General Surgery vs Radiology: Salary Comparison (2026)
Compare General Surgery and Radiology compensation across salary, lifestyle, and career metrics. See how General Surgeon salaries stack up against Radiologist pay using verified physician data on SalaryDr.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | General Surgery | Radiology |
|---|---|---|
| Training Length | 5-year residency | 5-year residency |
| Practitioner Title | General Surgeon | Radiologist |
| Live Salary Data | View General Surgery salary → | View Radiology salary → |
| Lifestyle Rating | See details below | See details below |
Salary figures are updated in real-time on each specialty page from verified physician submissions.
Key Differences
Training Path
- General Surgery: 5-year residency
- Radiology: 5-year residency
Practice Setting
Both General Surgery and Radiology offer diverse practice settings including academic medical centers, private practice, and hospital employment. Compensation varies significantly by setting.
Lifestyle & Work-Life Balance
General Surgery
Demanding schedule with significant call responsibilities. Improving with subspecialization.
Radiology
Favorable lifestyle with growing remote-reading opportunities. Call varies by practice.
Career Considerations
Job Market Outlook
Both General Surgery and Radiology continue to see strong demand driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access. Geographic demand varies; rural and underserved areas often offer higher compensation to attract specialists.
Compensation Growth Trajectory
Physician salaries in both specialties typically increase with experience, with the largest jumps in the first 5-10 years post-training. Partnership or ownership in private practice can meaningfully accelerate earnings.
Subspecialization Opportunities
Both specialties offer fellowship pathways that can further differentiate earning potential and lifestyle. Compare detailed salary data for each specialty to see how subspecialties affect pay.
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