Neurosurgeon Hourly Wage in the US (2023 Data)

Per Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2023: average hourly wage = $308.

Variability Factors

• Practice setting: Private practice > hospital-employed > academic.
• Experience: Senior surgeons command higher rates.
• Geography: High-cost metros (NYC, SF, LA) pay more.
• Subspecialty: Complex spine, cerebrovascular, functional neurosurgery often higher.
• Call burden: High-acuity trauma centers may pay more per hour.

Annualized (2,000 hrs): ~$616,000. But neurosurgeons often work 2,500–3,000+ hours, yielding $770K–$924K+. Total compensation (bonuses, RVU incentives, ownership) pushes top earners over $1M.