Surgeons in the United States make a substantial income, with salaries varying widely based on specialization, experience, and location.
- The average annual salary for surgeons is generally reported between approximately $246,000 and $410,000, with some sources citing averages around $285,000 to $294,000 per year
- More detailed data shows that general surgeons earn on average about $423,000 annually, with some variation depending on the year and source
- Specialization greatly impacts earnings: orthopedic surgeons can make between $500,000 and $700,000 annually; neurosurgeons can earn over $1,000,000; plastic surgeons, vascular surgeons, and others also command high salaries often exceeding $500,000 to $700,000 per year
- Experience also plays a role, with entry-level general surgeons starting around $250,000, and senior or highly specialized surgeons earning well above $600,000 annually
- Geographic location affects pay, with states like Alaska, Oregon, and Massachusetts offering some of the highest average salaries for general surgeons, often above $300,000 per year
In summary, surgeon salaries in the U.S. range broadly from about $250,000 for entry-level general surgeons to over $1 million for top specialists, with an overall average around $300,000 to $400,000 annually depending on specialty and experience. Hourly wages for surgeons can range roughly from $120 to $200 or more
