As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Surgery Resident in the United States is $331,255 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $159.
However, a Surgery Resident's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Surgery Resident'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 Surgery Resident'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 Surgery Resident | $327,641 |
| Intermediate Level Surgery Resident | $329,147 |
| Senior Level Surgery Resident | $330,653 |
| Specialist Level Surgery Resident | $332,761 |
| Expert Level Surgery Resident | $338,344 |
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 Surgery Residents. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 3.98% |
| Wound Care | 5.42% |
| Medical Education | 3.18% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Geriatrics
|
$384,256 |
16%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$361,068 |
9%
|
|
Consulting
|
$361,068 |
9%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$361,068 |
9%
|
|
Leadership
|
$351,130 |
6%
|
|
Interpersonal Relationships
|
$351,130 |
6%
|
For Surgery Resident roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Surgery Resident positions in Pharmaceuticals or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Surgery Resident as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $463,757 | $223.0 | 40% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $380,943 | $183.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Surgery Residents 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 Surgery Resident with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $319,280 and $346,739).
Surgery Resident Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.7% |
| High School | 2.7% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 97.3% |
Understanding how a Surgery Resident'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Surgery Resident can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $228,351 in 2023 to around $223,228 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Surgery Resident salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $228,351 |
| 2024 | $233,775 |
| 2025 | $223,228 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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