Surgeon Salary in the US: Average Earnings & Top-Paying Specialties

According to the Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2022, the average annual salary for surgeons in the United States is $438,000. However, this number can vary significantly depending on the type of surgery, years of experience, geographic location, and other factors.

For example, the highest-paid surgical specialties are:

- Plastic Surgery: $539,000

- Orthopedic Surgery: $524,000

- Neurosurgery: $517,000

The lowest-paid surgical specialties are:

- Colon and Rectal Surgery: $318,000

- Vascular Surgery: $321,000

- Thoracic Surgery: $327,000

Surgeons in rural areas typically earn less than those in urban areas. For example, the average annual salary for surgeons in the South is $401,000, while the average annual salary for surgeons in the Northeast is $490,000.

Finally, surgeons with more years of experience typically earn more than those with less experience. For example, the average annual salary for surgeons with 1-5 years of experience is $351,000, while the average annual salary for surgeons with 26+ years of experience is $558,000.