A neonatal surgeon is a pediatric surgeon who specializes in surgical procedures on newborn infants. Of the countries reviewed in this guide, the highest annual incomes for neonatal surgeons are found in Australia and the US at about AU$506,000 ($382,202 USD) and $377,824, respectively, followed by New Zealand at NZ$425,000 ($292,638 USD) and Canada at C$366,000 ($285,128 USD). Neonatal surgeons in the UK earn an average annual salary of about £194,000 ($229,380 USD) compared to more than R2,218,000 ($161,800 USD) in South Africa and Rs2,226,000 ($34,500 USD) in India. Geographic region, years of professional experience, and work setting affect salaries for neonatal surgeons worldwide. Further details are provided in this guide.
How Much Does a Neonatal Surgeon Make per Year?
The chart below provides annual and hourly wages for neonatal surgeons in select countries worldwide.
| Neonatal Surgeon Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $182 | C$176 | £93 | AU$243 | NZ$204 | Rs 1078 | R1067 |
| Annual Wage | $377,824 | C$366,251 ($285,128 USD) |
£193,829 ($229,380 USD) |
AU$505,711 ($382,202 USD) |
NZ$424,724 ($292,638 USD) |
Rs2,226,442 ($34,560 USD) |
R2,218,348 ($161,800 USD) |
Factors that Influence the Neonatal Surgeon Salary
Neonatal surgeons are highly paid healthcare professionals who treat the youngest of patients and are required to hold a high level of education, training, and expertise. While geographic region is a strong influencer of income, professional experience and work setting also affect earning potential.
1. Geographic Area
Neonatal Surgeon Salary in US
Neonatal surgeons in the US earn roughly $378,000 per year with more than $35,000 in bonus income potential. Early career neonatal surgeons earn a typical starting salary of about $246,000 per year, increasing throughout one’s career with senior level neonatal surgeons seeing annual salaries that can reach $522,000.
Neonatal Surgeon Salary in Canada
In Canada, neonatal surgeons earn well over C$366,000 per year plus another C$34,000 or more in bonus income. Early career neonatal surgeons with one to three years’ experience see annual earnings top C$238,000 while senior level professionals earn nearly C$506,000 per year.
Neonatal Surgeon Salary in UK
Neonatal surgeons in the UK earn nearly £194,000 annually with another £18,000 in bonus income potential. Those beginning their careers can expect an average starting salary above £126,000 per year, increasing with experience to nearly £268,000 per year for those at the senior level.
Neonatal Surgeon Salary in Australia
Neonatal surgeons in Australia receive an average annual salary of nearly AU$506,000 per year. Bonus earnings can boost overall incomes by more than AU$47,000. In the early career years, the average annual salary is about AU$330,000 while senior level professionals see annual salaries well over AU$699,000.
Neonatal Surgeon Salary in New Zealand
In New Zealand, neonatal surgeons earn just under NZ$425,000 per year while bonus pay can reach another NZ$40,000. Early career neonatal surgeons earn nearly NZ$277,000 annually, with a steady increase throughout one’s career to about NZ$587,000 per year for senior level professionals.
Neonatal Surgeon Salary in India
Neonatal surgeons in India see annual earnings well over Rs2,226,442 per year while bonus pay can add another Rs209,000 to overall incomes. Early career neonatal surgeons earn an average starting salary of Rs1,472,000 compared to senior level professionals who receive about Rs3,121,000 annually.
Neonatal Surgeon Salary in South Africa
In South Africa, neonatal surgeons earn, on average, R2,218,000 per year with another R208,000 in bonus pay. The typical starting salary for entry level positions is nearly R1,457,000 per year while senior level positions garner an average salary just under R3,089,000 per year.
2. Experience
Earning potential increases throughout one’s career with additional experience and growing responsibility. The gap between entry level and senior level pay exhibits triple-digit growth at about 112%. For example, senior level professionals earn about $276,000 more per year compared to their entry level counterparts. In addition to higher salaries, bonus potential may also increase for those in senior level positions.
3. Industry
Due to the surgical care and acute care treatment provided by neonatal surgeons, most are employed in hospitals and surgery centers providing advanced care and treatment. For-profit, private sector institutions may offer higher incomes and additional opportunities for bonus income compared to nonprofit, public sector employers. Neonatal surgeons are government-funded positions in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, so there is little variance in salaries by work settings as private sector employers often refer to the government pay scale for wage guidelines.
Working Hours
Most neonatal surgeons work full-time, exceeding 40 hours per week. While some surgical procedures may be scheduled, others occur in emergency situations, meaning neonatal surgeons may work any day of week or hour of day, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Additional on-call hours may also be required for emergency treatment.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
As members of the healthcare field, neonatal surgeons typically receive medical, dental, and vision coverage, and benefits packages usually include paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick time. Other benefits that may be provided by one’s employer include professional liability insurance, retirement plans, health savings accounts, and allowances for meals and ongoing training. Bonus pay is common in all of the countries reviewed in this guide and can boost overall earnings by a sizeable amount.
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 15% growth rate for physicians and surgeons, including neonatal surgeons, through 2026. This much faster than average growth rate is due to increased access to medical care and improvements in medical technology and treatments. To practice as a neonatal surgeon, a bachelor’s degree is required, typically in a science-related field, followed by completion of a medical degree. Training, internships, and residency follow and can take between three and seven years. A licensing exam is required, as well as registration with the appropriate governing body.
Conclusion
Neonatal surgeons must complete a high level of education and training, but this time and effort is rewarded in the high salaries earned by these medical professionals. A comprehensive benefits and bonus package is typically provided and can add significant value to one’s overall income. With a stronger than average growth rate for neonatal surgeons, high salaries and positive employment opportunities are expected in the coming years.
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