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Thoracic Surgeon Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sutter Health

Thoracic Surgeon

San Francisco, CA

Opportunity Information Thoracic Surgeon Position Summary We are seeking a board-certified Thoracic Surgeon to join our Thoracic Surgery Associates team. This role focuses on thoracic (non-cardiac ...

Queen's Health Systems

Thoracic Surgeon

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$575K/yr

Thoracic Surgeon Opportunity At The Queen's Medical Center About Us: Highly trained surgeons at The Queen's Medical Center provide a wide range of surgical services to patients of all ages from ...

Sutter Health

Thoracic Surgeon

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Opportunity Information Thoracic Surgeon Position Summary We are seeking a board-certified Thoracic Surgeon to join our Thoracic Surgery Associates team. This role focuses on thoracic (non-cardiac ...

Sutter Health

Thoracic Surgeon

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$559K - $782K/yr

Opportunity Information Thoracic Surgeon Position Summary We are seeking a board-certified Thoracic Surgeon to join our Thoracic Surgery Associates team. This role focuses on thoracic (non-cardiac ...

Tenet Health

Thoracic Surgeon

Glendale, AZ · On-site

The role involves focusing on non-cardiac thoracic surgery within a physician-led team, supported by the Abrazo Health network and centralized administrative services. Practice Info * Full-time, ...

She Recruits LLC

Thoracic Surgeon

Columbus, OH · On-site

Thoracic Surgeon - Program Development Opportunity Columbus, OH Position Overview: A BC/BE Thoracic Surgeon is sought to help establish and grow a comprehensive General Thoracic Surgery Program to ...

CompHealth

Thoracic Surgeon

Glendale, AZ · On-site

CompHealth is seeking a skilled Thoracic Surgeon to join a successful team in Glendale, Arizona. This employed position offers the opportunity to practice 100% thoracic (non-cardiac) surgery ...

Tufts Medicine

$450K - $507K/yr

Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA Thoracic Surgeon At Tufts Medicine, you'll make an impact and build your career, supported by a community of brilliant, compassionate colleagues. Every single person ...

Tenet Health

Thoracic Surgeon

Phoenix, AZ

The role focuses on non-cardiac thoracic surgery across all aspects of the specialty, supported by an experienced and stable staff. Practice Info * Full-time, employed position with Tenet Health ...

Tufts Medicine

Thoracic Surgeon

Boston, MA · On-site

$450K - $507K/yr

Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA Thoracic Surgeon At Tufts Medicine, you'll make an impact and build your career, supported by a community of brilliant, compassionate colleagues. Every single person ...

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All JobsThoracic Surgeon Jobs

Thoracic Surgeon information

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$128K

$308.5K

$400K

How much do thoracic surgeon jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for thoracic surgeon in the United States is $308,478.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $275,000.00 and $374,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Thoracic Surgeon, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Thoracic Surgeon, you need exceptional surgical skills, in-depth knowledge of thoracic anatomy and pathology, and completion of medical school, general surgery residency, and thoracic surgery fellowship with board certification. Mastery of specialized surgical instruments, imaging technologies (like CT scans), and familiarity with minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical systems is essential. Strong decision-making, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication with patients and medical staff distinguish outstanding practitioners. These skills are crucial for delivering safe, high-quality patient outcomes in complex and often high-risk surgical environments.

Can a cardiothoracic surgeon do angioplasty?

A cardiothoracic surgeon specializes in surgeries of the heart and chest, but angioplasty is typically performed by interventional cardiologists using catheter-based techniques. Cardiothoracic surgeons generally do not perform angioplasty unless they have additional training in interventional cardiology, which is uncommon. The procedures require specific skills, tools, and certifications distinct from surgical operations.

Is thoracic surgery in high demand?

Thoracic surgeons are in high demand due to the increasing prevalence of lung and esophageal diseases, as well as advances in minimally invasive techniques. The job market for thoracic surgeons is generally strong, with opportunities in hospitals, specialized clinics, and academic institutions, often requiring board certification and specialized training.

What are some common challenges faced by thoracic surgeons in their daily practice?

Thoracic surgeons often encounter complex cases that require precise technical skills and critical decision-making, especially when operating on vital organs like the lungs and esophagus. They also manage demanding schedules that may include emergency surgeries and long operating hours. Additionally, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and anesthesiologists—is essential to provide comprehensive patient care and optimize surgical outcomes. Balancing these responsibilities while keeping up with advances in surgical techniques is a key challenge in this field.

What is a thoracic surgeon?

A thoracic surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in surgical procedures involving the organs inside the chest, such as the lungs, esophagus, chest wall, and mediastinum. They are trained to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including lung cancer, esophageal cancer, chest trauma, and diseases affecting the diaphragm or airway. Thoracic surgeons use both traditional open surgery and minimally invasive techniques to perform operations. Their expertise is critical in managing complex chest diseases and collaborating with other specialists to provide comprehensive patient care.

What can a thoracic surgeon do?

A thoracic surgeon specializes in surgical procedures of the chest, including the lungs, esophagus, mediastinum, and chest wall. They perform operations such as lung resections, esophageal surgeries, and treatment of chest tumors, often working in hospitals with advanced imaging and surgical tools. Certification by a medical board in thoracic surgery is typically required.

What is the difference between Thoracic Surgeon vs Cardiothoracic Surgeon?

AspectThoracic SurgeonCardiothoracic Surgeon
CredentialsMedical degree, general surgery residency, specialized thoracic surgery fellowshipMedical degree, general surgery residency, specialized cardiothoracic surgery fellowship
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, surgical centers focusing on chest and lung proceduresHospitals, clinics, surgical centers focusing on heart and chest surgeries
Common ProceduresLung resections, esophageal surgeries, chest wall proceduresCoronary artery bypass, heart valve repair, thoracic aortic surgeries

While both Thoracic Surgeons and Cardiothoracic Surgeons perform surgeries within the chest cavity, Cardiothoracic Surgeons specialize in heart-related procedures, whereas Thoracic Surgeons focus on lungs, esophagus, and other chest organs. The choice depends on the specific surgical needs related to the heart or other thoracic structures.

What is the highest paid thoracic surgeon?

The highest paid thoracic surgeons typically earn over $600,000 annually, with top earners in specialized fields such as cardiothoracic surgery or those working in high-demand regions. Salaries depend on experience, location, and the complexity of cases handled, often supplemented by bonuses and benefits.

What Is a Thoracic Surgeon?

A thoracic surgeon is a medical professional who specializes in performing surgery on organs within the cardiothoracic cavity (chest area). This includes the heart, lungs, and other parts of the circulatory and respiratory systems. It doesn’t usually extend down to the stomach or up past the throat. Your job duties are to monitor your patient for health conditions during the operation while performing procedures like a bypass or a transplant. A thoracic surgeon has to undergo extensive education before being allowed to operate on patients.

More about Thoracic Surgeon jobs
What cities are hiring for Thoracic Surgeon jobs? Cities with the most Thoracic Surgeon job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Thoracic Surgeon jobs? The top employers for Thoracic Surgeon jobs are:
What states have the most Thoracic Surgeon jobs? States with the most job openings for Thoracic Surgeon jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Thoracic Surgeon jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Thoracic Surgeon jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Thoracic Surgeon jobs? For Thoracic Surgeon jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Thoracic Surgeon jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thoracic Surgeon job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $308,478 per year, or $148.3 per hour.
Thoracic Surgeon

Thoracic Surgeon

Sutter Health

San Francisco, CA

Other

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Sutter Health rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 318 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 884 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Opportunity Information

Thoracic Surgeon Position Summary

We are seeking a board-certified Thoracic Surgeon to join our Thoracic Surgery Associates team. This role focuses on thoracic (non-cardiac) procedures, including lung resections and chest wall reconstruction, with a strong emphasis on minimally invasive and robotic techniques (RATS).

The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in robotic and minimally invasive thoracic surgery and will contribute to clinical, strategic, and programmatic growth, including leadership of a high-performing thoracic oncology program.

This position offers the opportunity to play a central role in expanding thoracic surgical services and advancing clinical quality, patient experience, and system-wide excellence.

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Key Position Requirements

Clinical Excellence

Perform complex thoracic procedures with a focus on lung surgery, including:

o Lobectomy

o Segmentectomy and lung-sparing resections

Minimum of 5-8 years of post-training experience preferred

Advanced skills and formal credentialing in:

o da Vinci robotic surgery

o Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)

Evaluate, diagnose, and manage patients with thoracic surgical conditions

Academic / Research

Board Certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Demonstrated ability to contribute to academic programs, teaching, and clinical research

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Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Participate in multidisciplinary tumor boards and care conferences

Collaborate with medical oncology, radiation oncology, pulmonology, radiology, pathology, and primary care

Assist with development of coordinated, patient-centered treatment plans

Facilitate appropriate referrals and continuity of care

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Quality and Patient Experience

Adhere to evidence-based clinical guidelines

Support quality improvement and patient safety initiatives

Participate in peer review and quality assurance activities

Contribute to organizational goals related to access, outcomes, and patient satisfaction

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Call Coverage

Participate in an equitable call rotation

Provide consultation and emergency thoracic surgical services as needed

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Non-Clinical Responsibilities

Director of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Thoracic Surgery FTE Breakdown

tbd % Clinical

tbd % Administrative (Program Director role)

Program Development

Support growth and expansion of thoracic surgery services

Participate in strategic initiatives to expand access

Direct the strategic vision and standardized care pathways of the thoracic surgery service line.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

MD or DO

Completion of accredited General Surgery residency

Completion of accredited Thoracic/Cardiothoracic Surgery fellowship

Board Certified in Thoracic Surgery

Eligible for unrestricted California medical license

DEA registration and hospital privileging eligibility

Experience:

Preference for 8 years of attending experience with a strong track record in VATS and RATS

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong clinical and surgical judgment

Expertise in thoracic disease management

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary care model

Commitment to high-quality, safe, patient-centered care

Ability to build collaborative relationships across teams

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Join Us and Enjoy

Practice Characteristics

Integrated multispecialty medical group environment

Access to advanced imaging, oncology, pulmonology, and critical care

Active multidisciplinary thoracic oncology program

Emphasis on minimally invasive and robotic thoracic surgery

Focus on coordinated, high-quality patient care

Participation in system-wide thoracic oncology initiatives

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Benefits

Signing bonus

Comprehensive benefits package and CME allowance

Robust retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Opportunities for teaching, research, leadership, and mentorship

Organization Details

Sutter West Bay Medical Group (SWBMG) is a premier multispecialty group with approximately 380 physicians in the San Francisco Bay Area. In partnership with Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation (SPMF), physicians practice in a collaborative environment supported by strong administrative infrastructure, enabling a focus on high-quality patient care.

Community Information

San Francisco is a leading cultural and financial center known for its diversity, innovation, and access to world-class dining, arts, and outdoor activities. The region offers a unique opportunity to care for a diverse population with complex medical needs.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Sutter West Bay Medical Group is committed to equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals and prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics. We actively promote an inclusive and equitable workplace across all aspects of employment.

Employment Type: OTHER

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