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Thoracic Surgery Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Thoracic Surgeon

Mount Sterling, IL · On-site

$550K - $650K/yr

Participate in medical student and General Surgery residency education. Da Vinci Xi Call for thoracic patients is shared with General Surgeons on nights and weekends. Multi-disciplinary tumor board ...

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Thoracic Surgery information

See Illinois salary details

$124K

$298.9K

$387.6K

How much do thoracic surgery jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for thoracic surgery in Illinois is $298,923.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $266,500.00 and $362,900.00 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 advanced knowledge of surgical techniques, human anatomy, and disease processes, supported by an MD or DO degree, completion of a general surgery residency, and thoracic surgery fellowship with board certification. Expertise in operating specialized surgical instruments, minimally invasive technology, and familiarity with electronic medical record (EMR) systems is essential. Superior manual dexterity, critical thinking, and strong communication skills are crucial for patient care and effective collaboration with surgical teams. These competencies ensure safe, precise procedures, optimal patient outcomes, and efficient teamwork in high-stakes surgical environments.

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 the ability to make quick, critical decisions during surgery. Managing high-stress situations, such as unexpected complications or emergencies, is a routine part of the role. Additionally, they frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—including pulmonologists, oncologists, and anesthesiologists—to coordinate patient care, which demands strong communication and teamwork abilities. Balancing a demanding surgical schedule with patient consultations and follow-ups can also be challenging but is essential for successful patient outcomes.

What is thoracic surgery?

Thoracic surgery is a medical specialty focused on the surgical treatment of organs inside the chest, primarily the lungs, esophagus, and other parts of the thoracic cavity. Thoracic surgeons perform procedures to treat conditions such as lung cancer, esophageal cancer, chest trauma, and diseases of the diaphragm. These surgeries can be performed using traditional open techniques or minimally invasive methods like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted surgery. Thoracic surgeons work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex chest diseases.

What is the difference between Thoracic Surgery vs Cardiothoracic Surgery?

AspectThoracic SurgeryCardiothoracic Surgery
CredentialsMedical degree, surgical residency, board certification in thoracic surgeryMedical degree, surgical residency, board certification in cardiothoracic surgery
Work EnvironmentHospitals, specialized surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, cardiac centers, surgical clinics
Industry UsageFocuses on chest organs excluding the heartIncludes heart and chest organ surgeries
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for chest surgeriesBroader scope including heart procedures

Thoracic Surgery primarily involves surgeries on the chest organs such as the lungs, esophagus, and chest wall. Cardiothoracic Surgery is a specialized subset that includes surgeries on the heart and great vessels. While both require similar credentials and work in similar environments, cardiothoracic surgery covers a broader range of procedures, especially those involving the heart.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Thoracic Surgery jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Thoracic Surgery job openings:

$150K - $1.16M/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

Thoracic Surgeon

Department of Surgery

Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians (HMFP) at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC)

Harvard Medical School (HMS)

The Department of Surgery and the Division of Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology at Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center seeks to recruit a board certified full-time thoracic surgeon with mid-career experience in thoracic surgery, inclusive of malignant and non-malignant diseases of the lungs, pleura, diaphragm, and the mediastinum including the esophagus. Advanced skills in bronchoscopy, thoracoscopic and laparoscopic surgery techniques are required. The ideal candidate should possess exceptional teamwork, program development and mentorship abilities. This position will provide clinical care at BIDMC Boston and at hospitals affiliated with BIDMC. Responsibilities will also include teaching of medical students and surgery residents as well as clinical and/or basic research. Appointment as Assistant Professor or Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School will be commensurate with experience, training and achievements in addition to teaching activities. Ideal candidate will have 5-15 years of experience.

As a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, BIDMC and the Department of Surgery, provide a clinically advanced and supportive academic environment for residents, fellows, and faculty. We're also proud and excited to be an integral part of the landmark collaboration among Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), and Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians (HMFP) to establish New England's only freestanding adult inpatient cancer hospital. The collaboration will provide unparalleled opportunities for surgery and other physician specialties to be part of DFCI's internationally recognized cancer team.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a 743-bed hospital and Level 1 Trauma Center, is a founding member of Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH). BILH, a health care system with 14 hospitals, brings together academic medical centers and teaching hospitals, community and specialty hospitals, and more than 4,000 physicians and 39,000 employees in a shared mission to expand access and advance the science and practice of medicine through groundbreaking research and education.

Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (HMFP) is one of the largest physician organizations in New England, dedicated to excellence and innovation in patient care, education, and research. As a physician-led organization, HMFP partners with more than 2,400 providers to support the delivery of exceptional care, promote professional development and foster balance at work and home. HMFP physicians have faculty affiliations with Harvard Medical School (HMS) and provide care throughout BILH system and additional hospitals across Massachusetts.

Pay Range:

$150,000 - $1,164,900

The base pay range reflects what Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (HMFP) reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this role at the time of posting and may be modified from time to time. Actual compensation within this range may be determined based on several factors, including academic appointment, work experience, specialty training, geography of work location, anticipated productivity, FTE basis, and role expectations. In addition to base compensation, this role may be eligible for performance-based incentives, which may include bonuses for productivity and quality HMFP also offers a comprehensive and generous employee benefits program to eligible employees, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, as well as retirement plan(s) with employer contributions.