As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Surgeon in the United States is $439,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $211.
However, a General Surgeon's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A General Surgeon's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a General Surgeon's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level General Surgeon | $422,093 |
| Intermediate Level General Surgeon | $425,279 |
| Senior Level General Surgeon | $428,466 |
| Specialist Level General Surgeon | $432,927 |
| Expert Level General Surgeon | $443,994 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract General Surgeons. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 7.63% |
| HIPAA | 3.58% |
| Clinical Practice | 2.12% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Cardiac
|
$448,086 |
2%
|
|
Acute Care
|
$443,693 |
1%
|
|
Leadership
|
$443,693 |
1%
|
|
Clinical Care
|
$443,693 |
1%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$443,693 |
1%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$443,693 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many General Surgeons enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a General Surgeon with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $424,899 and $467,091).
General Surgeon Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.4% |
| High School | 4.3% |
| Associates | 2.1% |
| Bachelors | 2.1% |
| Masters | 5.0% |
| Doctorate | 87.1% |
Understanding how a General Surgeon's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Salaries for a General Surgeon can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $231,993 in 2023 to around $226,789 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of General Surgeon salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $231,993 |
| 2024 | $237,504 |
| 2025 | $226,789 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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General surgery residents in the USA typically earn an average salary of around $61,500. However, once they complete their residency and become practicing general surgeons, their salaries can range significantly, with a minimum of approximately $376,300, a mid-range salary of about $445,000, and a maximum of around $528,100.
Becoming a general surgeon typically takes at least 13 years. This includes completing a four-year bachelor's degree, a four-year medical degree, and a minimum five-year residency. In terms of salary, general surgeons can expect to earn between $376,300 and $528,100, with a median salary of around $445,000.
General surgery residency in the USA typically lasts 5 years. After completing this training, general surgeons can expect to earn a salary ranging from a minimum of $376,300 to a maximum of $528,100, with a mid-salary of approximately $445,000.
General surgeons have a salary range with a minimum of $376,300, a mid-level salary of $445,000, and a maximum of $528,100. While neurosurgeons are often cited as the highest-paid surgeons, general surgeons also earn a substantial income within this range.
Yes, general surgeons are in high demand, with a projected cumulative growth in demand exceeding 25% by 2025. The Association of American Medical Colleges anticipates a shortage of 41,000 general surgeons by that year. With salaries ranging from $376,300 to $528,100, this profession offers both financial rewards and job security.
Surgeons, specifically general surgeons, typically earn between $376,300 and $528,100 annually, with a mid-salary of $445,000. While some specialized surgeons may earn over $500,000, general surgeons generally fall within this range. Therefore, not all surgeons make $500,000 a year.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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