Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
O*NET 29-1022.00 · SOC 29-1022
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is a solid career choice. Median pay is $352k a year with +5.6% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 200 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Remove impacted or damaged teeth through surgical extraction
- →Repair facial bones and jaws injured in accidents or trauma
- →Administer anesthesia to patients before oral surgical procedures
- →Place dental implants into the jawbone for tooth replacement
- →Diagnose and treat cysts or tumors in the jaw area
Education & How to Get In
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
Get Started Learning
Ready to start building skills for a career as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.
Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.
Work Environment
Analytical, research labs, offices, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
Explore More Careers
Job Outlook
Employment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons is projected to grow 5.6% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·29% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon make?
The median Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon earns $352k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon jobs?
Our model puts Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at 22 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 29% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 5.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes