Projections by AAMC indicate a shortfall of 10,100 to 19,900 surgical specialist physicians by 2036. Despite shortage projections, current data indicates significant gaps in access to care, largely due to the uneven distribution of surgeons across the country. These regional disparities are expected to intensify as workforce shortages and geographic misalignment continue.
Surgery by The Numbers: Workforce and Job Growth Projections
There are over 90,100 practicing surgeons in the United States, with the majority specializing in general surgery.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 4% employment growth in surgery from 2023 to 2033. This employment growth will be primarily driven by replacement needs, such as retirement and attrition rates, coupled with increasing demand from an aging population.
Locum Tenens Surgeons: Insights Into the Interim Surgical Workforce
Over 52,000 physicians work locum tenens assignments annually, according to the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations. Of the over 91,100 active surgeons in the United States, approximately 11,700 have engaged in locum tenens work, whether as a supplement to their primary role or as a standalone career.
Key Drivers: The Surgeon Supply and Demand Imbalance
Aging Population & Clinical Workforce: A Dual Challenge for Surgery
Demographic shifts in the United States, particularly the aging population, create dual challenges for healthcare organizations: an increased demand for surgical services compounded by an aging surgical workforce.
Rural Disparities: The Growing Shortfall of Surgical Availability
As the shortage of surgeons widens across rural regions, millions of Americans face limited access to local surgical care, which can increase the risk of delayed treatments and serious health complications.
Surgical Demand: Increases Over the Next Decade
The demand for surgical procedures will continue to rise over the next decade, making strategic workforce planning essential to sustaining surgical capacity as patient volumes increase.
Actionable Solutions: Solving Surgical Misalignment
Attract Surgeons to Rural America: Strengthening Access to Surgical Care
With retirements outpacing the arrival of new surgeons in rural areas, attracting and retaining surgical talent will be essential to maintaining access to care in these communities.
Utilize Locum Tenens Surgeons: Bridging Workforce Gaps With Interim Healthcare Staffing
Locum tenens surgeons, across all surgical subspecialties, can be key to providing consistent access to surgical care, particularly in rural areas.
Interim Healthcare Staffing: Partnering with Medicus for Reliable Coverage
Partnering with Medicus goes beyond filling gaps—we connect you with locum tenens surgeons who seamlessly integrate into your team. Our tailored approach ensures reliable, high-quality coverage, keeping your team fully staffed and patient care uninterrupted.
For a comprehensive look into the surgeon shortage, demands, and actionable strategies to navigate it, download our complete report here.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Surgery Workforce
How Many Surgeons Are There in the United States?
There are over 90,100 surgeons in the U.S., with roughly 30,400 of them specializing in general surgery.
How Many Surgeons Work Locum Tenens in the U.S.?
According to Medicus' proprietary data, as of April 2025, approximately 11,700 surgeons across various specialties have engaged in locum tenens work, either in tandem with their permanent roles or as a standalone career.
What States Have the Fewest Surgeons Per Capita?
How Much Revenue is Generated for a Hospital Annually by a Surgeon?
Surgical services account for roughly 60% of a hospital's revenue. In rural areas, surgeons generate up to $2.7 million in revenue annually.
How Many Surgeons Are 65 or Older?
25.1% of all surgeons are 65 or older.
Why is There a Surgeon Shortage?
The surgeon shortage is being driven by increased demand, a limited pipeline of new surgeons, geographical disparities, an aging population, and other additional factors.
