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Source: SalaryDr salary data for Neurosurgery (N=82 verified submissions, December 2025). URL: https://www.salarydr.com

Last updated: December 28, 2025 | Based on 82 verified submissionsFresh Data

Neurosurgeon Salary 2025 (Average Pay, Hours & Lifestyle)

Median

$900,000

Average

$1,095,416

25th

$850,000

75th

$1,100,000

Based on 82 physician salaries

Salary Distribution

$850,000 – $1,225,000
25th
$850,000
Median
$900,000
75th
$1,100,000
Avg
Middle 50% earn
$850,000 – $1,100,000
Median salary
$900,000
Average salary
$1,095,416

Salary Range

Minimum$850,000
Maximum$5,850,000

Percentiles

25th$850,000
75th$1,100,000

Breakdown

Monthly$75,000
Hourly$433

🎯 What's It Really Like to Practice Neurosurgery?

Go beyond salary data. Discover real physician experiences, work-life balance insights, and what Neurosurgery doctors love (and would change) about their specialty.

  • ✓Is Neurosurgery a good work-life balance specialty?
  • ✓What do Neurosurgery physicians love about their job?
  • ✓How many hours do Neurosurgery doctors work per week?
View Lifestyle Insights

Neurosurgery Salaries by State

Browse All Specialties →

Explore neurosurgery salary data across different states. Click on any state to view detailed compensation information for that location.

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Planning your career path? Check out our comprehensive physician salary benchmarks to see how compensation compares across different specialties and regions.

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Based on verified submissions from neurosurgeons across the U.S., the average total compensation in 2025 is $1,095,416, with most reporting between $850,000 and $1,100,000. SalaryDr aggregates real physician data — not surveys — to show what neurosurgeons truly earn today.

Average Neurosurgeon Salary in 2025

$900,000
Median
$1,095,416
Average
$850,000 – $1,100,000
Range
64
Hours/week
Last updated: 12/28/2025 | Based on 82 verified submissions.

Based on verified submissions from neurosurgeons across the U.S., the average total compensation in 2025 is $1,095,416, with most reporting between $850,000 and $1,100,000. SalaryDr aggregates real physician data — not surveys — to show what neurosurgeons truly earn today.

Neurosurgeon Salary by State

Explore neurosurgeon salaries by location: California, Texas, New York, or view all locations.

Neurosurgeon pay varies significantly by geographic location. States with higher costs of living and greater demand for medical services typically offer higher compensation packages.

Pay Differences by Experience & Practice Setting

Salary by Practice Type

Private Practice
Average Salary
$1,240,744
Sample Size
28 submissions
Hospital-employed
Average Salary
$1,096,105
Sample Size
38 submissions
Academic
Average Salary
$839,453
Sample Size
16 submissions
Practice TypeAverage SalarySample Size
Private Practice$1,240,74428 submissions
Hospital-employed

Salary by Experience Level

0-2 years
Average Salary
$816,429
Sample Size
7 submissions
3-5 years
Average Salary
$863,333
Sample Size
9 submissions
6-10 years
Average Salary
$1,092,560
Sample Size
14 submissions
11-15 years
Average Salary
$999,036
Sample Size
35 submissions
16+ years
Average Salary
$1,533,941
Sample Size
17 submissions

Compare Specialties

See how neurosurgeon pay stacks up.

View Orthopedic Surgery Salaries →

Explore More Data

Browse all specialties and locations.

Browse All Specialties →

Salary Distribution

Distribution based on 82 verified physician salary submissions.

Median Salary: $900,000

Physician Satisfaction in Neurosurgery

Satisfaction Rating

4.2/5

Average satisfaction rating reported by Neurosurgery physicians (1-5 scale).

Would Choose Again

90%

Percentage of Neurosurgery physicians who would choose this specialty again.

Career Satisfaction

Physicians cite the variety of cases and patient relationships as most rewarding aspects of this specialty.

Primary Challenges

On-call demands, administrative burden, and work-life balance are cited as the top challenges.

Salary Comparison

Location Statistics

Average Salary

$1,095,416

Median Salary

$900,000

Salary Range

$850,000 - $1,100,000

National Comparison

National Average

$1,095,416

Difference

+0% vs National Average

Sample Size

82 local / 82 national reports

Take-Home Pay Calculator

Total Salary
$900,000
Federal Income Tax
-$291,186
State Income Tax
-$45,000
FICA Tax
-$29,803
Take-Home Pay
$534,011
Monthly
$44,501
Taxes (40.7%)
Take-Home (59.3%)
Based on single filing status in US. Results may vary.

Popular Locations

New York City, NY

Average Salary: $400,000

Based on 150 reports

Los Angeles, CA

Average Salary: $380,000

Based on 120 reports

Chicago, IL

Average Salary: $350,000

Based on 100 reports

Houston, TX

Average Salary: $340,000

Based on 90 reports

Miami, FL

Average Salary: $360,000

Based on 80 reports

Boston, MA

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.

Related Specialties

  • Internal Medicine salary data and compensation trends
  • Family Medicine salary data and compensation trends
  • Radiology salary data and compensation trends

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about physician salaries in Neurosurgery.

Data Source: All salary information is based on verified submissions from practicing physicians and is updated regularly to reflect current market conditions.

How to Negotiate Your Neurosurgery Salary

Step-by-step guide to negotiating a competitive Neurosurgery salary with confidence and data-driven strategies.

6 Steps2 Hours
1

Research Market Rates

Research current Neurosurgery 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 →
2

Document Your Value Proposition

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.

3

Analyze Total Compensation Package

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.

4

Prepare Multiple Scenarios

Develop three negotiation scenarios: your minimum acceptable offer, target salary, and ideal compensation package. Be prepared to discuss trade-offs between salary and benefits.

5

Practice Your Pitch

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.

6

Schedule the Negotiation Meeting

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Neurosurgeon Salaries

What is the average neurosurgeon salary in 2025?

The average neurosurgeon salary in 2025 is $1,095,416, with a median of $900,000. Most neurosurgeons earn between $850,000 and $1,100,000, with top performers earning up to $5,850,000 annually.

Which states pay neurosurgeons the most?

States with the highest neurosurgeon 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.

How many hours does a neurosurgeon work per week?

Most neurosurgeons work approximately 64 hours per week, though this can vary significantly by practice setting. Academic positions may offer more predictable schedules, while private practice often involves more variable hours and call responsibilities.

Do private practice neurosurgeons earn more?

Private practice neurosurgeons often earn higher compensation than their employed counterparts, with potential for profit sharing and productivity bonuses. However, employed positions may offer more stable schedules and comprehensive benefits packages.

How can neurosurgeons negotiate higher pay?

Neurosurgeons can increase their earning potential by developing subspecialty expertise, building strong clinical reputations, understanding local market rates, and negotiating comprehensive compensation packages that include base salary, bonuses, and benefits.

Help Build Better Physician Salary Data

We need more Neurosurgery physician in United States salary submissions to provide accurate insights. Your data helps colleagues make informed career decisions.

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Salary Growth by Experience

Early Career(0-5 years)
$955,188
Mid-Career(6-15 years)
$1,095,416
Senior(15+ years)
$1,180,652
+24% salary increase from early to senior career

Neurosurgeon compensation increases significantly with experience and varies by practice setting.

Neurosurgeon Lifestyle & Job Satisfaction

4.2/5
Average Satisfaction Rating
90% would choose this specialty again

Many neurosurgeons describe their job as rewarding but mentally taxing. The specialty offers a unique blend of procedural work, patient interaction, and critical thinking.

How Neurosurgeon Salaries Compare to Other Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery
$615K median
View →
Cardiothoracic Surgery
$400K median
View →
Plastic Surgery
$400K median
View →
General Surgery
$400K median
View →

Neurosurgery ranks among the higher-paying medical specialties, with compensation comparable to other procedural specialties.

How to Maximize Your Neurosurgeon Compensation

SalaryDr Resources

Learn how physicians negotiate better contracts →
Compare offers with other neurosurgeons →

Neurosurgeons can increase their earning potential through strategic career moves, negotiation skills, and understanding market dynamics.

$1,096,105
38 submissions
Academic$839,45316 submissions

* Practice types with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.

Years of ExperienceAverage SalarySample Size
0-2 years$816,4297 submissions
3-5 years$863,3339 submissions
6-10 years$1,092,56014 submissions
11-15 years$999,03635 submissions
16+ years$1,533,94117 submissions

* Experience levels with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.

Iowa
Kansas
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
New York
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Texas
Washington

Subspecialty Comparison

Oncology

Average Salary
$1,754,167
Sample Size
3 submissions
Focuses on specialized oncology procedures and treatments within neurosurgery, providing expert care in this specific area.

Vascular

Average Salary
$1,028,700
Sample Size
10 submissions
Treats diseases of blood vessels, including complex arterial reconstructions, aneurysm repairs, and minimally invasive endovascular procedures.

Spine

Average Salary
$991,711
Sample Size
19 submissions
Addresses complex spinal disorders through both surgical and non-surgical means, including minimally invasive spine surgery.

Pediatric

Average Salary
$952,861
Sample Size
9 submissions
Provides specialized surgical care for infants, children, and adolescents, addressing congenital conditions and childhood diseases.

Functional

Average Salary
$905,556
Sample Size
9 submissions
Focuses on specialized functional procedures and treatments within neurosurgery, providing expert care in this specific area.
SubspecialtyAverage SalarySample SizeDescription
Oncology$1,754,1673 submissionsFocuses on specialized oncology procedures and treatments within neurosurgery, providing expert care in this specific area.
Vascular$1,028,70010 submissionsTreats diseases of blood vessels, including complex arterial reconstructions, aneurysm repairs, and minimally invasive endovascular procedures.
Spine$991,71119 submissionsAddresses complex spinal disorders through both surgical and non-surgical means, including minimally invasive spine surgery.
Pediatric$952,8619 submissionsProvides specialized surgical care for infants, children, and adolescents, addressing congenital conditions and childhood diseases.

* Subspecialties with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.

* Data is aggregated from verified physician submissions.

Functional
$905,556
9 submissions
Focuses on specialized functional procedures and treatments within neurosurgery, providing expert care in this specific area.