As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Surgical Oncologist in the United States is $358,342 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $172.
However, a Surgical Oncologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Surgical Oncologist'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 Surgical Oncologist'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 Surgical Oncologist | $347,006 |
| Intermediate Level Surgical Oncologist | $348,601 |
| Senior Level Surgical Oncologist | $350,196 |
| Specialist Level Surgical Oncologist | $352,429 |
| Expert Level Surgical Oncologist | $358,342 |
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 Surgical Oncologists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.24% |
| Oncology | 4.36% |
| Critical Care | 2.95% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Clinical Care
|
$372,676 |
4%
|
|
Initiative
|
$369,092 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$365,509 |
2%
|
|
Confidentiality
|
$365,509 |
2%
|
|
Hematology
|
$365,509 |
2%
|
|
Acute Care
|
$365,509 |
2%
|
For Surgical Oncologist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 110% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Surgical Oncologist positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Surgical Oncologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $537,513 | $258.0 | 50% |
| Biotechnology | $465,845 | $224.0 | 30% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Surgical Oncologists 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 Surgical Oncologist with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $327,816 and $373,657).
Surgical Oncologist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 0.9% |
| Associates | 0.9% |
| Bachelors | 4.7% |
| Masters | 6.5% |
| Doctorate | 86.9% |
Understanding how a Surgical Oncologist'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 Surgical Oncologist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $233,686 in 2023 to around $228,444 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Surgical Oncologist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $233,686 |
| 2024 | $239,237 |
| 2025 | $228,444 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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