Average Salary for a Neurosurgeon in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience Levels, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary for a Neurosurgeon matters a lot for career choices and medical school planning. Neurosurgeons are brain and spine doctors who perform the most complex surgeries. They save lives by fixing problems in the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system.
These doctors are among the highest-paid medical professionals in America.
Knowing your worth as a neurosurgeon helps you make smart career moves. It helps you pick the right job offers and ask for better pay. The medical field changes often. Salary trends change, too. That's why updated salary data matters so much for current and future neurosurgeons.
This blog covers everything about neurosurgeon pay in 2025.
We will show you average salaries across the country. You'll learn how experience affects your pay. We'll share which states pay the most. You'll also get tips to earn more money as a neurosurgeon. We answer common questions about neurosurgeon salaries. This includes questions about taxes, bonuses, and benefits.
You'll learn about different neurosurgery specialties and their pay ranges. We'll help you understand what factors make some neurosurgeons earn more than others.
Average Salary for a Neurosurgeon in the USA
$555,000 per year (Average)
We calculated this average using data from multiple reliable sources.
Salary.com reports neurosurgeons earn $720,001 annually, while PayScale shows $456,556 per year. SalaryExpert data indicates $527,897 yearly. ZipRecruiter lists the average at $291,565. ERI Economic Research Institute shows $599,631. We used several global salary surveys and government statistics to get this balanced figure.
The current average salary shows a 4-6% increase from last year. This growth comes from high demand for brain surgery specialists. More complex cases need expert neurosurgeons. There are not enough trained neurosurgeons to fill all jobs.
Salary for a Neurosurgeon Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $555,000 per year, according to several global salary surveys. This number includes base pay but not bonuses or benefits packages.
Salary range: The range goes from $250,000 (lowest 25%) to $857,401 (highest 75%) based on USA data sources. Most neurosurgeons earn between these amounts. Your pay depends on where you work, your experience level, and your specialty area.
Salary by experience:
- Entry-level neurosurgeons start around $291,565 annually.
- Mid-career professionals with 5-10 years earn $450,000 to $600,000.
- Senior neurosurgeons with 15+ years can earn over $800,000, according to many USA sources.
75th percentile: $857,401 per year according to government statistics. This means 75% of neurosurgeons earn less than this amount. Only the top 25% earn more than this figure.
Salary for a Neurosurgeon: Regional Comparison
Location makes a huge difference in neurosurgeon pay. Some states pay much more than others. The cost of living also varies by state. High-paying states often have higher living costs. But even after accounting for living costs, some states offer better value. Washington is the highest paying state for neurosurgeon jobs, while Florida is the lowest paying state.
Here's how salaries compare across major U.S. regions:
Data collected from government statistics and USA salary surveys.
Washington offers the best value for neurosurgeons. The state has high pay and excellent medical facilities. This gives doctors more earning power and better work environments.
7 Tips to Grow Your Neurosurgeon Salary
1. Get Fellowship Training in High-Demand Specialties: Pediatric neurosurgery, spine surgery, and vascular neurosurgery pay more than general practice. Functional neurosurgeons and tumor specialists also earn premium salaries. According to many USA data sources, fellowship-trained neurosurgeons earn 20-35% more than general neurosurgeons. This extra training takes 1-2 years but pays off long-term.
4. Take Leadership and Administrative Roles: Become a department chair or medical director. These roles add administrative pay to your surgical income. Leadership positions can increase total compensation by $100,000-$200,000 annually, according to government statistics. You'll also gain valuable management experience for your career.
2. Choose High-Paying Geographic Locations: Move to states that value neurosurgery expertise more. Washington, California, and New York offer the highest average salaries. Even within states, major medical centers usually pay more than smaller hospitals. Research salary data and cost of living before making location decisions.
3. Work at Academic Medical Centers: University hospitals often pay more than community hospitals. They also offer research opportunities and teaching income. Several global salary surveys show academic neurosurgeons earn 15-25% more than private practice doctors. Consider positions that combine clinical work with research.
5. Offer Emergency and Trauma Coverage: Emergency neurosurgery cases pay premium rates. Many hospitals pay extra for trauma call coverage. This additional income can add $50,000-$100,000 per year to your base salary. Balance this with your personal life and burnout prevention needs.
6. Negotiate Your Employment Contract Carefully: Don't accept the first job offer you receive. Research market rates for your specialty and experience level. Ask for signing bonuses, research funds, and continuing education money. Many USA sources show that neurosurgeons who negotiate earn 12-20% more than those who don't.
7. Consider Private Practice Opportunities: Private practice often offers higher earning potential than employed positions. You take on business responsibilities but get greater financial rewards. Government statistics show private practice neurosurgeons can earn 25-40% more than employed doctors. Consider partnership tracks for long-term wealth building.
FAQs About a Neurosurgeon's Salary
What is the average salary for a Neurosurgeon in 2025?
The average salary for a neurosurgeon in 2025 is $555,000 per year. This comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics. The number varies by location, experience, and subspecialty area.
Is the neurosurgeon's salary before or after taxes?
All salary numbers shown are gross annual income before taxes. You will pay federal, state, and local taxes on this income. The actual amount you take home depends on your tax situation and deductions.
Does the average neurosurgeon's salary include bonuses?
No, the base salary does not include bonuses or incentive pay. Many neurosurgeons get extra money for productivity, quality metrics, or call coverage. These bonuses can add $50,000-$150,000 per year to total compensation.
How much do entry-level neurosurgeons earn?
Entry-level neurosurgeons earn around $291,565 annually, according to USA salary surveys. New doctors usually start at the lower end after completing their residency. Pay increases quickly with experience in the first few years.
Which states pay neurosurgeons the most?
Washington, California, and New York pay the highest average salaries based on government statistics. These states have top medical centers and a high demand for neurosurgery services.
Do neurosurgeons get paid time off?
Yes, neurosurgeon salaries typically include paid vacation time. Most full-time positions offer 4-6 weeks of paid time off per year. This includes vacation days, sick leave, and continuing medical education time.
What benefits do neurosurgeons receive besides salary?
Most neurosurgeons get health insurance, dental coverage, and retirement plans. Many employers also pay for malpractice insurance, which can cost $50,000-$100,000 per year. Some jobs include research funds and conference travel money.
How does a neurosurgeon's pay compare to that of other doctors?
Neurosurgeons earn more than most other medical specialists. They rank among the top 3 highest-paid doctor types along with orthopedic surgeons and plastic surgeons, according to government data.
Can neurosurgeons earn more than the average salary?
Yes, many factors can increase earnings above average. Top earners make over $1 million annually based on salary platform data. Fellowship training, leadership roles, and high-demand locations boost income potential significantly.
Do neurosurgeons work regular hours?
Neurosurgeon schedules vary by workplace. Most work 50-80 hours per week, including surgery, clinic time, and call duties. Emergency cases can happen at any time, so flexibility is important in this career.
Is the salary for neurosurgeons expected to grow?
Yes, neurosurgeon salaries continue to grow due to high demand. An aging population needs more brain and spine surgeries. There is also a shortage of trained neurosurgeons. Government statistics predict continued salary growth of 4-7% annually.
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