Healthcare Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Surgeon Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median surgeon salary in Memphis, TN is $224,497 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$224,497
vs State Avg
$-7,653
vs National
$-30,613
Cost of Living
86%

Surgeon Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median surgeon salary of $224,497, which is $7,653 below the Tennessee state average of $232,150. Compared to the national median of $255,110, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $224,497 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $261,043 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for surgeons seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for surgeons in Memphis spans from $105,600 at the 10th percentile to $369,600 at the 90th percentile — a $264,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $114,400, while senior surgeons with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $352,000. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Surgeon Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level surgeon earns around $114,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $352,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$114,400
$-15,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$228,800
$-31,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$352,000
$-48,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $105,600
25th Percentile $154,000
Median (50th) $224,497
75th Percentile $308,000
90th Percentile $369,600

Surgeon Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$260,212
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$239,803
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$229,599
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$229,599
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Surgeon in Memphis

Education

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

Find Surgeon Jobs in Memphis

Browse open surgeon positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in Memphis

How much does a Surgeon make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median surgeon salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $224,497 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $105,600 (10th percentile) to $369,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $224,497, a surgeon in Memphis earns approximately $108 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for surgeon pay? ▼
Memphis's median surgeon salary of $224,497 is 3.3% below the Tennessee state average of $232,150. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a surgeon salary of $224,497 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surgeon in Memphis? ▼
Most surgeon positions in Memphis 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.