One of the highest-paid occupations in America. Orthopedic and cardiothoracic at the very top.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Surgeons. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $293,300 | $217,600 | $401,300 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $364,500 | $270,400 | $498,700 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $419,000 | $310,900 | $573,300 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $502,800 | $373,000 | $687,900 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $569,800 | $422,800 | $779,600 |
Top 10 states by median Surgeon salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $586,500 | $445,800 | $762,500 | +40% |
| Washington DC | $586,500 | $445,800 | $762,500 | +40% |
| New York | $557,200 | $423,500 | $724,400 | +33% |
| Massachusetts | $544,600 | $413,900 | $708,000 | +30% |
| Washington | $544,600 | $413,900 | $708,000 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $527,900 | $401,200 | $686,200 | +26% |
| Connecticut | $506,900 | $385,300 | $659,000 | +21% |
| Maryland | $502,700 | $382,100 | $653,600 | +20% |
| Colorado | $490,200 | $372,500 | $637,200 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $477,600 | $363,000 | $620,900 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $356,100 | $270,600 | $462,900 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $351,900 | $267,500 | $457,500 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $351,900 | $267,500 | $457,500 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $351,900 | $267,500 | $457,500 | -16% |
| Alabama | $347,700 | $264,300 | $452,000 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $347,700 | $264,300 | $452,000 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $335,200 | $254,700 | $435,700 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $335,200 | $254,700 | $435,700 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $326,800 | $248,400 | $424,800 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $326,800 | $248,400 | $424,800 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
Get my personal Surgeon salary report →