Healthcare Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Surgeon Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median surgeon salary in Columbia, MD is $311,234 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 7.0% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$311,234
vs State Avg
+$20,409
vs National
+$56,124
Cost of Living
118%

Surgeon Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median surgeon salary of $311,234, which is $20,409 above the Maryland state average of $290,825. Compared to the national median of $255,110, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $311,234 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $263,758. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for surgeons in Columbia spans from $146,400 at the 10th percentile to $512,400 at the 90th percentile — a $366,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $158,600, while senior surgeons with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $488,000. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Surgeon Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level surgeon earns around $158,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $488,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$158,600
+$28,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$317,200
+$57,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$488,000
+$88,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $146,400
25th Percentile $213,500
Median (50th) $311,234
75th Percentile $427,000
90th Percentile $512,400

Surgeon Salary in Other Maryland Cities

How to Become a Surgeon in Columbia

Education

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

Find Surgeon Jobs in Columbia

Browse open surgeon positions in Columbia, MD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in Columbia

How much does a Surgeon make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median surgeon salary in Columbia, Maryland is $311,234 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $146,400 (10th percentile) to $512,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $311,234, a surgeon in Columbia earns approximately $150 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for surgeon pay? ▼
Columbia's median surgeon salary of $311,234 is 7.0% above the Maryland state average of $290,825. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a surgeon salary of $311,234 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surgeon in Columbia? ▼
Most surgeon positions in Columbia 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.