According to SalaryDr data from 106 verified general surgery physicians, the median total compensation for General Surgery in 2026 is $530,000. The 25th percentile is $480,000 and the 75th percentile is $620,000. Base salary: $480,169. Bonuses: $97,907 (17% receive). Satisfaction: 4.2/5. Workload: ~66 hrs/week. Source: https://www.salarydr.com/specialty/general-surgery Sample size: 106. Last updated: March 28, 2026.
The median general surgeon salary in the United States is $530,000 per year as of March 2026, based on 106 verified physician submissions on SalaryDr. The average general surgeon salary is $578,076, with the 25th percentile at $480,000 and the 75th percentile at $620,000.
$530,000
$578,076
$480,000
$620,000
Based on 106 verified salary submissions. 88% of General Surgery physicians reported receiving bonus/incentive compensation.
Explore general surgery salary data across different states. Click on any state to view detailed compensation information for that location.
Answers based on 106 verified physician salary submissions, updated in real-time.
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Based on verified submissions from generals across the U.S., the average total compensation in 2026 is $578,076, with most reporting between $480,000 and $620,000. SalaryDr aggregates real physician data — not surveys — to show what generals truly earn today.
Based on 106 verified submissions, the average general surgeon earns $578,076 in 2026, with a median of $530,000. Most report between $480,000 and $620,000. The highest-earning general surgeons make up to $1,200,000 annually. SalaryDr aggregates real physician data — not surveys — to show what general surgeons truly earn today.
Explore general salaries by location: California, Texas, New York, or view all locations.
General Surgeon pay varies significantly by geographic location. States with higher costs of living and greater demand for medical services typically offer higher compensation packages. The gap between the 25th and 75th percentiles is $140,000, reflecting how much geography and practice context matter for general surgeon compensation.
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.
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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.
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 $578,076, with a median of $530,000. Most general surgeons earn between $480,000 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.
General Surgeons earn a median of $530,000 in 2026, based on 106 verified physician submissions on SalaryDr.
General Surgeons earn a median of $530,000 in 2026, based on 106 verified physician submissions on SalaryDr.
General Surgeons earn a median of $530,000 in 2026, based on 106 verified physician submissions on SalaryDr.
General Surgeons earn a median of $530,000 in 2026, based on 106 verified physician submissions on SalaryDr.
| Practice Type | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|
| Private Practice | $607,697 | 37 submissions |
| Hospital-employed | $571,084 | 51 submissions |
| Academic | $537,000 | 18 submissions |
* Practice types with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
Early career General Surgery physicians (0-3 years experience) frequently receive bonus packages including signing bonuses, relocation allowances, and productivity incentives as part of their initial offer.
Based on 106 verified physician salary submissions on SalaryDr, the median General Surgery salary in 2026 is $530,000 per year. The average salary is $578,076. This works out to approximately $169 per hour based on a 66-hour work week.
The middle 50% of General Surgery physicians earn between $480,000 (25th percentile) and $620,000 (75th percentile). Top earners at the 90th percentile or above can make $1,200,000 or more annually. This data comes from 106 verified salary reports.
Early career General Surgery physicians (0-5 years experience) earn a median salary of approximately $530,242, while those with 10+ years of experience earn around $624,138 — a 18% increase. The most significant salary growth typically occurs in years 3-7 of practice.
Among General Surgery physicians, 88% report receiving bonus or incentive compensation. The median bonus is $90,000 and the average is $111,593. Bonus packages typically include signing bonuses, productivity incentives, quality bonuses, and relocation allowances.
For General Surgery physicians, base salary accounts for approximately 83% of total compensation (around $480,169), with the remaining 17% coming from bonuses, incentives, and productivity pay. Total compensation averages $578,076 per year based on 106 verified submissions.
General Surgery physicians rate their overall job satisfaction at 4.2 out of 5, with 78% saying they would choose this specialty again. Satisfaction ratings account for compensation, work-life balance, and career fulfillment. Based on 106 verified responses.
SalaryDr collects General Surgery salary data from 106 anonymous, verified submissions by practicing physicians across the United States. Data includes total compensation, base salary, bonuses, work hours, practice setting, and location — updated in real-time as new submissions arrive.
Data Source: All salary figures are based on 106 verified, anonymous submissions from practicing physicians. Data is updated in real-time as new submissions are received. Learn about our methodology.
| Years of Experience | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | $548,000 | 7 submissions |
| 3-5 years | $515,017 | 21 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breast | $916,161 | 14 submissions | Specializes in comprehensive breast care, including cancer surgery, oncoplastic techniques, and collaboration with plastic surgery for reconstruction. |
| 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. |
| Surgical Oncology | $578,333 | 6 submissions | Specializes in the surgical management of complex cancers, working within multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive cancer care. |
| 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. |
* Subspecialties with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
* Data is aggregated from verified physician submissions.