Oral surgeons treat conditions of the teeth, mouth, and jaw through surgical intervention. In the US, oral surgeons earn an average annual salary of about $260,000 compared to about AU$347,000 ($279.680 USD) in Australia. Annual earnings in New Zealand and Canada are similar when looking at the US dollar equivalency at about NZ$292,000 ($210,990 USD) and C$252,000 ($207,015 USD), respectively. Oral surgeons in the UK earn about £133,000 ($160,000 USD), followed by South Africa at just under R1,516,000 ($117,240 USD) and India at nearly Rs1,513,000 ($23,715 USD). Salaries for oral surgeons vary worldwide dependent upon geographic region, professional experience, and work setting. Additional details are provided in this guide.
How Much Does an Oral Surgeon Make per Year?
The chart below outlines hourly and annual wages in select countries worldwide.
| Oral Surgeon Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $125 | C$121 | £64 | AU$167 | NZ$140 | Rs727 | R729 |
| Annual Wage | $259,570 | C$251,619 ($207,015 USD) |
£133,163 ($160,002USD) |
AU$347,171 ($279,680 USD) |
NZ$291,665 ($210,990 USD) |
Rs1,512,680 ($23,715 USD) |
R1,515,815 ($117,240 USD) |
Factors that Influence the Oral Surgeon Salary
A review of oral surgeon salaries shows incomes that are influenced largely by geographic regions, but also professional experience, and work setting. This guide provides additional details on earning potential and a career in oral surgery.
1. Geographic Area
Oral Surgeon Salary in US
Oral surgeons in the US nearly $260,000 per year, on average. Entry level positions garner an annual salary of nearly $183,000, increasing with experience to more than $328,000 annually for senior level positions. Additional bonus potential can significantly increase overall earnings by more than $14,000.
Oral Surgeon Salary in Canada
In Canada, oral surgeons earn an average annual salary of nearly C$252,000 per year with the opportunity to earn an additional C$14,000 through bonus pay. The average starting salary for entry level oral surgeons is more than C$177,000 per year while senior level positions garner an average annual salary of C$318,000.
Oral Surgeon Salary in UK
Entry level oral surgeons in the UK earn about £94,000 per year, on average. With additional experience and responsibility, annual earnings increase to more than £163,000. On average, experienced oral surgeons earn about £133,000 per year with the possibility to bring home an additional and £7,300 in bonus pay.
Oral Surgeon Salary in Australia
Oral surgeons in Australia earn roughly AU$347,000 annually with an additional AU$19,000 in bonus income, on average. The average starting salary for entry level positions is just under AU$245,000 per year, increasing with experience to an annual income of nearly AU$440,000.
Oral Surgeon Salary in New Zealand
In New Zealand, oral surgeons earn nearly NZ$292,000 with an additional NZ$16,000 in bonus income, on average. Entry level oral surgeons earn about NZ$205,500 per year compared to their senior level colleagues who receive more than NZ$369,000 per year.
Oral Surgeon Salary in India
The average annual salary for oral surgeons in India is nearly Rs1,513,000 with the opportunity to earn an additional Rs83,000 in bonus pay. The entry level average salary is just under Rs1,100,000 per year for new oral surgeons while senior level oral surgeons earn more than Rs1,940,000 per year.
Oral Surgeon Salary in South Africa
Entry level oral surgeons in South Africa earn an average starting salary of about R1,100,000 per year with additional experience in senior level positions garnering more than R1,900,000 annually. The average annual salary is R$1,516,000 with more than R83,000 in additional bonus pay opportunities.
2. Experience
While oral surgeons earn strong salaries during their entry level career years, experience leads to additional earnings. Annual salaries for senior level positions increase, on average, between 73% and 80% over entry level positions. The three countries with the highest increase in annual salaries as a result of experience are Canada, Australia, and New Zealand with the US close behind at 79%. These countries also offer the highest annual salaries among the countries reviewed in this guide. The two countries with the smallest gap between entry level and senior level pay are the UK and South Africa at 73%.
3. Industry
Due to the nature of their work, oral surgeons work in hospitals or private practice in a group setting or solo practice. While those who work in private practice may enjoy greater flexibility and higher salaries, hospital employers may provide additional benefits and allowances for things like continuing medical education and training required to maintain licensure while self-employed oral surgeons in a solo private practice would need to cover these expenses individually. Bonus opportunities are likely greater in for-profit hospitals and organizations versus nonprofit settings.
Working Hours
Oral surgeons typically work full-time schedules during normal business hours from Monday through Friday, although early morning hours are common for surgical appointments. On-call hours are common and those who work in hospital settings may be scheduled during evenings or weekend hours to care for patients in emergency situations. While full-time hours are common, there may be opportunities for flexible scheduling and part-time employment, particularly during late-career years.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
Oral surgeons typically enjoy medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage, although those who are self-employed in solo private practice often need to cover these expenses on their own. Paid time off for vacation, holiday, and sick time is common and bonus pay opportunities can significantly add to overall earnings. Some employers also offer allowances for continuing medical education training.
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a growth rate of 18% for dentists, including oral surgeons, between 2014 and 2024. This above average growth rate is due to increased access to dental care, improvements in dental medicine, and an aging population who will require dental services. To work as an oral surgeon, a degree in dental medicine followed by additional training in a hospital-based surgical program is required. Some oral surgeons also choose to obtain a medical degree. Licensure and registration with the appropriate governing board is required in all countries reviewed in this guide.
Conclusion
Oral surgeons earn strong salaries and are among some of the highest paid professionals worldwide as many earn six-figure salaries early in their careers. Comprehensive benefits and bonus packages are common, although those who are self-employed often absorb this expenses. Future demand for oral surgeons is expected to remain high with faster than average growth, which should support income levels and provide a good supply of employment opportunities to meet the number of incoming new oral surgeons.
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