Surgeon Salary in the United States
Based on 19K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$377,583
$181.53/hr
Salary Range
$112K – $615K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
19K
workers nationwide
The median Surgeon salary in the United States is a substantial $377,583 per year, translating to an hourly rate of $182. This career path offers significant earning potential, with reported salaries ranging from $111,609 for entry-level positions to over $614,800 for highly experienced professionals.
Several factors influence a surgeon's compensation, including years of experience, specialization, geographic location, and the type of healthcare facility they work in. For instance, a surgeon practicing in North Dakota might expect to earn significantly more, with reported salaries reaching $604,890.
Salary Distribution — Surgeon
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $111,609 |
| 25th percentile | $198,053 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $377,583 |
| 75th percentile | $525,306 |
| 90th percentile | $614,800 |
Surgeon Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Surgeon
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | $604,890 | +60.2% | 150 |
| 2 | Minnesota | $568,150 | +50.5% | 910 |
| 3 | Ohio | $554,220 | +46.8% | 980 |
| 4 | Oklahoma | $553,790 | +46.7% | 80 |
| 5 | New Hampshire | $534,870 | +41.7% | 220 |
| 6 | Georgia | $502,070 | +33.0% | 300 |
| 7 | Washington | $479,460 | +27.0% | 370 |
| 8 | West Virginia | $468,210 | +24.0% | 240 |
| 9 | Indiana | $459,300 | +21.6% | 420 |
| 10 | Vermont | $438,530 | +16.1% | 160 |
Surgeon Salary by Industry
How much Surgeons earn across industries nationwide — Health Care and Social Assistance pays the most ($414,010 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $414,010 | +9.6% | 23K |
| 2 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $172,830 | -54.2% | 40 |
| 3 | Educational Services | $102,620 | -72.8% | 2K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Surgeon
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Surgeon roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cleveland Clinic Foundation | $725,000 | 6 |
| 2 | Upmc Medical Education | $84,281 | 5 |
| 3 | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center | $80,559 | 4 |
| 4 | Emory University | $86,228 | 4 |
| 5 | Oregon Health & Science University | $93,921 | 4 |
| 6 | The Leland Stanford Jr University | $433,000 | 3 |
Historical Salary Trend — Surgeon
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $377,583 |
| 2026 (projected) | $388,910 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Surgeon Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $198,053 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $377,583 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $525,306 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $614,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a surgeon in the US?
- The median Surgeon salary in the United States is $377,583 annually. This figure represents the midpoint of all surgeon salaries, with half earning more and half earning less.
What is the salary range for surgeons?
- The salary range for surgeons in the United States is quite broad, spanning from $111,609 to $614,800 per year. This wide variation reflects differences in experience, specialization, and location.
Which state pays surgeons the most?
- North Dakota currently offers the highest compensation for surgeons, with an average reported salary of $604,890. This makes it a top state for earning potential within this medical field.
How many surgeons are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 19,130 surgeons employed across the United States. This reflects the demand for specialized surgical professionals nationwide.