As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Surgeon in the United States is $438,838 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $211.
However, a Surgeon's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Surgeon's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Surgeon's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Surgeon | $421,653 |
| Intermediate Level Surgeon | $424,821 |
| Senior Level Surgeon | $427,989 |
| Specialist Level Surgeon | $432,423 |
| Expert Level Surgeon | $443,149 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Surgeons. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 7.63% |
| HIPAA | 3.58% |
| Clinical Practice | 2.12% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Acute Care
|
$443,226 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Surgeons enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Surgeon with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $426,717 and $469,108).
Surgeon Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.4% |
| High School | 4.3% |
| Associates | 2.1% |
| Bachelors | 2.1% |
| Masters | 5.0% |
| Doctorate | 87.1% |
Understanding how a Surgeon's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021Salaries for a Surgeon can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $231,993 in 2023 to around $226,789 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Surgeon salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $231,993 |
| 2024 | $237,504 |
| 2025 | $226,789 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Surgeon and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Surgeon's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Surgeon earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Surgeon is $553,506.
The highest pay for Surgeon is $558,151.
The lowest pay for Surgeon is $357,875.
Performs surgery to prevent and correct injuries, deformities, diseases or improve patient function, appearance or quality of life. Reviews patient history and confirms need for surgery. Determines which instruments and method of surgery will be most successful in achieving desired outcome. May provide medical personnel with direction concerning patient care. May provide in-service training as needed to address new technology in health care treatment. Provides charting in compliance with all laws and regulations. Requires a MD degree from an accredited school. Typically reports to a medical director. Requires a license to practice. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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