Healthcare San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Surgeon Salary in San Diego, California

The median surgeon salary in San Diego, CA is $382,665 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median and 2.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$382,665
vs State Avg
+$10,204
vs National
+$127,555
Cost of Living
142%

Surgeon Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median surgeon salary of $382,665, which is $10,204 above the California state average of $372,461. Compared to the national median of $255,110, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $382,665 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $269,482. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for surgeons in San Diego spans from $180,000 at the 10th percentile to $630,000 at the 90th percentile — a $450,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $195,000, while senior surgeons with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $600,000. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Surgeon Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level surgeon earns around $195,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $600,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$195,000
+$65,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$390,000
+$130,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$600,000
+$200,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $180,000
25th Percentile $262,500
Median (50th) $382,665
75th Percentile $525,000
90th Percentile $630,000

Surgeon Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$484,709
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$448,994
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$392,869
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$321,439
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Surgeon in San Diego

Education

Most surgeon positions require a doctoral degree. San Diego 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 San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Surgeon Jobs in San Diego

Browse open surgeon positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in San Diego

How much does a Surgeon make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median surgeon salary in San Diego, California is $382,665 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $180,000 (10th percentile) to $630,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $382,665, a surgeon in San Diego earns approximately $184 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for surgeon pay? ▼
San Diego's median surgeon salary of $382,665 is 2.7% above the California state average of $372,461. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a surgeon salary of $382,665 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surgeon in San Diego? ▼
Most surgeon positions in San Diego 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.