How Surgeons in California get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical California compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $410,500 | $312,000 | $533,700 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $510,200 | $387,800 | $663,300 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $586,500 | $445,800 | $762,500 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $703,800 | $534,900 | $915,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $797,600 | $606,200 | $1,037,000 |
Pay varies sharply within California. Major metros usually outpay state-wide averages.
| Metro | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs California |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | $680,400 | $517,100 | $884,500 | +16% |
| San Francisco | $660,300 | $501,800 | $858,300 | +13% |
| Los Angeles | $559,700 | $425,400 | $727,600 | -5% |
| San Diego | $553,000 | $420,300 | $718,900 | -6% |
Top occupations by median pay in California — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
→ See full ranking of top 25 highest-paying jobs in California
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average Surgeon salary in California is $586,500 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $445,800 and the 75th at $762,500.
Pay-wise, California sits +40% above the national Surgeon median ($419,000). That makes it one of the stronger markets — though cost of living should always be factored in alongside raw salary.
Senior Surgeons (10–14 years of experience) in California earn around $703,800 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $797,600 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), California ranks 1st for Surgeon pay. The highest-paying state pays around $586,500 on average.
The median is a benchmark, not a verdict. Your exact market value depends on your experience and education — plus your specific employer's pay band. Run the free calculator for a personalized number.
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