Explore Jobs
Find Specific Jobs
Explore Careers
Explore Professions
Best Companies
Explore Companies
What is a trauma surgeon and how to become one
A trauma surgeon is a highly skilled and specialized medical care provider who performs emergency procedures on patients who have suffered serious injuries or diseases. Typically, trauma surgeons operate in emergency rooms.
To be a successful trauma surgeon, you must have a high level of competence and training, as well as the ability to operate with several instruments, including surgical clamps, surgical lasers, and medical software. You should also be willing to work long, irregular shifts, often at night, when many catastrophic injuries occur, and to perform surgeries under tight deadlines.
As a trauma surgeon, you must first complete medical school, followed by a general surgery residency of five to seven years, depending on whether your residency includes a two-year research period. Most trauma surgeons then complete a one to two-year fellowship in traumatology, critical surgical care, or emergency surgery after medical school. The yearly payment for trauma surgeons is an average of $414,053.
What general advice would you give to a Trauma Surgeon?
Rebecca Moellmer DPM, FACFAS, FAAPSM, DABPM
Assistant Dean of Clinical Affairs and Faculty Affairs, Associate Professor, Western University of Health Sciences
Avg. Salary $406,184
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 7%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.14%
Asian 12.67%
Black or African American 1.81%
Hispanic or Latino 5.01%
Unknown 3.76%
White 76.60%
Genderfemale 44.44%
male 55.56%
Age - 47American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 47Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Trauma Surgeon career paths
Key steps to become a trauma surgeon
Explore trauma surgeon education requirements
Start to develop specific trauma surgeon skills
Skills 
Percentages Critical Care 43.62% Patient Care 29.36% Trauma Surgery 20.06% Emergency Medicine 2.72% Private Practice 1.95% Research trauma surgeon duties and responsibilities
- Manage all incoming medical records requests (ensuring office is within HIPPA guidelines).
- Coordinate with patients and medical staff at civilian and military treatment facilities to schedule medical appointments and retrieve medical documentation.
- Observe fracture plating, skin grafting, wind cleaning, amputation, and other Orthopaedic surgeries.
Apply for trauma surgeon jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a trauma surgeon job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Trauma Surgeon Job
Are you a Trauma Surgeon?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average trauma surgeon salary
The average Trauma Surgeon salary in the United States is $406,184 per year or $195 per hour. Trauma surgeon salaries range between $204,000 and $806,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do trauma surgeons rate their job?
Updated January 8, 2025
