surgeons coordinate care, manage cases, and work within healthcare teams. Because these professionals interact closely with patients, customer service and interpersonal skills are also important for building trust and communicating clearly. Adaptability supports working in varied clinical situations. Together, this combination of advanced education and a broad skill set positions oral and maxillofacial surgeons for specialized roles where both technical proficiency and strong people skills are central to success.
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