As of April 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Neurosurgeon in the United States is $348, which translates to an annual salary of about $723,201.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Neurosurgeon's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Neurosurgeon's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Neurosurgeon | $690,095 |
| Intermediate Level Neurosurgeon | $696,244 |
| Senior Level Neurosurgeon | $704,853 |
| Specialist Level Neurosurgeon | $765,420 |
| Expert Level Neurosurgeon | $797,010 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Neurosurgeons. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.1% |
| Acute Care | 4.4% |
| Medical Education | 3.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Geriatrics
|
$788,289 |
9%
|
|
Insight
|
$781,057 |
8%
|
|
Medical Education
|
$773,825 |
7%
|
|
Oncology
|
$773,825 |
7%
|
|
Hematology
|
$766,593 |
6%
|
|
Acute Care
|
$752,129 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Neurosurgeons enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Neurosurgeon with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $644,077 and $741,201).
Neurosurgeon Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.4% |
| High School | 3.4% |
| Associates | 5.3% |
| Bachelors | 2.9% |
| Masters | 5.3% |
| Doctorate | 88.4% |
Understanding how a Neurosurgeon's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026Salaries for a Neurosurgeon can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $231,993 in 2023 to around $226,789 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Neurosurgeon salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $231,993 |
| 2024 | $237,504 |
| 2025 | $226,789 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Neurosurgeons earn substantial salaries, with figures ranging from a minimum of $519,001 to a mid-level salary of $689,301, and reaching up to a maximum of $872,201 annually. This reflects the high level of expertise and specialization required in the field, making neurosurgeons among the higher earners in the medical profession.
The top neurosurgeons in the world command impressive salaries, with a minimum of $519,001, a mid-range of $689,301, and a maximum of $872,201. Notable figures include Dr. Gerardo Conesa Bertran, Dr. Pietro Mortini, and Dr. Philip E. Stieg, each bringing years of experience and expertise to the field. Their contributions significantly impact neurosurgery and patient care.
Becoming a neurosurgeon is extremely challenging. It requires acceptance into medical school, completing rigorous training, and successfully matching into a neurosurgery residency. The effort is reflected in the salary, with neurosurgeons earning between $519,001 and $872,201, with a median salary of $689,301, highlighting the high level of expertise and commitment needed in this field.
The best universities for neurosurgery, based on reputation, include the University of California (San Francisco), Barrow Neurological Institute, and Johns Hopkins University. Neurosurgeons can expect salaries ranging from $519,001 to $872,201, with a median salary of $689,301, reflecting the high demand and specialized skills in this field.
Neurosurgeons in the United States earn some of the highest salaries globally, with a range from $519,001 to $872,201 annually. This significantly surpasses earnings in countries like Canada, where salaries range from $250,000 to $500,000, and the United Kingdom, where they range from £100,000 to £300,000.
A neurosurgeon is the highest-paid doctor on our list. Neurosurgery involves surgery of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Aspiring neurosurgeons must complete at least a seven-year residency. The salary range for neurosurgeons is between $519,001 and $872,201, with a mid-salary of $689,301, placing them at the top of our list.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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