Healthcare Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Surgeon Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median surgeon salary in Durham, NC is $242,355 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$242,355
vs State Avg
+$7,654
vs National
$-12,755
Cost of Living
95%

Surgeon Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)

Durham offers a median surgeon salary of $242,355, which is $7,654 above the North Carolina state average of $234,701. Compared to the national median of $255,110, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham'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 Durham 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. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Surgeon Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, 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 Durham, NC

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

Surgeon Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

How to Become a Surgeon in Durham

Education

Most surgeon positions require a doctoral degree. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Surgeon Jobs in Durham

Browse open surgeon positions in Durham, NC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in Durham

How much does a Surgeon make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median surgeon salary in Durham, North Carolina 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 Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $242,355, a surgeon in Durham earns approximately $117 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for surgeon pay? ▼
Durham's median surgeon salary of $242,355 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $234,701. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a surgeon salary of $242,355 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surgeon in Durham? ▼
Most surgeon positions in Durham 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.