Healthcare Nashville, TN Pop. 689,447

Surgeon Salary in Nashville, Tennessee

The median surgeon salary in Nashville, TN is $260,212 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 12.1% above the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$260,212
vs State Avg
+$28,062
vs National
+$5,102
Cost of Living
100%

Surgeon Pay in Nashville: What to Expect (2026)

Nashville offers a median surgeon salary of $260,212, which is $28,062 above the Tennessee state average of $232,150. Compared to the national median of $255,110, Nashville pays above average for this role.

Nashville's cost of living is 100% 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 Nashville spans from $122,400 at the 10th percentile to $428,400 at the 90th percentile — a $306,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $132,600, while senior surgeons with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $408,000. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Surgeon Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, an entry-level surgeon earns around $132,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $408,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$132,600
+$2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$265,200
+$5,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$408,000
+$8,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Nashville, TN

Percentile Nashville
10th Percentile $122,400
25th Percentile $178,500
Median (50th) $260,212
75th Percentile $357,000
90th Percentile $428,400

Surgeon Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

How to Become a Surgeon in Nashville

Education

Most surgeon positions require a doctoral degree. Nashville 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 Nashville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Surgeon Jobs in Nashville

Browse open surgeon positions in Nashville, TN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in Nashville

How much does a Surgeon make in Nashville, TN? ▼
The median surgeon salary in Nashville, Tennessee is $260,212 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $122,400 (10th percentile) to $428,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in Nashville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $260,212, a surgeon in Nashville earns approximately $125 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average for surgeon pay? ▼
Nashville's median surgeon salary of $260,212 is 12.1% above the Tennessee state average of $232,150. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Nashville, TN? ▼
Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a surgeon salary of $260,212 in Nashville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surgeon in Nashville? ▼
Most surgeon positions in Nashville 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.