Surgeon Salary
by City (2026)
Perform surgical operations to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities. National median: $380K/year. See how your city compares.
Surgeon salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $380K Surgeon salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βSurgeon Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Surgeon is $380,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $280,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $500,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Surgeons nationally earn $650,000+.
Education and requirements
MD; surgical residency and board certification. This role is 2% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Surgeon compensation is growing at 2.5% annually, near the national average wage growth rate.
Surgeon salary FAQ
How much does a Surgeon make?
The median Surgeon salary in the US is $380,000 per year β about $183/hour. Most earn between $280,000 (25th percentile) and $500,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Surgeon?
Entry-level Surgeon positions typically start around $280,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Surgeons earn?
The top 10% of Surgeons earn $650,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Surgeons the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Surgeon salary at $532K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Surgeon salaries going up?
Yes β Surgeon pay is growing about 2.5% year over year, near the US average wage-growth rate.