Silicon Valley proper — Apple, Google, Nvidia, Adobe. Here's how Surgeons in San Jose get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the San Jose metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $476,200 | $361,900 | $619,100 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $591,900 | $449,800 | $769,500 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $680,400 | $517,100 | $884,500 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $816,400 | $620,500 | $1,061,400 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $925,300 | $703,200 | $1,202,900 |
Highest-paying metros for Surgeons — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the San Jose metro economy.
The average Surgeon salary in the San Jose metro is $680,400 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $517,100 to $884,500 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $1,122,600 or more.
Yes — San Jose pays +16% 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 Jose vs. national: +62%. That puts San Jose among the stronger US markets for Surgeons — though cost of living in San Jose is also typically elevated.
In San Jose, the median Surgeon salary of $680,400 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Surgeons in San Jose start around $476,200, while seniors (10+ years) reach $816,400 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.
Get my personal salary report →