Healthcare San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Surgeon Salary in San Jose, California

The median surgeon salary in San Jose, CA is $448,994 per year, which is 76.0% above the national median and 20.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$448,994
vs State Avg
+$76,533
vs National
+$193,884
Cost of Living
168%

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

San Jose offers a median surgeon salary of $448,994, which is $76,533 above the California state average of $372,461. Compared to the national median of $255,110, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $448,994 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $267,258. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for surgeons in San Jose spans from $211,200 at the 10th percentile to $739,200 at the 90th percentile — a $528,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $228,800, while senior surgeons with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $704,000. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Surgeon Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level surgeon earns around $228,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $704,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$228,800
+$98,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$457,600
+$197,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$704,000
+$304,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $211,200
25th Percentile $308,000
Median (50th) $448,994
75th Percentile $616,000
90th Percentile $739,200

Surgeon Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$484,709
Pop. 873,965
Los Angeles, CA
$392,869
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$382,665
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$321,439
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Surgeon in San Jose

Education

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

Find Surgeon Jobs in San Jose

Browse open surgeon positions in San Jose, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in San Jose

How much does a Surgeon make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median surgeon salary in San Jose, California is $448,994 per year, which is 76.0% above the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $211,200 (10th percentile) to $739,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $448,994, a surgeon in San Jose earns approximately $216 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for surgeon pay? ▼
San Jose's median surgeon salary of $448,994 is 20.5% above the California state average of $372,461. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a surgeon salary of $448,994 in San Jose has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surgeon in San Jose? ▼
Most surgeon positions in San Jose 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.