Healthcare Colorado (CO) Rank #13 of 50

Surgeon Salary in Colorado

The median surgeon salary in Colorado is $272,968 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $255,110.

Median Salary
$272,968
vs National
+$17,858
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Surgeon Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #13 out of 50 states for surgeon compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for surgeon pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $272,968 per year, surgeons in Colorado earn $17,858 more than the national median of $255,110.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning surgeon salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: surgeons at the 10th percentile earn $128,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $449,400 — a $321,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $331,643.

Nationally, surgeon employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for surgeons across the country.

Surgeon Salary in Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level surgeon earns around $139,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $428,000 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$139,100
+$9,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$278,200
+$18,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$428,000
+$28,000 vs national

You May Qualify for Premium Rewards

Professionals earning $272,968+ often qualify for premium rewards cards with $500+ signup bonuses and 2–5% cashback on every purchase.

View Offers You Qualify For →

Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $128,400
25th Percentile $187,250
Median (50th) $272,968
75th Percentile $374,500
90th Percentile $449,400

Surgeon Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for surgeons in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Surgeon in Colorado

Education

Most surgeon positions require a doctoral degree. Colorado has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurgeryAnatomyPatient CareDecision MakingDexterityLeadership

Job Outlook in Colorado

Nationally, surgeon employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Colorado's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Surgeons who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $155,032 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Surgeon Roles in Colorado?

Get matched with recruiters hiring surgeons in Colorado at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in Colorado

How much does a Surgeon make in Colorado? ▼
The median surgeon salary in Colorado is $272,968 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $128,400 (10th percentile) to $449,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $272,968, a surgeon in Colorado earns approximately $131 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for surgeons? ▼
Colorado ranks #13 out of 50 states for surgeon pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level surgeons earn $139,100, while senior professionals earn $428,000.
How does Colorado compare to other states for surgeon salary? ▼
The highest paying state for surgeons is Hawaii at $454,096. Colorado's median of $272,968 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($275,519) and Rhode Island ($275,519).
What is the entry-level surgeon salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level surgeon in Colorado earns approximately $139,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $278,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $428,000.
What city in Colorado pays surgeons the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for surgeons, with a median salary of $331,643. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.