According to SalaryDr data from 88 verified neurosurgery physicians, the median total compensation for Neurosurgery in 2026 is $920,000. The 25th percentile is $850,000 and the 75th percentile is $1,100,000. Base salary: $884,289. Bonuses: $209,387 (19% receive). Satisfaction: 4.1/5. Workload: ~63 hrs/week. Source: https://www.salarydr.com/specialty/neurosurgery Sample size: 88. Last updated: March 16, 2026.
The median neurosurgeon salary in the United States is $920,000 per year as of March 2026, based on 88 verified physician submissions on SalaryDr. The average neurosurgeon salary is $1,093,677, with the 25th percentile at $850,000 and the 75th percentile at $1,100,000.
$920,000
$1,093,677
$850,000
$1,100,000
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Based on verified submissions from neurosurgeons across the U.S., the average total compensation in 2026 is $1,093,677, with most reporting between $850,000 and $1,100,000. SalaryDr aggregates real physician data — not surveys — to show what neurosurgeons truly earn today.
Based on verified submissions from neurosurgeons across the U.S., the average total compensation in 2026 is $1,093,677, with most reporting between $850,000 and $1,100,000. SalaryDr aggregates real physician data — not surveys — to show what neurosurgeons truly earn today.
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.
| Practice Type | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|
| Private Practice | $1,228,694 | 30 submissions |
| Hospital-employed |
Average satisfaction rating reported by Neurosurgery physicians (1-5 scale).
Percentage of Neurosurgery 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
$1,093,677
Median Salary
$920,000
Salary Range
$850,000 - $1,100,000
National Average
$1,093,677
Difference
+0% vs National Average
Sample Size
88 local / 88 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 Neurosurgery.
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 Neurosurgery salary with confidence and data-driven strategies.
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 →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 neurosurgeon salary in 2026 is $1,093,677, with a median of $920,000. Most neurosurgeons earn between $850,000 and $1,100,000, with top performers earning up to $5,850,000 annually.
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.
Most neurosurgeons work approximately 63 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.
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.
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.
We need more Neurosurgery physician in United States salary submissions to provide accurate insights. Your data helps colleagues make informed career decisions.
Neurosurgeon compensation increases significantly with experience and varies by practice setting.
Many neurosurgeons describe their job as rewarding but mentally taxing. The specialty offers a unique blend of procedural work, patient interaction, and critical thinking.
Neurosurgery ranks among the higher-paying medical specialties, with compensation comparable to other procedural specialties.
Neurosurgeons can increase their earning potential through strategic career moves, negotiation skills, and understanding market dynamics.
| $1,094,083 |
| 42 submissions |
| Academic | $839,453 | 16 submissions |
* Practice types with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
| Years of Experience | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|
| 0-2 years | $816,429 | 7 submissions |
| 3-5 years | $862,000 | 10 submissions |
| 6-10 years | $1,086,389 | 15 submissions |
| 11-15 years | $1,002,331 | 37 submissions |
| 16+ years | $1,501,393 | 19 submissions |
* Experience levels with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
| Subspecialty | Average Salary | Sample Size | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oncology | $1,754,167 | 3 submissions | Focuses on specialized oncology procedures and treatments within neurosurgery, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Vascular | $1,028,700 | 10 submissions | Treats diseases of blood vessels, including complex arterial reconstructions, aneurysm repairs, and minimally invasive endovascular procedures. |
| Spine | $991,711 | 19 submissions | Addresses complex spinal disorders through both surgical and non-surgical means, including minimally invasive spine surgery. |
| Pediatric | $957,575 | 10 submissions | Provides 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. |