Healthcare Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Surgeon Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median surgeon salary in Denver, CO is $290,825 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 6.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$290,825
vs State Avg
+$17,857
vs National
+$35,715
Cost of Living
112%

Surgeon Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median surgeon salary of $290,825, which is $17,857 above the Colorado state average of $272,968. Compared to the national median of $255,110, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $290,825 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $259,665. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for surgeons in Denver spans from $136,800 at the 10th percentile to $478,800 at the 90th percentile — a $342,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $148,200, while senior surgeons with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $456,000. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Surgeon Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level surgeon earns around $148,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $456,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$148,200
+$18,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$296,400
+$36,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$456,000
+$56,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $136,800
25th Percentile $199,500
Median (50th) $290,825
75th Percentile $399,000
90th Percentile $478,800

Surgeon Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$331,643
Pop. 105,673
Fort Collins, CO
$275,519
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$272,968
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$260,212
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Surgeon in Denver

Education

Most surgeon positions require a doctoral degree. Denver and the surrounding Colorado 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 Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Surgeon Jobs in Denver

Browse open surgeon positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in Denver

How much does a Surgeon make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median surgeon salary in Denver, Colorado is $290,825 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $136,800 (10th percentile) to $478,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $290,825, a surgeon in Denver earns approximately $140 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for surgeon pay? ▼
Denver's median surgeon salary of $290,825 is 6.5% above the Colorado state average of $272,968. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a surgeon salary of $290,825 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surgeon in Denver? ▼
Most surgeon positions in Denver 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.