Healthcare Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Surgeon Salary in Virginia

The median surgeon salary in Virginia is $270,417 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $255,110.

Median Salary
$270,417
vs National
+$15,307
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Surgeon Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for surgeon compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for surgeon pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $270,417 per year, surgeons in Virginia earn $15,307 more than the national median of $255,110.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning surgeon salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: surgeons at the 10th percentile earn $127,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $445,200 — a $318,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $341,847.

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 Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level surgeon earns around $137,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $424,000 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$137,800
+$7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$275,600
+$15,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$424,000
+$24,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $127,200
25th Percentile $185,500
Median (50th) $270,417
75th Percentile $371,000
90th Percentile $445,200

Surgeon Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for surgeons in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Surgeon in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

SurgeryAnatomyPatient CareDecision MakingDexterityLeadership

Job Outlook in Virginia

Nationally, surgeon employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Virginia's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in Virginia

How much does a Surgeon make in Virginia? ▼
The median surgeon salary in Virginia is $270,417 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $127,200 (10th percentile) to $445,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $270,417, a surgeon in Virginia earns approximately $130 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for surgeons? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for surgeon pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level surgeons earn $137,800, while senior professionals earn $424,000.
How does Virginia compare to other states for surgeon salary? ▼
The highest paying state for surgeons is Hawaii at $454,096. Virginia's median of $270,417 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($275,519) and Colorado ($272,968).
What is the entry-level surgeon salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level surgeon in Virginia earns approximately $137,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $275,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $424,000.
What city in Virginia pays surgeons the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for surgeons, with a median salary of $341,847. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.