Trauma surgeons generally work in and around the emergency rooms of hospitals, including both emergency departments and operating rooms. When an individual suffers a sudden injury, these surgeons are tasked with treating them and preventing injuries from worsening.

This can be a stressful position in a fast-paced environment, so it is important to be able to stay focused and work well under pressure. In addition to performing and overseeing operations, trauma surgeons also play a role in maintaining patients’ vital signs as they recover and occasionally making diagnoses to determine what sort of treatment, or referral to another specialist, is necessary. They also perform various exams and consultations.

Trauma Surgeons in the United States can look forward to a sizeable six-figure salary — around $311K per year on average. Career length is the biggest factor affecting pay for this group, followed by geography. The majority of Trauma Surgeons (64 percent) who took the survey are women. Work is enjoyable for Trauma Surgeons, who typically claim high levels of job satisfaction. Medical benefits are awarded to nearly all, and a strong majority earn dental coverage.

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