Surgeon Salary in 2026
Median Salary
$369,540
$30,795/mo
Entry Level
$248,200
starting pay
Senior Level
$620,400
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Surgeons (SOC 29-1240, the closest published occupation to Surgeon) at a national median of $369,540 per year (mean $364,360), or $177.66 per hour, with 49,380 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Surgeon Overview
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Total Jobs (US)
49K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$177.66/hr
Monthly Pay
$30,795
Surgeon Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Surgeon salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Surgeon Salary
$494,000
$41,167/month · $19,000/biweekly · $237.50/hr
Surgeon Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Surgeon field.
Entry-level Surgeons earn around $248,200, while the top 10% earn $713,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Surgeons
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $436,000 | +$66,460 |
| New York | $425,000 | +$55,460 |
| Illinois | $384,000 | +$14,460 |
| Texas | $362,000 | $-7,540 |
| Florida | $362,000 | $-7,540 |
Top Paying Cities for Surgeons
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $436,000 | +$66,460 |
| Los Angeles | $414,000 | +$44,460 |
| Chicago | $388,000 | +$18,460 |
| Houston | $366,000 | $-3,540 |
| Phoenix | $358,000 | $-11,540 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Surgeon Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Surgeon from entry level to expert.
$248,200
0-2 years
$434,000
3-7 years
$620,400
8-14 years
$806,600
15+ years
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Surgeon Salary FAQ
How much does a Surgeon make in 2026?
The median salary for a Surgeon in the United States is $369,540 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Surgeons (SOC 29-1240); the mean is $364,360. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $248,200, senior professionals around $620,400, and top earners at $806,600 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Surgeon?
A Surgeon typically requires a Bachelor's degree with 2-5 years of experience. Key skills include Communication, Problem solving, Teamwork. Relevant certifications such as can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Surgeons?
The job market for Surgeons is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 49K Surgeon positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 15%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Surgeons the most?
The highest-paying states for Surgeons include California, Texas, New York. In California, the median salary is approximately $436,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Surgeon salary?
To increase your Surgeon salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Communication and Problem solving. Pursue certifications such as industry-specific credentials. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 2-5 years of experience, you can progress from $248,200 to $620,400 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Surgeon Salary
How we calculate Surgeon salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Surgeons (SOC 29-1240), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $369,540, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Surgeons; BLS mean $364,360; BLS hourly median $177.66.
- Entry-level ($248,200) and senior-level ($620,400) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 49,380 Surgeons jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $369,540; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Surgeon compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Surgeon job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Surgeon salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Communication, Problem solving, Teamwork), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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