Surgeon Salary Overview
The Surgeon is one of the most important roles in the Healthcare sector of the US economy in 2026. With a median annual salary of $302,000, compensation for this position ranges from $178,800 at the entry level to $450,000 for highly experienced professionals in top-paying markets.
This career typically requires Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) plus 5-7 year surgical residency; fellowship for subspecialties (1-3 additional years). Valued professional credentials include American Board of Surgery certification, specialty board certification (orthopedics, cardiothoracic, neurosurgery, etc.), state medical license, DEA registration. On a day-to-day basis, professionals in this role focus on performing surgical operations, consulting on surgical cases, conducting pre-operative evaluations, managing post-operative care, supervising residents and fellows, maintaining surgical skills through continuing education, and participating in tumor boards and M&M conferences.
The job market for this position shows 3% from 2022-2032 overall but strong demand for subspecialties; limited by residency training slots rather than job availability growth, with demand strongest in specializations including orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, plastic surgery, vascular surgery, and trauma surgery. Robotic surgery systems augment precision and AI assists with surgical planning, but surgeons' hand-eye coordination, real-time decision-making, and patient management remain irreplaceable
Salary Range: The typical Surgeon in the US earns between $178,800 and $450,000 per year, with a median of $302,000.
What Does a Surgeon Do?
A Surgeon spends their workday performing surgical operations, consulting on surgical cases, conducting pre-operative evaluations, managing post-operative care, supervising residents and fellows, maintaining surgical skills through continuing education, and participating in tumor boards and M&M conferences. The role requires proficiency with industry-standard tools and technologies including Surgical instruments and power tools, laparoscopic/robotic systems (da Vinci), electrosurgical units, surgical navigation systems, anesthesia monitoring, EMR surgical modules.
The typical work environment involves hospital operating rooms, surgical suites, and clinics; long irregular hours with emergency call requirements; high-stress environment. Within the profession, you can specialize in areas such as orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, plastic surgery, vascular surgery, and trauma surgery, each requiring different skill sets and offering different compensation levels.
Day-to-day responsibilities vary based on seniority and organization size. Entry-level professionals often focus on execution tasks under supervision, while senior professionals take on strategic planning, mentoring, and cross-functional leadership.
Surgeon Salary by Experience
Compensation for a Surgeon increases substantially with experience. Entry-level professionals (0-2 years) typically earn around $208,380, while mid-career professionals (3-6 years) reach the median of $302,000. Senior professionals (7-12 years) earn approximately $404,680, and those in lead or principal roles can expect $468,100 or more.
The typical career progression follows this path: Resident → Fellow → Attending Surgeon → Senior Surgeon → Section Chief → Department Chair → Surgeon-in-Chief. Each advancement typically requires 2-4 years and demonstrating increasing scope of responsibility.
| Level | Salary | Hourly | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | $208,380 | $100/hr | $139,590 |
| Mid | $302,000 | $145/hr | $191,564 |
| Senior | $404,680 | $195/hr | $245,844 |
| Lead | $468,100 | $225/hr | $278,608 |
Surgeon Salary by State (After Tax)
Gross salary, federal tax, state tax, and estimated take-home pay for a Surgeon in each US state.
Geographic location significantly impacts Surgeon compensation. The top-paying states for this role include Kentucky (cost-adjusted high pay), Tennessee (favorable practice environment), Wisconsin (demand premium), Iowa (rural surgery need), Indiana (competitive market with low cost of living).
States with no income tax (Texas, Florida, Washington, Nevada, Tennessee) offer an effective pay boost of 3-9% compared to high-tax states like California or New York, though these states often compensate with higher cost of living or property taxes. When evaluating offers, consider both gross salary and after-tax take-home pay.
| State | Gross | Federal | State Tax | FICA | Take-Home | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $302,000 | $69,997 | $14,935 | $16,215 | $200,853 | 33.5% |
| Alaska | $302,000 | $69,997 | $0 | $16,215 | $215,788 | 28.5% |
| Arizona | $302,000 | $69,997 | $7,185 | $16,215 | $208,603 | 30.9% |
| Arkansas | $302,000 | $69,997 | $13,062 | $16,215 | $202,726 | 32.9% |
| California | $302,000 | $69,997 | $24,224 | $16,215 | $191,564 | 36.6% |
| Colorado | $302,000 | $69,997 | $12,628 | $16,215 | $203,160 | 32.7% |
| Connecticut | $302,000 | $69,997 | $17,588 | $16,215 | $198,200 | 34.4% |
| Delaware | $302,000 | $69,997 | $18,701 | $16,215 | $197,087 | 34.7% |
| District of Columbia | $302,000 | $69,997 | $23,110 | $16,215 | $192,678 | 36.2% |
| Florida | $302,000 | $69,997 | $0 | $16,215 | $215,788 | 28.5% |
| Georgia | $302,000 | $69,997 | $15,921 | $16,215 | $199,867 | 33.8% |
| Hawaii | $302,000 | $69,997 | $27,357 | $16,215 | $188,431 | 37.6% |
| Idaho | $302,000 | $69,997 | $16,669 | $16,215 | $199,118 | 34.1% |
| Illinois | $302,000 | $69,997 | $14,812 | $16,215 | $200,976 | 33.5% |
| Indiana | $302,000 | $69,997 | $9,211 | $16,215 | $206,577 | 31.6% |
| Iowa | $302,000 | $69,997 | $11,476 | $16,215 | $204,312 | 32.3% |
| Kansas | $302,000 | $69,997 | $16,557 | $16,215 | $199,231 | 34.0% |
| Kentucky | $302,000 | $69,997 | $11,954 | $16,215 | $203,834 | 32.5% |
| Louisiana | $302,000 | $69,997 | $12,254 | $16,215 | $203,534 | 32.6% |
| Maine | $302,000 | $69,997 | $20,055 | $16,215 | $195,732 | 35.2% |
| Maryland | $302,000 | $69,997 | $15,603 | $16,215 | $200,184 | 33.7% |
| Massachusetts | $302,000 | $69,997 | $14,880 | $16,215 | $200,908 | 33.5% |
| Michigan | $302,000 | $69,997 | $12,597 | $16,215 | $203,191 | 32.7% |
| Minnesota | $302,000 | $69,997 | $23,092 | $16,215 | $192,695 | 36.2% |
| Mississippi | $302,000 | $69,997 | $13,616 | $16,215 | $202,172 | 33.1% |
| Missouri | $302,000 | $69,997 | $13,625 | $16,215 | $202,163 | 33.1% |
| Montana | $302,000 | $69,997 | $16,711 | $16,215 | $199,077 | 34.1% |
| Nebraska | $302,000 | $69,997 | $16,116 | $16,215 | $199,671 | 33.9% |
| Nevada | $302,000 | $69,997 | $0 | $16,215 | $215,788 | 28.5% |
| New Hampshire | $302,000 | $69,997 | $0 | $16,215 | $215,788 | 28.5% |
| New Jersey | $302,000 | $69,997 | $17,111 | $16,215 | $198,676 | 34.2% |
| New Mexico | $302,000 | $69,997 | $14,577 | $16,215 | $201,210 | 33.4% |
| New York | $302,000 | $69,997 | $18,310 | $16,215 | $197,477 | 34.6% |
| North Carolina | $302,000 | $69,997 | $13,016 | $16,215 | $202,771 | 32.9% |
| North Dakota | $302,000 | $69,997 | $5,604 | $16,215 | $210,183 | 30.4% |
| Ohio | $302,000 | $69,997 | $9,100 | $16,215 | $206,688 | 31.6% |
| Oklahoma | $302,000 | $69,997 | $13,855 | $16,215 | $201,933 | 33.1% |
| Oregon | $302,000 | $69,997 | $27,904 | $16,215 | $187,884 | 37.8% |
| Pennsylvania | $302,000 | $69,997 | $9,271 | $16,215 | $206,516 | 31.6% |
| Rhode Island | $302,000 | $69,997 | $14,653 | $16,215 | $201,134 | 33.4% |
| South Carolina | $302,000 | $69,997 | $17,701 | $16,215 | $198,087 | 34.4% |
| South Dakota | $302,000 | $69,997 | $0 | $16,215 | $215,788 | 28.5% |
| Tennessee | $302,000 | $69,997 | $0 | $16,215 | $215,788 | 28.5% |
| Texas | $302,000 | $69,997 | $0 | $16,215 | $215,788 | 28.5% |
| Utah | $302,000 | $69,997 | $14,043 | $16,215 | $201,745 | 33.2% |
| Vermont | $302,000 | $69,997 | $20,592 | $16,215 | $195,195 | 35.4% |
| Virginia | $302,000 | $69,997 | $16,849 | $16,215 | $198,939 | 34.1% |
| Washington | $302,000 | $69,997 | $0 | $16,215 | $215,788 | 28.5% |
| West Virginia | $302,000 | $69,997 | $14,574 | $16,215 | $201,214 | 33.4% |
| Wisconsin | $302,000 | $69,997 | $14,918 | $16,215 | $200,869 | 33.5% |
| Wyoming | $302,000 | $69,997 | $0 | $16,215 | $215,788 | 28.5% |
Top Cities for Surgeon Pay
Rochester MN (Mayo Clinic premium); smaller metros often pay more than major cities due to lower surgeon supply; rural areas offer highest cost-adjusted compensation
When comparing city compensation, factor in cost of living differences. A $302,000 salary in a mid-cost city often provides more purchasing power than a 20-30% premium in San Francisco or New York.
| City | Avg Salary |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee, WI | $332,200 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $332,200 |
| Omaha, NE | $332,200 |
| Portland, ME | $332,200 |
| Des Moines, IA | $332,200 |
Calculate Surgeon Take-Home Pay
Adjust the state and filing status to see your estimated after-tax income.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
Tax Breakdown
Tax Distribution
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Pay Frequency Breakdown
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How to Become a Surgeon
Education: The typical path to becoming a Surgeon involves earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) plus 5-7 year surgical residency; fellowship for subspecialties (1-3 additional years). Some professionals enter the field through alternative pathways, but formal education provides the strongest foundation for long-term career growth.
Certifications: Key professional credentials for this role include American Board of Surgery certification, specialty board certification (orthopedics, cardiothoracic, neurosurgery, etc.), state medical license, DEA registration. These certifications demonstrate expertise to employers and often directly correlate with higher compensation.
Skills & Tools: Proficiency with Surgical instruments and power tools, laparoscopic/robotic systems (da Vinci), electrosurgical units, surgical navigation systems, anesthesia monitoring, EMR surgical modules is expected for competitive candidates. Building a portfolio of work or gaining practical experience through internships, projects, or entry-level positions is essential for breaking into the field.
Timeline: Most professionals reach mid-level competency within 3-5 years of entering the field, with senior positions typically requiring 7-12 years of progressive experience.
Surgeon Career Outlook
Employment for the Surgeon role is projected to grow 3% from 2022-2032 overall but strong demand for subspecialties; limited by residency training slots rather than job availability, reflecting strong demand driven by industry evolution and changing workforce needs. The most in-demand specializations include orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, plastic surgery, vascular surgery, and trauma surgery.
AI and Automation Impact: Robotic surgery systems augment precision and AI assists with surgical planning, but surgeons' hand-eye coordination, real-time decision-making, and patient management remain irreplaceable
Professionals who combine deep technical expertise with strong communication skills and adaptability will find the best opportunities in this evolving landscape.
Tax Tips for Surgeon Earnings
At the highest tax brackets (35-37%), every tax optimization strategy matters significantly. A comprehensive approach can save $20,000-$50,000+ annually:
Additional Medicare Tax: You pay an extra 0.9% Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married). Strategies like maximizing pre-tax retirement contributions can reduce this exposure.
Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT): A 3.8% surtax applies to investment income when your MAGI exceeds $200,000 (single). Tax-loss harvesting, municipal bonds, and Roth conversions can help manage NIIT exposure.
Tax-Loss Harvesting at Scale: With substantial taxable portfolios, systematic tax-loss harvesting can offset gains and shelter up to $3,000 of ordinary income annually, with unlimited loss carryforward.
Deferred Compensation Plans: If available through your employer, non-qualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans let you defer income to future years when you might be in a lower bracket (retirement).
Charitable Remainder Trusts: For highly appreciated assets, a CRT provides an income stream, avoids capital gains, and generates a charitable deduction. This is particularly effective for concentrated stock positions.
State Tax Optimization: At these income levels, your state tax burden can exceed $15,000-$25,000 annually. If your work allows geographic flexibility, moving from a high-tax state (CA, NY) to no-income-tax state (TX, FL, WA) creates immediate savings.
Surgeon Salary FAQ
The median annual salary for a Surgeon in the United States is $302,000 in 2026. Compensation typically ranges from $178,800 for entry-level positions to $450,000 for experienced professionals in top-paying markets. Actual pay depends on experience, location, certifications, and employer size.
On a $302,000 salary, a Surgeon takes home approximately $85,000-$105,000 after federal, state, and FICA taxes, depending on the state and filing status. In no-income-tax states like Texas or Florida, take-home pay is higher than in states like California or New York.
Entry-level Surgeon professionals with 0-2 years of experience can expect to earn around $208,380 per year. Starting salaries vary significantly by location, with major metro areas offering 15-30% premiums over rural areas.
The highest-paying states for Surgeon professionals include WI, NH, ND. However, when adjusted for cost of living, some mid-tier states offer better purchasing power. No-income-tax states provide an additional 3-9% effective pay boost.
The median hourly equivalent for a Surgeon is approximately $145.19, based on 2,080 working hours per year. Actual hourly rates vary by experience level, with senior professionals earning $10-30 more per hour than entry-level.
To become a Surgeon, you typically need Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) plus 5-7 year surgical residency; fellowship for subspecialties (1-3 additional years). Valuable certifications include American Board of Surgery certification, specialty board certification (orthopedics, cardiothoracic, neurosurgery, etc.), state medical license, DEA registration. Most employers also value practical experience gained through internships or entry-level positions.
Employment for Surgeon professionals is projected to grow 3% from 2022-2032 overall but strong demand for subspecialties; limited by residency training slots rather than job availability. Robotic surgery systems augment precision and AI assists with surgical planning, but surgeons' hand-eye coordination, real-time decision-making, and patient management remain irreplaceable The strongest opportunities are in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, plastic surgery, vascular surgery, and trauma surgery.
A Surgeon typically spends their day performing surgical operations, consulting on surgical cases, conducting pre-operative evaluations, managing post-operative care, supervising residents and fellows, maintaining surgical skills through continuing education, and participating in tumor boards and M&M conferences. The work environment involves hospital operating rooms, surgical suites, and clinics; long irregular hours with emergency call requirements; high-stress environment.