Healthcare Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Surgeon Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median surgeon salary in Seattle, WA is $387,767 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 27.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$387,767
vs State Avg
+$84,186
vs National
+$132,657
Cost of Living
148%

Surgeon Pay in Seattle: What to Expect (2026)

Seattle offers a median surgeon salary of $387,767, which is $84,186 above the Washington state average of $303,581. Compared to the national median of $255,110, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $387,767 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $262,005. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for surgeons in Seattle spans from $182,400 at the 10th percentile to $638,400 at the 90th percentile — a $456,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $197,600, while senior surgeons with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $608,000. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Surgeon Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level surgeon earns around $197,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $608,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$197,600
+$67,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$395,200
+$135,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$608,000
+$208,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $182,400
25th Percentile $266,000
Median (50th) $387,767
75th Percentile $532,000
90th Percentile $638,400

Surgeon Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$397,972
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$290,825
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$270,417
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$244,906
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Surgeon in Seattle

Education

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

Find Surgeon Jobs in Seattle

Browse open surgeon positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in Seattle

How much does a Surgeon make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median surgeon salary in Seattle, Washington is $387,767 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $182,400 (10th percentile) to $638,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $387,767, a surgeon in Seattle earns approximately $186 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for surgeon pay? ▼
Seattle's median surgeon salary of $387,767 is 27.7% above the Washington state average of $303,581. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a surgeon salary of $387,767 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surgeon in Seattle? ▼
Most surgeon positions in Seattle 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.