Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed
Perform surgery and related procedures on the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions to treat diseases, injuries, or defects. May diagnose problems of the oral and maxillofacial regions. May perform surgery to improve function or appearance.
Median pay: $352,220/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +4.1% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Administer general and local anesthetics.
• Collaborate with other professionals, such as restorative dentists and orthodontists, to plan treatment.
• Evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth to determine whether problems exist currently or might occur in the future.
• Perform surgery to prepare the mouth for dental implants and to aid in the regeneration of deficient bone and gum tissues.
• Remove impacted, damaged, and non-restorable teeth.
• Treat infections of the oral cavity, salivary glands, jaws, and neck.
• Remove tumors and other abnormal growths of the oral and facial regions, using surgical instruments.
• Provide emergency treatment of facial injuries including facial lacerations, intra-oral lacerations, and fractured facial bones.
What's the median pay for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons?
The median pay for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons is $352,220 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons?
Employment for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons is projected to change +4.1% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons?
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons?
About 200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.