A retinal surgeon is an ophthalmologist who specializes in the surgical treatment of the eye’s retina. Retinal surgeons are among the highest paid healthcare providers worldwide. In US dollar currency, annual earnings for retinal surgeons are similar in the US and Australia at more than $299,000 and AU$400,000 ($304,667 USD), respectively, followed by New Zealand at NZ$336,000 ($231,277 USD) and Canada at C$290,000 ($228,396 USD). Retinal surgeons in the UK earn more than £153,000 ($181,419 USD) per year compared to R1,757,000 ($130,383 USD) in South Africa and Rs1,764,000 ($27,410 USD) in India. Retinal surgeons earn varying amounts by geographic region, professional experience, and work setting, and details are provided in this guide.
How Much Does a Retinal Surgeon Make per Year?
The chart provides average annual salaries and hourly earnings for retinal surgeons in select countries worldwide.
| Retinal Surgeon Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $144 | C$139 | £74 | AU$193 | NZ$162 | Rs848 | R845 |
| Annual Wage | $299,177 | C$290,013 ($228,396 USD) |
£153,483 ($181,419 USD) |
AU$400,469 ($304,667 USD) |
NZ$336,326 ($231,277 USD) |
Rs1,764,449 ($27,410 USD) |
R1,757,292 ($130,383 USD) |
Factors that Influence the Retinal Surgeon Salary
Geographic region, professional experience, and work setting can all affect earning potential for retinal surgeons. This guide outlines salary information and provides career insight for these healthcare professionals.
1. Geographic Area
Retinal Surgeon Salary in US
In the US, retinal surgeons earn an average annual salary exceeding $299,000 plus more than $19,000 in additional bonus income. Early career retinal surgeons receive just under $199,000 per year compared to more than $398,000 annually for senior level professionals.
Retinal Surgeon Salary in Canada
Retinal surgeons in Canada see an average annual salary of more than C$290,000, plus another C$18,000 in bonus income pay. Early career retinal surgeons earn just under C$193,000 per year, increasing with experience to about C$386,000 annually for those in senior level positions.
Retinal Surgeon Salary in UK
The average annual salary for a retinal surgeon in the UK is well over £153,000 and bonus income adds another £10,000 to overall earnings. Entry level retinal surgeons earn an average annual salary of nearly £101,000 compared to senior level professionals with annual salaries that top £204,000.
Retinal Surgeon Salary in Australia
Retinal surgeons in Australia earn well over AU$400,000 annually, plus another AU$26,000 in additional bonus income. Early level pay for retinal surgeons is more than AU$266,000 per year while senior level pay can reach AU$534,000 annually.
Retinal Surgeon Salary in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the average annual salary for retinal surgeons exceeds NZ$336,000 with another NZ$22,000 available in bonus incentive pay. On average, the annual salary for entry level positions is just under NZ$224,000 while senior level positions garner an average annual salary of about NZ$448,000.
Retinal Surgeon Salary in India
Retinal surgeons in India receive about Rs1,764,000 per year plus another Rs114,000 possible in bonus pay. The average entry level salary for those early in their careers is about Rs1,190,000 per year, increasing with experience to more than Rs2,384,000 annually for those in senior level positions.
Retinal Surgeon Salary in South Africa
In South Africa, retinal surgeons see annual earnings topping R1,757,000 and an additional 114,000 in bonus income. Entry level employees earn more than R1,177,000 per year compared to senior level professionals who receive an annual salary exceeding R2,358,000.
2. Experience
Despite salary level, worldwide annual earnings for retinal surgeons increase, on average, 100% with additional professional experience. In the US, this increase equates to $199,000 per year compared to AU$268,000 per year in Australia. In India, the country with the lowest annual pay among the geographic regions reviewed in this guide, the gap between senior level and entry level pay is Rs1,194,000 more per year.
3. Industry
Retinal surgeons are often self-employed or work in multi-practitioner offices; however, some are also employed in hospitals and in research capacities in laboratories and universities. Those who work in a for-profit, private sector setting may earn higher base salaries and have more opportunities for bonus income. According to Beckers Hospital Review, in the US, those who work in a multi-specialty group practice earn about $24,000 more per year than those who work in a single-specialty group practice.
Working Hours
Retinal surgeons often work full-time schedules that are 40 hours or more per week. Planned surgeries are typically scheduled during normal business hours Monday through Friday; however, on-call hours may be necessary to treat patient emergencies that can occur in the evenings, weekends, or holidays.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
A comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage and paid time off is often provided to retinal surgeons. Other benefits provided by employers may include professional liability insurance, health savings accounts, and retirement plans. Bonus pay is offered by some employers and can add a significant amount to overall earnings.
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a growth rate of 15% among surgeons, including those who specialize in retinal surgery, from 2016 through 2026. This represents a faster than average rate of growth and is largely due to advancements in medical care and surgical treatments and increased access to healthcare. A career as a retinal surgeon requires a medical degree in addition to a bachelor’s degree, followed by residency and advanced training that can take between three and seven years. Licensure and registration with the appropriate healthcare governing agency is also required.
Conclusion
Retinal surgeons are highly paid healthcare professionals who receive comprehensive benefits packages and bonus incentive pay. Most work in private practice and work full-time hours. Growth among this career field is expected to increase at a faster than average level, which should support income levels and provide sufficient job opportunities for newly trained retinal surgeons entering the career field.
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