Healthcare Illinois (IL) Rank #23 of 50

Surgeon Salary in Illinois

The median surgeon salary in Illinois is $247,457 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $255,110.

Median Salary
$247,457
vs National
$-7,653
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Surgeon Salary Overview in Illinois (2026)

Illinois ranks #23 out of 50 states for surgeon compensation. Illinois falls in the middle of the pack for surgeon pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $247,457 per year, surgeons in Illinois earn $7,653 less than the national median of $255,110.

Illinois's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning surgeon salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Illinois is significant: surgeons at the 10th percentile earn $116,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $407,400 — a $291,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Illinois for this role is Naperville, where the median reaches $280,621.

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 Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level surgeon earns around $126,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $388,000 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$126,100
$-3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$252,200
$-7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$388,000
$-12,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile IL Salary
10th Percentile $116,400
25th Percentile $169,750
Median (50th) $247,457
75th Percentile $339,500
90th Percentile $407,400

Surgeon Salary by City in Illinois

The largest employment areas for surgeons in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Surgeon in Illinois

Education

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

Key Skills

SurgeryAnatomyPatient CareDecision MakingDexterityLeadership

Job Outlook in Illinois

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

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Data shows Surgeons who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $140,543 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in Illinois

How much does a Surgeon make in Illinois? ▼
The median surgeon salary in Illinois is $247,457 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $116,400 (10th percentile) to $407,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in Illinois? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $247,457, a surgeon in Illinois earns approximately $119 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Illinois a good state for surgeons? ▼
Illinois ranks #23 out of 50 states for surgeon pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level surgeons earn $126,100, while senior professionals earn $388,000.
How does Illinois compare to other states for surgeon salary? ▼
The highest paying state for surgeons is Hawaii at $454,096. Illinois's median of $247,457 ranks #23 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($252,559) and Arizona ($247,457).
What is the entry-level surgeon salary in Illinois? ▼
An entry-level surgeon in Illinois earns approximately $126,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $252,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $388,000.
What city in Illinois pays surgeons the most? ▼
Naperville is the highest paying city in Illinois for surgeons, with a median salary of $280,621. Other cities include Chicago and Aurora.