Healthcare Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

Surgeon Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median surgeon salary in Iowa City, IA is $242,355 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$242,355
vs State Avg
+$15,307
vs National
$-12,755
Cost of Living
95%

Surgeon Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median surgeon salary of $242,355, which is $15,307 above the Iowa state average of $227,048. Compared to the national median of $255,110, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for surgeons in Iowa City spans from $114,000 at the 10th percentile to $399,000 at the 90th percentile — a $285,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $123,500, while senior surgeons with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $380,000. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Surgeon Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level surgeon earns around $123,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $380,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$123,500
$-6,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$247,000
$-13,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$380,000
$-20,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa City, IA

Percentile Iowa City
10th Percentile $114,000
25th Percentile $166,250
Median (50th) $242,355
75th Percentile $332,500
90th Percentile $399,000

Surgeon Salary in Other Iowa Cities

How to Become a Surgeon in Iowa City

Education

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

Find Surgeon Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open surgeon positions in Iowa City, IA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Surgeon make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median surgeon salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $242,355 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $114,000 (10th percentile) to $399,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $242,355, a surgeon in Iowa City earns approximately $117 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for surgeon pay? ▼
Iowa City's median surgeon salary of $242,355 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $227,048. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼
Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a surgeon salary of $242,355 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surgeon in Iowa City? ▼
Most surgeon positions in Iowa City 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.