Healthcare New Jersey (NJ) Rank #6 of 50

Surgeon Salary in New Jersey

The median surgeon salary in New Jersey is $306,132 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $255,110.

Median Salary
$306,132
vs National
+$51,022
State Rank
#6 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Surgeon Salary Overview in New Jersey (2026)

New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for surgeon compensation. This places New Jersey in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for surgeons seeking high pay. At $306,132 per year, surgeons in New Jersey earn $51,022 more than the national median of $255,110.

It's worth noting that New Jersey's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $306,132 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $266,202.

The salary spread in New Jersey is significant: surgeons at the 10th percentile earn $144,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $504,000 — a $360,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Jersey for this role is Jersey City, where the median reaches $339,296.

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 New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level surgeon earns around $156,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $480,000 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$156,000
+$26,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$312,000
+$52,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$480,000
+$80,000 vs national

You May Qualify for Premium Rewards

Professionals earning $306,132+ 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 New Jersey

Percentile NJ Salary
10th Percentile $144,000
25th Percentile $210,000
Median (50th) $306,132
75th Percentile $420,000
90th Percentile $504,000

Surgeon Salary by City in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for surgeons in New Jersey include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Surgeon in New Jersey

Education

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

Key Skills

SurgeryAnatomyPatient CareDecision MakingDexterityLeadership

Job Outlook in New Jersey

Nationally, surgeon employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). New Jersey'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 $173,868 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Surgeon Roles in New Jersey?

Get matched with recruiters hiring surgeons in New Jersey at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in New Jersey

How much does a Surgeon make in New Jersey? ▼
The median surgeon salary in New Jersey is $306,132 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $144,000 (10th percentile) to $504,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in New Jersey? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $306,132, a surgeon in New Jersey earns approximately $147 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Jersey a good state for surgeons? ▼
New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for surgeon pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level surgeons earn $156,000, while senior professionals earn $480,000.
How does New Jersey compare to other states for surgeon salary? ▼
The highest paying state for surgeons is Hawaii at $454,096. New Jersey's median of $306,132 ranks #6 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alaska ($329,092) and New York ($323,990).
What is the entry-level surgeon salary in New Jersey? ▼
An entry-level surgeon in New Jersey earns approximately $156,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $312,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $480,000.
What city in New Jersey pays surgeons the most? ▼
Jersey City is the highest paying city in New Jersey for surgeons, with a median salary of $339,296. Other cities include Newark and Paterson.