Source: SalaryDr satisfaction data for General Surgery (N=133 verified submissions, updated September 17, 2026, data as of 2026-09-17). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
80% of general surgeons would choose their specialty again, with an average satisfaction of 4.1/5 and median salary of $530,000, based on 133 verified physician submissions on SalaryDr.
$530,000
$564,287
$455,282
$620,000
Based on 133 physician responses (1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied)
103 of 129 respondents would choose general surgery again
Based on 131 physician responses (bar scaled to 80 hrs/week)
Anonymized responses from general surgeons about their career and work-life balance.
“I do 75% bariatrics which adds significant compensation and complexity, these patients are also the most thankful and happy patients ”
On career & specialty — Verified General Surgeon
“Call is brutal and we're overworked. Private practice so health insurance/retirement etc all comes out of our compensation.”
On career & specialty — Verified General Surgeon
“Best part is research, teaching, clinic variety”
On career & specialty — Verified General Surgeon
“(Bariatric surgeon here, I don’t do general surgery). Less call: Currently take the majority of the bariatric call per month. Compensated 700/shift for anything over 10 calls a month. ”
On career & specialty — Verified General Surgeon
“Call is horrible. U usually have 2-5 cases added on top of elective ”
On career & specialty — Verified General Surgeon
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