Surgeon Career Guide: 2025 Edition

Average Salary Range of a Surgeon

Surgeons are among the highest-earning professionals in the medical field, with salaries that are often in the top 1% of all income earners. The exact salary range for surgeons depends on a variety of factors, including geographical location, specialty, and experience.

In general, the median annual salary for surgeons in the United States is around $350,000, according to the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the top 10% of surgeons earn an average of $648,000 per year, while the bottom 10% earn an average of $184,000.

The highest salaries reported were in the fields of orthopedic surgery (median salary of $500,000) and plastic surgery ($460,000). Cardiothoracic surgeons and neurosurgeons also reported median salaries well above the national average at $400,000 and $375,000, respectively.

Geographical location also plays an important role in the salary range for surgeons. Surgeons in high-paying states such as California ($458,000), New York ($450,000), and Massachusetts ($435,000) tend to earn more than those in lower-paying states such as Arkansas ($231,000) and West Virginia ($238,000).

Experience is also a major factor in determining a surgeon's salary. Entry-level surgeons typically earn around $300,000 per year, while experienced surgeons can easily earn over $500,000 per year.

Overall, surgeons are well-compensated professionals who can expect to earn a salary that is significantly higher than the national average.

With the right experience and geographical location, surgeons can easily reach the top 1% of income earners in the United States.

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