1. Neurosurgeons received more compensation. Overall, neurosurgeons received compensation of $6,845 more than spine surgeons in 2010, according to VMG's Physician Compensation and Production Survey: 2011 Report Based on 2010 Data. Neurosurgeons were compensated at $767,627 on average while spine surgeons received $760,782. However, depending on the circumstances, there were some situations in which spine surgeons received higher compensation than neurosurgeons, such as among surgeons who are employed by hospitals.
2. Spine surgeons in a multispecialty practice had the highest compensation. Neurosurgeons in a single specialty practice ($675,326) earned more than spine surgeons in the same situation ($627,340) but less than neurosurgeons in a multispecialty practice ($707,500). However, spine surgeons in a multispecialty practice ($729,917) received more than their neurosurgeon counterparts.
3. Hospital-employed spine surgeons received more than employed neurosurgeons. Spine surgeons who are employed by hospitals received an average of $714,088, which was over $10,000 more than the average employed neurosurgeon. However, neurosurgeons who were not employed received on average over $70,000 more than spine surgeons not employed by hospitals, who received $633,392.
4. Neurosurgeons received more in almost every region of the country. The only region where spine surgeons overall received higher compensation than neurosurgeons was in the Midwest, where spine surgeons received $777,988 and neurosurgeons received $747,947. The biggest disparity between the two was in the western part of the country, where neurosurgeons received over $150,000 more than spine surgeons, who received $562,908. The west was also the lowest compensating region for spine surgeons overall.
5. New spine surgeons received more, but neurosurgeon compensation grew faster. For surgeons who have been in practice for three to seven years, spine surgeons received slightly more, $600,207, than their neurosurgeon counterparts, who received $596,702. However, compensation for neurosurgeons grew faster and at the peak of their practice; they were compensated on average about $200,000 more than spine surgeons. Spine surgeons who have been practicing eight to 17 years received $737,593 while neurosurgeons in the same group received $936,126. After 18 years, both groups experience a drop in compensation, but neurosurgeons still received more.
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3. Hospital-employed spine surgeons received more than employed neurosurgeons. Spine surgeons who are employed by hospitals received an average of $714,088, which was over $10,000 more than the average employed neurosurgeon. However, neurosurgeons who were not employed received on average over $70,000 more than spine surgeons not employed by hospitals, who received $633,392.
4. Neurosurgeons received more in almost every region of the country. The only region where spine surgeons overall received higher compensation than neurosurgeons was in the Midwest, where spine surgeons received $777,988 and neurosurgeons received $747,947. The biggest disparity between the two was in the western part of the country, where neurosurgeons received over $150,000 more than spine surgeons, who received $562,908. The west was also the lowest compensating region for spine surgeons overall.
5. New spine surgeons received more, but neurosurgeon compensation grew faster. For surgeons who have been in practice for three to seven years, spine surgeons received slightly more, $600,207, than their neurosurgeon counterparts, who received $596,702. However, compensation for neurosurgeons grew faster and at the peak of their practice; they were compensated on average about $200,000 more than spine surgeons. Spine surgeons who have been practicing eight to 17 years received $737,593 while neurosurgeons in the same group received $936,126. After 18 years, both groups experience a drop in compensation, but neurosurgeons still received more.
Related Articles on Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon Compensation:
Highest and Lowest Compensated Orthopedists in 2010: 5 Things to Know
5 Statistics on Orthopedic Surgeon Compensation and Expenses
Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon Compensation: 4 Things to Know