Source: SalaryDr salary data for General Surgery (N=103 verified submissions, updated February 12, 2026, data as of 2026-02-12). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
The median general surgeon salary in the United States is $530,000 per year as of February 2026, based on 103 verified physician submissions on SalaryDr. The average general surgeon salary is $585,156, with the 25th percentile at $490,000 and the 75th percentile at $620,000.
Source: SalaryDr Physician Salary Database, updated
$530,000
$585,156
$490,000
$620,000
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Based on verified submissions from generals across the U.S., the average total compensation in 2026 is $585,156, with most reporting between $490,000 and $620,000. SalaryDr aggregates real physician data — not surveys — to show what generals truly earn today.
Comprehensive general surgeon salary information and career insights.
Explore general salaries by location: California, Texas, New York, or view all locations.
Comprehensive general surgeon salary information and career insights.
Comprehensive general surgeon salary information and career insights.
Comprehensive general surgeon salary information and career insights.
| Practice Type | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|
| Private Practice | $607,697 | 37 submissions |
| Hospital-employed | $585,839 | 48 submissions |
| Years of Experience |
|---|
Distribution based on 103 verified physician salary submissions.
Median Salary: $530,000
Average satisfaction rating reported by General Surgery physicians (1-5 scale).
Percentage of General Surgery physicians who would choose this specialty again.
Physicians cite the variety of cases and patient relationships as most rewarding aspects of this specialty.
On-call demands, administrative burden, and work-life balance are cited as the top challenges.
Average Salary
$585,156
Median Salary
$530,000
Salary Range
$490,000 - $620,000
National Average
$585,156
Difference
+0% vs National Average
Sample Size
103 local / 103 national reports
Average Salary: $400,000
Based on 150 reports
Average Salary: $380,000
Based on 120 reports
Average Salary: $350,000
Based on 100 reports
Average Salary: $340,000
Based on 90 reports
Average Salary: $360,000
Based on 80 reports
Average Salary: $370,000
Based on 70 reports
* Showing locations with the most reported salaries.
* Some locations may be omitted if they have fewer than 3 reports.
Get answers to the most common questions about physician salaries in General Surgery.
Data Source: All salary information is based on verified submissions from practicing physicians and is updated regularly to reflect current market conditions.
Step-by-step guide to negotiating a competitive General Surgery salary with confidence and data-driven strategies.
Research current General Surgery salary data using verified sources like SalaryDr, MGMA, and local market reports. Document the median, 25th, and 75th percentile ranges for your specialty and experience level.
Learn more →Create a comprehensive list of your qualifications, certifications, years of experience, patient outcomes, and any unique skills or subspecialty training. Quantify your contributions with specific metrics where possible.
Look beyond base salary to include benefits, bonuses, CME allowances, malpractice insurance, retirement contributions, and other perks. Calculate the total compensation value to make informed comparisons.
Develop three negotiation scenarios: your minimum acceptable offer, target salary, and ideal compensation package. Be prepared to discuss trade-offs between salary and benefits.
Rehearse your negotiation conversation focusing on your value to the organization, market data, and specific reasons for your salary request. Practice addressing common objections professionally.
Request a formal meeting with decision-makers. Present your research professionally, emphasize your value, and be prepared to negotiate on multiple aspects of the compensation package.
Professional Tip: This guide provides general recommendations. Always consult with career advisors, mentors, and legal professionals for personalized advice specific to your situation.
The average general surgeon salary in 2026 is $585,156, with a median of $530,000. Most general surgeons earn between $490,000 and $620,000, with top performers earning up to $1,200,000 annually.
Comprehensive information about general surgeon compensation and career opportunities.
States with the highest general surgeon salaries typically include California, New York, Texas, and Florida. These states offer higher compensation due to increased demand, higher costs of living, and competitive markets for medical professionals.
Comprehensive information about general surgeon compensation and career opportunities.
Comprehensive information about general surgeon compensation and career opportunities.
We need more General Surgery physician in United States salary submissions to provide accurate insights. Your data helps colleagues make informed career decisions.
Comprehensive general surgeon salary information and career insights.
Comprehensive general surgeon salary information and career insights.
| Academic | $537,000 | 18 submissions |
* Practice types with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
| Average Salary |
|---|
| Sample Size |
|---|
| 0-2 years | $548,000 | 7 submissions |
| 3-5 years | $545,020 | 18 submissions |
| 6-10 years | $538,385 | 24 submissions |
| 11-15 years | $604,670 | 35 submissions |
| 16+ years | $660,000 | 19 submissions |
* Experience levels with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
| Subspecialty | Average Salary | Sample Size | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trauma | $649,650 | 20 submissions | Provides emergency surgical care for critically injured patients, specializing in acute care surgery and critical care management. Trauma surgeons work in Level I and II trauma centers. |
| Vascular | $607,739 | 8 submissions | Treats diseases of blood vessels, including complex arterial reconstructions, aneurysm repairs, and minimally invasive endovascular procedures. |
| Breast | $594,327 | 13 submissions | Specializes in comprehensive breast care, including cancer surgery, oncoplastic techniques, and collaboration with plastic surgery for reconstruction. |
| Surgical Oncology | $578,333 | 6 submissions | Specializes in the surgical management of complex cancers, working within multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive cancer care. |
* Subspecialties with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
* Data is aggregated from verified physician submissions.
| Colorectal | $558,740 | 22 submissions | Focuses on disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus, performing both routine and complex procedures for cancer, IBD, and functional disorders. |
| Minimally Invasive | $530,333 | 15 submissions | Utilizes advanced laparoscopic and robotic techniques to perform surgeries through tiny incisions, reducing recovery time and complications. |