Surgeons
Surgeons are among the most highly educated and highly compensated professionals in the United States. Ninety percent of the country's surgeons earned in excess of $117,390 per year as of May 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual income for surgeons in all specialties was $231,550. The BLS anticipates continued strong demand for new surgeons, with a 24 percent increase in employment opportunities between 2010 and 2020.
Orthopaedic Surgeons
Orthopaedic surgeons specialize in conditions, diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, joints, nerves, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Orthopaedic surgeons might further specialize in pediatric or adult orthopaedics. The salary for orthopaedic surgeons range from $397,879 to $600,000 per year, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Neurological Surgeons
Neurological surgeons treat both adult and pediatric patients who are experiencing pain or who have dysfunctions of the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system or the autonomic nervous system. Annual salaries for neurological surgeons range from $287,000 to $637,000, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeons
Cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons are commonly referred to as plastic surgeons. Reconstructive surgeons use surgical techniques to repair, replace or reconstruct damaged or defective tissue. Cosmetic surgeons use their skills to enhancement their patients' appearance. Plastic surgeons earn between $275,000 and $499,656 per year, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.
