As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physician - Trauma Surgery in the United States is $488,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $235.
However, a Physician - Trauma Surgery's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered Talent
Smart Recruiting
A Physician - Trauma Surgery'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 Physician - Trauma Surgery'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 Physician - Trauma Surgery | $469,381 |
| Intermediate Level Physician - Trauma Surgery | $472,866 |
| Senior Level Physician - Trauma Surgery | $490,281 |
| Specialist Level Physician - Trauma Surgery | $519,409 |
| Expert Level Physician - Trauma Surgery | $524,610 |
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 Physician - Trauma Surgeries. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.1% |
| Acute Care | 4.4% |
| Medical Education | 3.02% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Dedication
|
$537,020 |
10%
|
|
Consulting
|
$537,020 |
10%
|
|
Hematology
|
$527,256 |
8%
|
|
Oncology
|
$512,610 |
5%
|
|
Medical Education
|
$507,728 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$502,846 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Physician - Trauma Surgeries 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 Physician - Trauma Surgery with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $439,669 and $480,778).
Physician - Trauma Surgery Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.2% |
| High School | 3.2% |
| Associates | 93.5% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 93.5% |
Understanding how a Physician - Trauma Surgery'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Physician - Trauma Surgery 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 Physician - Trauma Surgery salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $231,993 |
| 2024 | $237,504 |
| 2025 | $226,789 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Physician - Trauma Surgery and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Physician - Trauma Surgery job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
It can take 13 to 14 years to become a trauma surgeon. The first half typically involves educational requirements, including a 4 to 5-year undergraduate degree and 4 years of medical school. Trauma surgeons can expect a salary ranging from $398,200 to $543,700, with a median salary of $457,900.
An average trauma surgeon's salary ranges from approximately $398,200 to $543,700, with a midpoint of about $457,900. While some therapists may earn around $100,000, trauma surgeons typically earn significantly more due to their specialized skills and the demands of their profession.
Yes, trauma surgeons are highly skilled in airway management and intubation. They are trained to perform these critical procedures in emergency situations, ensuring patient safety and care. The salary for a trauma surgeon typically ranges from $398,200 to $543,700, with a median salary of $457,900, reflecting their expertise and the demands of the role.
Yes, there is a shortage of trauma surgeons in the U.S., which is concerning given that trauma is the leading cause of death for individuals aged 44 or younger. The number of trauma surgeons has plateaued since 2012, despite the critical need for their expertise. Salaries for trauma surgeons range from $398,200 to $543,700, reflecting the demand for this specialty.
While becoming a trauma surgeon is challenging, the rewards are significant. Surgeons in this field are highly respected and play a crucial role in saving lives. With salaries ranging from $398,200 to $543,700, the financial benefits reflect the demanding nature of the job. Ultimately, the impact on patients and communities makes it a fulfilling career choice.
Yes, there is a shortage of trauma surgeons, which can lead to increased demand for their services. This shortage is reflected in competitive salaries, with trauma surgeons earning between $398,200 and $543,700 annually, with a median salary of $457,900. The high compensation highlights the critical need for these specialists in the healthcare system.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
