General Surgeon Salary Guide

The average total pay for general surgeons in 2024 was $434,000, according to Medscape’s “Physician Compensation Report 2025.” This report surveyed full-time doctors and includes base salary, bonuses, and other work-related income. 

The average annual wage in 2024 for all surgeons (excluding pediatric and orthopedic surgeons) was $371,280 in the U.S., according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

Medscape reports compensation for general surgeons have increased by an average of 3.7% per year since 2014, making it a lucrative specialty. In fact, Medscape’s report shows that average total earnings have increased from $412,000 a year in 2022. 

Locum tenens general surgeons can make up to $250 per hour on average, however, there are many factors that impact rates including location, years of experience, and the level of demand.

If you were to extrapolate that rate over a year (at 40 hours per week), the average locum salary comes out to around $520,000. 

Making direct salary comparisons can be complicated. While perm surgeons are more likely to be salaried, locum tenens surgeons are independent contractors earning an hourly rate, which can vary based on which assignments they take in a year. 

Furthermore, because locum tenens general surgeons are paid by the hour, the hours they work are directly reflected in their pay, while a salaried surgeon’s additional hours may not be reflected in their salary. Finally, paid time off and insurance may be reflected in the perm general surgeon salary structure, but locum tenens providers do have options when it comes to health insurance.

General surgeon salary fluctuates depending on the state—according to the BLS, these are the five states with the highest annual average wage for all surgeons (excluding pediatric and orthopedic surgeons) in 2024:

• Alabama
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Missouri

General surgeons are the 11th highest-paid physician specialty by average total pay according to Medscape’s “Physician Compensation Report 2025.” 

The top five specialties (orthopedics & orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, radiology, cardiology, and gastroenterology) all reported average total pay greater than $500,000.