Healthcare

Surgeon Salary

Surgeons perform operations to treat diseases, injuries, and deformities, specializing in various surgical disciplines.

Median Salary
$255,110
Mean Salary
$280,400
Total Employed
45,400
Job Growth
+3%

Surgeon Salary by Experience Level

Entry-level surgeons earn around $130,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $260,000. Senior-level surgeons can earn $400,000 or more.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$130,000
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$260,000
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$400,000

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Salary Percentile Breakdown

The salary range for surgeons varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $120,000, while the top 10% earn $420,000.

Percentile Annual Salary
10th Percentile $120,000
25th Percentile $175,000
50th Percentile (Median) $255,110
75th Percentile $350,000
90th Percentile $420,000

Surgeon Salary by State

Surgeon salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $454,096, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $206,639.

State Median
#1 Hawaii $454,096 Details →
#2 California $372,461 Details →
#3 Massachusetts $364,807 Details →
#4 Alaska $329,092 Details →
#5 New York $323,990 Details →
#6 New Jersey $306,132 Details →
#7 Washington $303,581 Details →
#8 Connecticut $295,928 Details →
#9 Maryland $290,825 Details →
#10 Oregon $285,723 Details →
#11 New Hampshire $275,519 Details →
#12 Rhode Island $275,519 Details →
#13 Colorado $272,968 Details →
#14 Virginia $270,417 Details →
#15 Delaware $262,763 Details →
#16 Vermont $262,763 Details →
#17 Minnesota $257,661 Details →
#18 Florida $255,110 Details →
#19 Maine $255,110 Details →
#20 Nevada $252,559 Details →
#21 Pennsylvania $252,559 Details →
#22 Arizona $247,457 Details →
#23 Illinois $247,457 Details →
#24 Utah $247,457 Details →
#25 Texas $239,803 Details →
#26 Wisconsin $239,803 Details →
#27 Georgia $237,252 Details →
#28 Montana $237,252 Details →
#29 Idaho $234,701 Details →
#30 North Carolina $234,701 Details →
#31 Ohio $234,701 Details →
#32 Louisiana $232,150 Details →
#33 New Mexico $232,150 Details →
#34 Tennessee $232,150 Details →
#35 Indiana $229,599 Details →
#36 Michigan $229,599 Details →
#37 Nebraska $229,599 Details →
#38 North Dakota $229,599 Details →
#39 Wyoming $229,599 Details →
#40 Iowa $227,048 Details →
#41 South Carolina $227,048 Details →
#42 Missouri $224,497 Details →
#43 South Dakota $224,497 Details →
#44 Alabama $221,946 Details →
#45 Kansas $221,946 Details →
#46 Kentucky $221,946 Details →
#47 Oklahoma $214,292 Details →
#48 Arkansas $209,190 Details →
#49 West Virginia $209,190 Details →
#50 Mississippi $206,639 Details →

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Key Responsibilities

  • ● Perform surgical procedures
  • ● Diagnose conditions requiring surgery
  • ● Consult with patients pre/post-op
  • ● Supervise surgical teams
  • ● Stay current on surgical techniques

Top Skills

Surgery Anatomy Patient Care Decision Making Dexterity Leadership

Education Required

Doctoral degree

Job Outlook

As fast as average — projected 3% growth over the next decade

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Frequently Asked Questions About Surgeon Salaries

How much does a Surgeon make per year? ▼
The median surgeon salary in the United States is $255,110 per year. Entry-level positions start around $130,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $400,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $280,400.
How much does a Surgeon make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $255,110 per year, a surgeon earns approximately $123 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for surgeons? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for surgeons, with a median salary of $454,096. Other top-paying states include California ($372,461) and Massachusetts ($364,807).
What education do you need to become a surgeon? ▼
Most surgeon positions require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Surgery, Anatomy, Patient Care, Decision Making. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for surgeons? ▼
Employment for surgeons is projected to grow 3% over the next decade, which is as fast as average. There are currently 45,400 surgeons employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level surgeon make? ▼
An entry-level surgeon with 0-2 years of experience earns around $130,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $260,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $120,000, while the top 10% earn $420,000.