7 of the Most Popular Types of Cardiovascular Surgeon Jobs in 2026
See what kind of roles similar to Cardiovascular Surgeon jobs are hiring now
A cardiovascular surgeon is a medical specialist who performs surgical procedures on the heart and blood vessels. There are many career qualifications, starting with a bachelor’s degree in a pre-med discipline followed by a medical degree. After medical school, a cardiovascular surgeon must complete a residency in general surgery as well as a fellowship in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. Upon completing your training, you must be certified by the American Board of Medical Specialists. All physicians and surgeons must be licensed to work in their state. This training gives you the skills needed to perform your job duties, which include often conducting an initial examination and consulting with a team of doctors to determine options for patients, as well as performing surgery.
If you are interested in a job related to Cardiovascular Surgeon, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.
Top Types Of Cardiovascular Surgeon Jobs
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Salary range: $382,500 - $400,000
A cardiothoracic surgeon specializes in the surgery of the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest. The title includes cardiac surgeons, cardiovascular surgeons, general thoracic surgeons, and congenital heart surgeons. As a cardiothoracic surgeon, you treat a variety of health conditions, such as blockages of the heart, atrial fibrillation, lung or esophageal cancer, or swallowing disorders such as achalasia through surgical means. You also perform heart and lung transplants when necessary.
Entry Level Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Salary range: $382,500 - $400,000
Entry Level Cardiothoracic Surgeon is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Entry Level Cardiothoracic Surgeon jobs pay between $382,500 (25th percentile) and $400,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level Cardiothoracic Surgeon job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Cardiologist
Salary range: $354,000 - $400,000
A cardiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the cardiovascular system, which includes blood vessels and the heart. Cardiologists work with patients who have or who have suffered from heart attacks, heart murmurs, coronary heart disease and hypertension, and heart defects. On a daily basis, a cardiologist examines and meets with patients, requests and interprets tests, and treats diseases. Cardiologists may work in private practices or in hospitals.
Congenital Cardiac Surgery
Salary range: $139,500 - $195,500
Congenital Cardiac Surgery is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Congenital Cardiac Surgery jobs pay between $139,500 (25th percentile) and $195,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Congenital Cardiac Surgery job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant
Salary range: $154,000 - $250,000
A cardiothoracic physician assistant works with a cardiothoracic physician to prepare patients for surgery. This specialty operates on conditions of the lungs, heart, and chest wall. As a cardiothoracic physician assistant, you explain to the patient what to expect during the procedure, and you monitor the patient during and after the surgery. You do not participate in the operation, but you may perform of other procedures, such as chest tube insertions, endoscopic retrieval, thoracentesis, and the insertion of catheters. Other job duties may include taking patient histories and physicals, accompanying the physician on their clinical rounds, and may assist with discharging the patient, including writing prescriptions for explaining discharge instructions.
Cardiovascular Surgical Tech
Salary range: $74,000 - $143,000
The duties of a cardiovascular surgical tech are to assist a cardiac surgeon before, during, and after heart surgery or a similar procedure. They prep the CVOR (cardiovascular operating room) and help with preoperative care and transport. During the operation, they assist the surgical staff, monitor patient condition, and transport them to a recovery room. The qualifications to become a surgical technologist include certification and a postsecondary degree.
Thoracic Surgeon
Salary range: $275,000 - $374,500
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.