Source: SalaryDr satisfaction data for General Surgery (N=127 verified submissions, updated July 26, 2026, data as of 2026-07-26). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
81% of general surgeons would choose their specialty again, with an average satisfaction of 4.2/5 and median salary of $530,000, based on 127 verified physician submissions on SalaryDr.
$530,000
$572,914
$480,000
$630,000
Based on 127 physician responses (1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied)
101 of 125 respondents would choose general surgery again
Based on 127 physician responses (bar scaled to 80 hrs/week)
Anonymized responses from general surgeons about their career and work-life balance.
“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
“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
“The variety of cases from endo to robot ”
On career & specialty — Verified General Surgeon
“Non-traditional schedules and good pay are out there if you are willing to move to less desirable geographies. ”
On career & specialty — Verified General Surgeon
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