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.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
SOC: 29-1022 O*NET: 29-1022.00
Median Salary
$352,220
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.1%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
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.
What does a Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$86,250
10th percentile
Early Career
$204,610
25th percentile
Median
$352,220
50th percentile
Experienced
$428,710
75th percentile
Top Earners
$622,640
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$86,250
25th
$204,610
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$352,220
Mean: $346,490
75th
$428,710
90th
$622,640
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $536,390 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $204,610 and $428,710
- •Salary spread is 63.6% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 4,910 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:6,100
Top Industries
Ambulatory Health Care Services90%
Offices of Dentists86.6%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals6.3%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.1%
Annual Openings:200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)6,100
Current
2034 (Projected)6,400
+4.1%
+300
Employment Change
+4.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 22 locations
California
670 jobs$01.17x
New York
350 jobs$342,7101.14x
Virginia
210 jobs$403,4301.63x
Georgia
180 jobs$129,0101.14x
Alabama
130 jobs$01.89x
Indiana
70 jobs$00.69x
Tennessee
50 jobs$00.49x
Michigan
50 jobs$97,0400.39x
Alaska
40 jobs$04.08x
South Dakota
40 jobs$02.97x
Minnesota
40 jobs$475,2500.40x
New Hampshire
0 jobs$00.00x
South Carolina
0 jobs$00.00x
North Dakota
0 jobs$00.00x
Iowa
0 jobs$00.00x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Medicine and Dentistry
100%
#2
Judgment and Decision Making
100%
#3
Arm-Hand Steadiness
100%
#4
Biology
94%
#5
Complex Problem Solving
94%
#6
Finger Dexterity
92%
#7
English Language
86%
#8
Reading Comprehension
86%
#9
Near Vision
82%
#10
Customer and Personal Service
80%
Skills Overview
Medicine and Dentistry
advanced5.0
100%
Judgment and Decision Making
advanced5.0
100%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
advanced5.0
100%
Biology
advanced4.7
94%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced4.7
94%
Finger Dexterity
advanced4.6
92%
English Language
intermediate4.3
86%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Medicine and Dentistry
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Arm-Hand Steadiness
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Biology
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Finger Dexterity
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Near Vision
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Orthodontists100%
5 shared skills
Acupuncturists82%
5 shared skills
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers82%
5 shared skills
Air Traffic Controllers82%
5 shared skills
Urologists82%
5 shared skills
Athletes and Sports Competitors82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Medicine and Dentistry
- ✓Biology
- ✓English Language
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
Learn on the Job:
- →Monitoring
- →Active Listening
- →Education and Training
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Medicine and Dentistry
- ✓Biology
- ✓English Language
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Judgment and Decision Making
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Medicine and Dentistry
- ★Biology
- ★English Language
- ★Customer and Personal Service
- ★Judgment and Decision Making
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
14
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (8)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Planning & Development (2)Operations & Execution (3)
1
Administer general and local anesthetics.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Remove impacted, damaged, and non-restorable teeth.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth to determine whether problems exist currently or might occur in the future.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation94% perform96%
4
Collaborate with other professionals, such as restorative dentists and orthodontists, to plan treatment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Perform surgery to prepare the mouth for dental implants and to aid in the regeneration of deficient bone and gum tissues.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Remove tumors and other abnormal growths of the oral and facial regions, using surgical instruments.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Treat infections of the oral cavity, salivary glands, jaws, and neck.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Treat problems affecting the oral mucosa, such as mouth ulcers and infections.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Provide emergency treatment of facial injuries including facial lacerations, intra-oral lacerations, and fractured facial bones.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Perform surgery on the mouth and jaws to treat conditions such as cleft lip, cleft palate, and jaw growth problems.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Operations & Execution73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •50% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons professionals typically have a IRS Holland code and highly value independence
IInvestigative
RRealistic
SSocial
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.92
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.89
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.89
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.77
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level4.76
Stress Tolerance
CriticalStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.74
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.9
Integrity
4.9
Dependability
4.9
Self-Control
4.8
Concern for Others
4.8
Stress Tolerance
4.7
Persistence
4.7
Achievement/Effort
4.6
Leadership
4.6
Analytical Thinking
4.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
11.1k program completions/year
Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, IA
2.2k program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
1.8k program completions/year
Hondros College of Nursing
Columbus, OH
1.7k program completions/year
Northwest Career College
Las Vegas, NV
1.5k program completions/year
Mountainland Technical College
Lehi, UT
1.4k program completions/year
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, WI
1.3k program completions/year
Gateway Technical College
Kenosha, WI
1.3k program completions/year
College of Lake County
Grayslake, IL
1.3k program completions/year
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GA
1.2k program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
1.2k program completions/year
American Career College-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
1.2k program completions/year