Healthcare Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Surgeon Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median surgeon salary in Los Angeles, CA is $392,869 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median and 5.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$392,869
vs State Avg
+$20,408
vs National
+$137,759
Cost of Living
146%

Surgeon Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median surgeon salary of $392,869, which is $20,408 above the California state average of $372,461. Compared to the national median of $255,110, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $392,869 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $269,088. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for surgeons in Los Angeles spans from $184,800 at the 10th percentile to $646,800 at the 90th percentile — a $462,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $200,200, while senior surgeons with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $616,000. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Surgeon Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level surgeon earns around $200,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $616,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$200,200
+$70,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$400,400
+$140,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$616,000
+$216,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $184,800
25th Percentile $269,500
Median (50th) $392,869
75th Percentile $539,000
90th Percentile $646,800

Surgeon Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$484,709
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$448,994
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$382,665
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$321,439
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Surgeon in Los Angeles

Education

Most surgeon positions require a doctoral degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurgeryAnatomyPatient CareDecision MakingDexterityLeadership

Job Outlook

Nationally, surgeon employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Surgeon Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open surgeon positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Surgeon make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median surgeon salary in Los Angeles, California is $392,869 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $184,800 (10th percentile) to $646,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $392,869, a surgeon in Los Angeles earns approximately $189 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for surgeon pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median surgeon salary of $392,869 is 5.5% above the California state average of $372,461. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a surgeon salary of $392,869 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surgeon in Los Angeles? ▼
Most surgeon positions in Los Angeles require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Surgery, Anatomy, Patient Care, Decision Making. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.