By: Dustin Surgeon

MY CAREER

Plastic Surgeon vs.

Lawyer

Education and Pay

Almost all surgeons

complete 4 years of
undergraduate school, 4
years of medical school,
and depending on their
specialty, 3 to 8 years in
internship and residency
programs
The median annual wage
is about $220,942/year

Plastic Surgeon

All lawyers must have a

law degree and must also
typically pass a states
written bar examination.
The median annual wage
is about $113,530/year

Lawyer

Job Outlook

The employment rate is

supposed to grow 18%
(faster than average)
from 2012-2022. This is
due to the continued
expansion of healthcarerelated industries.

Plastic Surgeon

The employment rate is

supposed to grow 10%
(about average) from
2012-2022. Competitions
for jobs should continue to
be strong because of the
amount of students
graduating each year from
law school.

Lawyer

Work Environment

Many
physicians/surgeons
work in private offices or
clinics, often with
administrative and
healthcare personnel.

Plastic Surgeon

The majority of lawyers

work in private and
corporate legal offices.
Some work for local, state,
and federal governments.
Most work full time, and
many work long hours.

Lawyer

Additional Info

Surgeons diagnose and

treat illnesses. Plastic
surgeons also perform
surgeries on patients
who have been injured
and need assistant on
appearance change.

Plastic Surgeon

Lawyers advise and

represent individuals,
businesses, and
government agencies on
legal issues and disputes.

Lawyer