#6Overall

#3Highest Paying

General Surgeon

General Surgeons perform operations on the abdomen, breast, skin, soft tissues, and endocrine system.

Training Time

13 yr→

Education Cost

$250k–$375k→

Median Salary

$355k/yr→

Job Growth

3%→

About as fast as average

Getting Started

How to Become a General Surgeon

At 13 years to get started, this takes longer than the 10.6 years average for Doctoral Degree-level careers.

Complete Education

Earn your Doctoral Degree (typically 13 years) at an estimated cost of $250k–$375k.

Get Licensed or Certified

Complete any state-required licensing or certification exams for general surgeon practice.

Begin Working

General Surgeon earn a median salary of $355k/yr, with entry-level positions starting somewhat lower.

Education costs from College Scorecard. Training timelines from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Overview

What Does a General Surgeon Do?

General Surgeons perform operations on the abdomen, breast, skin, soft tissues, and endocrine system. They manage surgical emergencies including appendicitis, bowel obstruction, and trauma. General surgery is the foundation of all surgical specialties and provides the broadest surgical training.

On the Job

Evaluate patients and determine need for surgical intervention

Perform open and laparoscopic abdominal surgeries

Manage surgical emergencies including trauma and acute abdomen

Conduct pre-operative assessments and develop surgical plans

Perform breast surgery including mastectomy and lumpectomy

Manage post-operative care and complications

Supervise surgical residents and medical students

Provide on-call coverage for surgical emergencies

Compensation

How Much Does a General Surgeon Make?

At $355k/yr, general surgeon earn more than most Doctoral Degree-level careers, where the average is $260k/yr.

$355k/yr

median annual salary

10th percentile90th percentile

$213k/yr$355k/yr median$533k/yr

How It Compares

Career	Median Salary	Education	Growth
General Surgeon	$355k/yr	Doctoral Degree	3%
Home Health Aide	$34k/yr	High School Diploma	17.4%
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)	$39k/yr	Postsecondary Certificate	5.1%
Physician Assistant	$130k/yr	Master's Degree	28%
Paramedic	$39k/yr	Associate Degree	5.1%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024

Future-Proofing

General Surgeon Job Outlook (2024–2034)

Employment Growth

The BLS projects 3% growth over the next decade, roughly in line with the 4.8% average for Doctoral Degree-level careers.

10-Year Growth

About as fast as average

Current Employment

28k

jobs nationwide

Based on Pew Research + O*NET methodology and Bureau of Labor Statistics projections

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Sources

Data Freshness

BLS OEWS: 2024-05 · BLS Projections: 2024-09 · O*NET: 2024-12