Surgeon Salary in California
State-level salary data from BLS OES and H-1B filings
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$131,990
$63.46/hr
vs National Average
$377,583
-65.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$89K – $475K
Salary Distribution — Surgeon in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $88,730 |
| 25th percentile | $128,660 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $131,990 |
| 75th percentile | $392,320 |
| 90th percentile | $475,310 |
Top-Paying Industries for Surgeon (U.S.)
Which industries pay Surgeons the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Surgeons in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $414,010 | 23K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $172,830 | 40 |
| Educational Services | $102,620 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Surgeon in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $131,990 |
| 2026 (projected) | $135,950 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $131,990 | $377,583 |
| 2026 (projected) | $135,950 | $388,910 |
Surgeon Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $128,660 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $131,990 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $392,320 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $475,310 |
Surgeon Salary in Other States
Related Surgeon Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Surgeon ($131,990 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Surgeon | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +167.8% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +137.8% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +128.2% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +121.5% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +105.0% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +90.9% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +62.2% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +54.4% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +52.5% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +40.6% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +27.7% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | +25.7% | $79.78/hr |