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Contract Cardiothoracic Surgeon Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our client in OK is actively seeking a proficient Cardiothoracic Surgeon for a 30-day locum tenens ... Locum tenens jobs, sometimes referred to as travel assignments, are contract positions that help ...

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Contract Cardiothoracic Surgeon information

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$117K

$367.5K

$400K

How much do contract cardiothoracic surgeon jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract cardiothoracic surgeon in the United States is $367,474.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $382,500.00 and $400,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract cardiothoracic surgeon?

A contract cardiothoracic surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in surgical procedures involving the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest, and works on a contractual basis rather than as a permanent employee. These surgeons are often hired by hospitals, clinics, or healthcare organizations to provide specialized surgical services for a set period or specific cases. Contract arrangements can offer flexibility, diverse work experiences, and the opportunity to work in various medical settings. Their primary responsibilities include diagnosing and performing surgeries to treat diseases and conditions of the chest organs.

What types of cases and procedures does a contract cardiothoracic surgeon typically handle, and how is case assignment managed in contract positions?

As a Contract Cardiothoracic Surgeon, you can expect to manage a variety of cases, ranging from elective coronary artery bypass grafting and valve repairs to urgent interventions for aortic dissections or trauma. Case assignment usually depends on both your specific experience and the immediate needs of the facility, often determined by a lead surgeon or surgical coordinator. Because contract roles may cover gaps or surges in patient volume, flexibility is key, and you may work with different teams and adapt to various hospital protocols. This structure provides an excellent opportunity to broaden your clinical experience across diverse patient populations and surgical approaches.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract cardiothoracic surgeon, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Cardiothoracic Surgeon, you need an MD or DO degree, board certification in cardiothoracic surgery, and extensive experience in cardiac and thoracic procedures. Familiarity with advanced surgical tools, minimally invasive technologies, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is typically required. Exceptional manual dexterity, decision-making, and strong communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure optimal surgical outcomes, patient safety, and effective collaboration with diverse clinical teams.

What is the difference between Contract Cardiothoracic Surgeon vs Locum Cardiothoracic Surgeon?

AspectContract Cardiothoracic SurgeonLocum Cardiothoracic Surgeon
CredentialsMedical degree, board certification in cardiothoracic surgery, state medical licenseSame as Contract Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, or surgical centers with fixed-term contractsTemporary assignments across various facilities, often short-term
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, healthcare organizations, often through staffing agenciesHealthcare staffing agencies, hospitals seeking temporary coverage

Both roles require similar credentials and work in hospital settings, but a Contract Cardiothoracic Surgeon typically signs a fixed-term contract with a single employer, while a Locum Cardiothoracic Surgeon works on short-term assignments across multiple facilities. The choice depends on whether you prefer a stable position or flexible, temporary work.

What cities are hiring for Contract Cardiothoracic Surgeon jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Cardiothoracic Surgeon job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cardiothoracic Surgeon jobs?

The most popular types of Cardiothoracic Surgeon jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Cardiothoracic Surgeon jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Cardiothoracic Surgeon jobs include:

$350K - $375K/yr

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Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Veterans Health Administration rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,006 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Houston, TX, is a beautiful place to live and work. Houston is famous for its role in space exploration, as it is home to NASA. It is also known for its diverse and vibrant culture, which is reflected in its culinary scene, museums, and green spaces. Houston has a reputation for being an entertainment hub, with events like the rodeo, live concerts, and sports games. Galveston is a short drive from Houston where you can enjoy the beach, trails, and fishing spots.

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is a teaching hospital that provides a full range of services, with state-of-the-art technology as well as education and research. The medical center is on a 119-acre campus that features 350 acute care beds. We provide health care services at 12 locations in southeast Texas. 
 

Work Schedule: Full Time

Salary: $350,000 to - $375,000 per year

  • Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases
  • Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME)
  • Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
  • Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
  • Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory
  • CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification)
  • Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided
  • Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting

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About Veterans Health Administration

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The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, serving millions of Veterans each year. Located in Phoenix, AZ, and many other parts of the US, the VHA operates under the Department of Veteran Affairs, as suggested by their official website va.gov. The VHA is dedicated to providing the highest level of comprehensive care to its veterans. The organization offers a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care, including mental health services, research, and pharmacy benefits.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US