Surgeon Salary 2025: Median Pay of $369,540 and How to Break Into the Field
Surgeons earn a national median salary of $369,540, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That's roughly $178 per hour for the mean wage of $364,360. But the pay range is enormous: the lowest 10% make around $83,630, while the top 10% pull in over $640,680. With about 49,380 surgeons employed in the U.S., this is a high-stakes, high-reward career that requires years of specialized training.
How much Surgeons earn
The national median salary for surgeons is $369,540, meaning half earn more and half earn less. The mean annual wage sits at $364,360, or roughly $178 per hour. Those at the 10th percentile earn $83,630, often reflecting residents or surgeons in lower-paying settings. At the 90th percentile, pay reaches $640,680.
Compensation varies by specialty, experience, and practice setting. General surgeons and those in private practice often earn at the higher end, while surgeons in academic or rural settings may earn less. The figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS).
- Median: $369,540
- Mean: $364,360 ($178/hr)
- 10th percentile: $83,630
- 90th percentile: $640,680
Pay by state
State-level salary data for surgeons is not available from the BLS for this occupation. Pay can vary widely based on cost of living, demand, and local reimbursement rates. You can check state-specific figures using the BLS OEWS data tool, but no official rankings of highest- or lowest-paying states exist for surgeons in the current release.
How to become Surgeon
Becoming a surgeon requires a long, rigorous training path. Start with a bachelor's degree, then take the MCAT and get into medical school. After four years of medical school, you earn an MD or DO degree. Next, complete a surgical residency, which lasts at least five years. Some specialties require additional fellowship training.
You must pass a series of U.S. Medical Licensing Exams (USMLE or COMLEX) and board certification in your surgical specialty. State licensure is mandatory. The entire process takes 13 years or more after high school.
- Complete a 4-year bachelor's degree (pre-med or science)
- Pass MCAT and graduate from medical school (4 years)
- Finish a surgical residency (5+ years)
- Obtain state medical license and board certification
Job outlook
The BLS does not provide a specific growth projection for surgeons. However, employment of physicians and surgeons overall is expected to grow faster than average, driven by an aging population and increased demand for medical services. Competition for residency spots remains high, and the path is demanding.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary of a surgeon in the U.S.?
The mean annual wage is $364,360, and the median is $369,540, per BLS data.
How much do surgeons make per hour?
Based on the mean annual wage of $364,360 and a 40-hour work week, it's about $178 per hour.
What is the starting salary for a surgeon?
The 10th percentile earns $83,630, which may include residents or surgeons early in their career.
How long does it take to become a surgeon?
After high school, it takes at least 13 years: 4 years undergraduate, 4 years medical school, and 5+ years residency.
What are the highest-paying states for surgeons?
Specific state rankings are not available from the BLS for surgeons.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Surgeons data.