Tech epicenter — highest tech wages on Earth. Here's how Surgeons in San Francisco get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the San Francisco metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $462,200 | $351,200 | $600,800 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $574,400 | $436,500 | $746,700 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $660,300 | $501,800 | $858,300 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $792,300 | $602,100 | $1,029,900 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $898,000 | $682,400 | $1,167,200 |
Highest-paying metros for Surgeons — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the San Francisco metro economy.
The average Surgeon salary in the San Francisco metro is $660,300 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $501,800 to $858,300 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $1,089,400 or more.
Yes — San Francisco pays +13% relative to the California state median for Surgeons. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
San Francisco vs. national: +58%. That puts San Francisco among the stronger US markets for Surgeons — though cost of living in San Francisco is also typically elevated.
In San Francisco, the median Surgeon salary of $660,300 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Surgeons in San Francisco start around $462,200, while seniors (10+ years) reach $792,300 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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