Globally, there are only about 72,967 neurosurgeons, resulting in a worldwide density of approximately 0.93 neurosurgeons per 100,000 people.
Neurosurgeons are among the highest-paid doctors in the USA. Globally, there are about 72,967 neurosurgeons, roughly 0.93 per 100,000 people. In the United States, around 3,800 board-certified neurosurgeons care for over 340 million people. With such low numbers and high demand, it’s clear why the neurosurgeon salary USA is among the top in medicine.
Here’s a look at how much do Neurosurgeons earn in USA on average:
In this blog, we will learn which cities and healthcare settings offer the highest pay, how subspecialties like pediatric neurosurgery affect earnings, and provide a global comparison.
Neurosurgeons in the USA earn some of the highest salaries in the medical field. On average, the neurosurgeon salary USA stands at approximately $448K (INR 3.82CR) per year. However, this figure can fluctuate depending on factors like location, experience, and hospital type.
The United States has around 3,800 board-certified (ASNS) neurosurgeons, serving a population of over 340 million, which means there is only one neurosurgeon per 90,000 people. With such a low neurosurgeon-to-population ratio, the U.S. continues to see high demand for this specialty,
The following table offers a detailed snapshot of key statistics related to neurosurgeon salary USA, educational requirements, and residency duration.
Total Neurosurgeon in the USA
3800 (ABNS-Certified)
Neurosurgeon to people ratio
1:90,000
Education Duration
14 to 16 Years (including pre-med (undergrad) education, medical school, internship and residency)
General Surgery Training (1 year), Neurosurgery Training (5-6 years)
Experience plays a significant role in shaping a neurosurgeon’s compensation. As expertise grows, so does earning potential. Let’s take a closer look at how the salary numbers change with the experience level in the next section.
Average Neurosurgeon Salary USA: By Experience
As in most medical professions, experience significantly influences a neurosurgeon's earning potential in the United States.
While an entry-level neurosurgeon may earn around $305K annually in a hospital setting, those in private practice often command salaries exceeding $637K.
As your career progresses, compensation continues to rise. This increase reflects not only your clinical expertise but also your role in patient outcomes, hospital operations, or private practice success.
Here's a breakdown of neurosurgeon salaries in the U.S. based on experience level and work setting:
Experience Level (Avg Salary)
Hospital Employed
Private Practice
Entry-Level ($380K / INR 3.24CR)
$305K (INR 2.60CR)
$637K (INR 5.43CR)
Mid-Level ($495K / INR 4.22CR)
$412K (INR 3.51CR)
$707K (INR 6.03CR)
Senior-Level ($517K / INR 4.41CR)
$489K (INR 4.17CR)
$761K (INR 6.49CR)
Source: Payscale, Glassdoor, Salary.com
Note: The currency conversion is based on the current exchange rate. Hospital Salaries may vary in different locations.
Apart from experience, location also plays a critical role in determining neurosurgeon salary USA. The upcoming section will explore how geographical differences impact earnings in this specialized field.
Neurosurgeon Salary USA: By Location
Neurosurgeon salaries in the USA exhibit significant variation across different cities. For instance, Chicago, IL, offers an average annual salary of $546K (INR 4.66CR), while Baltimore, MD, provides around $404K (INR 3.44CR). This disparity of approximately $142K (INR 1.2CR) clearly shows the impact of location on earnings.
Factors like high demand, cost of living, and renowned medical institutions in cities like Chicago and Miami drive higher salaries.
Below is a comprehensive table detailing average annual neurosurgeon salaries across various U.S. cities.
Location
Average Annual Salary ($)
Average Annual Salary (INR)
New York, NY
$446K
INR 3.80CR
Los Angeles, CA
$456K
INR 3.89CR
Chicago, IL
$546K
INR 4.66CR
Baltimore, MD
$404K
INR 3.44CR
Dallas, TA
$400K
INR 3.41CR
Miami, FL
$491K
INR 4.19CR
Source: Payscale
Note: The currency conversion is based on the current exchange rate.
These differences are influenced by multiple factors like regional healthcare demand, infrastructure, and even competition.
As you plan your neurosurgery career in the U.S., evaluating location-based salary data can help you target cities that align with your financial goals.
Understanding regional salary variations helps you consider suitable employment locations. The next section will provide a global comparison of neurosurgeon salaries, highlighting how the USA stands relative to other countries.
Neurosurgeon Salary in USA vs Other Countries: Global Comparison
Neurosurgeon salaries vary significantly across countries, influenced by factors such as healthcare infrastructure, demand for specialized skills, and economic conditions.
In the United States, neurosurgeons earn an average annual salary of $448K (INR 3.82CR), due to its advanced medical facilities and high demand for specialized expertise. In contrast, countries like Germany offer approximately €112K (INR 95.52L) annually, highlighting the impact of local economies and healthcare investment.
Below is a comparative table detailing average annual neurosurgeon salaries across selected countries.
Country
Annual Average Salary
Annual Average Salary (INR Equivalent)
United States
$448K
INR 3.82CR
Canada
C$304K
INR 2.59CR
Australia
AU$291K
INR 2.48CR
New Zealand
NZ$261K
INR 2.23CR
Germany
€112K
INR 95.52L
India
INR 25L
INR 25L
Source: Payscale
Note: The currency conversion is based on the current exchange rate.
These figures illustrate the substantial variation in neurosurgeon salaries worldwide, influenced by local economic conditions, healthcare funding, and the demand for specialized medical professionals.
The next section will explore how different healthcare settings within the USA impact neurosurgeon salaries.
Salary Comparison in Different Healthcare Settings in USA
Understanding salary differences across healthcare settings is crucial when planning your neurosurgery career. Private practice neurosurgeons earn the highest, averaging $889K (INR 7.58CR) annually, due to patient volume and higher consultation fees.
In contrast, academic roles offer around $647K (INR 5.52CR) per year, while hospital-employed neurosurgeons earn approximately $786K (INR 6.70CR), reflecting institutional budgets and workload distribution.
These variations are influenced by factors such as patient volume, administrative responsibilities, and the financial structures inherent to each setting.
Below is a detailed comparison of average annual neurosurgeon salaries across different healthcare settings in the USA.
Healthcare Setting
Average Annual Salary ($)
Average Annual Salary (INR)
Government
$506K
INR 4.31CR
Private Practise
$889K
INR 7.58CR
Academic
$647K
INR 5.52CR
Hospitals
$786K
INR 6.70CR
Source: Physicians Thrive, Glassdoor
Note: The currency conversion is based on the current exchange rate.
Being aware of these salary differences is essential for aspiring neurosurgeons when assessing career paths and job opportunities. The next section will cover the factors shaping neurosurgeon salaries in the USA in 2025.
Factors Affecting Neurosurgeon Salary in the USA in 2025
Neurosurgeon salaries in the USA are primarily influenced by experience level, geographic location, healthcare setting, subspecialization, and broader economic trends.
Knowing how these factors work together is important for setting realistic career expectations. The details below will show how each factor affects neurosurgeon salaries in the USA.
Experience Level: Neurosurgeon salaries increase significantly with experience. According to Salary.com, those in their first year earn around $623K (INR 5.31CR). With over ten years of experience, salaries can reach approximately $746K (INR 6.36CR) or higher.
Geographic Location: Salaries vary by location due to demand, cost of living, and healthcare infrastructure. Neurosurgeons in Chicago, IL earn around $546K (INR 4.66CR) annually, much higher than those in Dallas, TX, earning approximately $400K (INR 3.41CR).
Type of Practice: Earnings vary by practice type. Private practice neurosurgeons earn the most at $889K (INR 7.58CR), followed by hospital-employed neurosurgeons at $786K (INR 6.70CR). Academic neurosurgeons have the lowest average pay at $647K (INR 5.52CR).
Subspecialization: Specializing in areas such as pediatric neurosurgery or neurocritical care can affect salary levels. For example, an average pediatric neurosurgeon can earn up to $900K (INR 7.68CR) per year in the United States, which is extremely high compared to a general neurosurgeon.
Economic and Healthcare Trends: Shifts in healthcare policies, insurance reimbursement rates, and broader economic conditions can impact neurosurgeon salaries. Economic slowdowns or policy changes affecting healthcare funding often result in decreased compensation, especially for hospital-employed neurosurgeons.
Knowing these factors equips you to plan your career effectively and set practical salary expectations. Up next, discover how upGrad can guide you in preparing for neurosurgery roles in the USA.
How Can upGrad Help You Prepare for Neurosurgery Jobs in the USA?
upGrad provides valuable resources to help aspiring neurosurgeons build their educational and career paths in the USA.
Through mentorship, skill-building programs, and career guidance, upGrad ensures you stay informed and well-prepared for a successful medical career.
Here’s how upGrad can help you:
Educational Guidance and Resources: Access top-tier educational materials and expert mentorship to help you understand the qualifications and certifications required to practice neurosurgery in the USA.
Career Advancement Programs: Through specialized training modules, skill development courses, and workshops, upGrad improves your readiness for job roles.
Visa and Licensing Support: Handling the complex licensing process in the USA can be challenging. upGrad provides advisory support for meeting licensing requirements, visa applications, and residency approvals, ensuring a smooth entry into the American healthcare system.
Looking to build a successful neurosurgery career in the USA? Book a free counseling session with upGrad’s expert advisors today and get the guidance you need to excel.
Conclusion
Becoming a neurosurgeon in the USA is challenging but highly rewarding. Salaries vary by experience, location, and subspecialty, giving clear paths for growth and financial success. Understanding these factors helps you plan your career wisely.
With dedication and the right preparation, you can maximize your earning potential and build a fulfilling career. Focusing on experience, subspecialties, and high-demand locations can make a big difference in your professional journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors influence neurosurgeon salary growth in the USA?
Neurosurgeon salary growth depends on factors like additional certifications, leadership roles, research involvement, and procedural expertise. Advanced skills, publications, or teaching roles can significantly increase income beyond base pay, offering career advancement and higher compensation opportunities in U.S. healthcare systems.
How does insurance type affect neurosurgeon earnings in the US?
Earnings can vary depending on insurance reimbursements and patient coverage. Neurosurgeons treating insured patients may see higher revenue, while uninsured or government-covered patients might reduce income. Efficient billing practices and strategic practice management help maximize compensation in different insurance landscapes.
Can neurosurgeons earn more in urban vs rural hospitals?
Urban hospitals generally offer higher neurosurgeon salaries due to demand, cost of living, and patient volume. Rural areas may provide lower base pay but sometimes include incentives like relocation bonuses, loan repayment, or additional benefits to attract specialists to underserved regions.
Do research grants impact a neurosurgeon’s total compensation?
Yes, securing research grants can supplement neurosurgeon income significantly. Grants fund lab work, clinical trials, or specialized studies, adding prestige and financial resources. These earnings, combined with academic appointments or consulting, create additional streams of revenue beyond standard clinical salaries.
How do leadership roles affect neurosurgeon pay in the US?
Holding leadership positions such as department chief or medical director boosts neurosurgeon earnings. Responsibilities include administrative oversight, staff management, and strategic planning. Compensation packages often include bonuses or profit-sharing, increasing total income substantially compared to clinical-only roles.
Do neurosurgeons get paid differently in nonprofit hospitals?
Neurosurgeons in nonprofit hospitals may have slightly lower salaries than private practice counterparts but often receive benefits like loan forgiveness, retirement contributions, and research funding. The overall package may balance financial trade-offs while offering career stability and academic collaboration opportunities.
How does surgical volume influence neurosurgeon salary in the US?
High surgical volume often correlates with higher compensation, especially in private practice. More procedures mean increased revenue and bonuses. Experienced neurosurgeons managing complex cases or high-demand specialties may see substantial financial rewards tied to patient throughput and procedural expertise.
Can telemedicine affect neurosurgeon earnings in the USA?
Telemedicine provides additional income streams for neurosurgeons by enabling remote consultations, follow-ups, and second opinions. While it may not replace in-person surgical revenue, it enhances flexibility, patient reach, and overall compensation, especially in outpatient or multi-state practices.
Do neurosurgeons earn extra for on-call or emergency duties?
Yes, neurosurgeons often receive additional pay for on-call coverage or emergency procedures. Compensation varies by hospital policies and case complexity. Premiums for night, weekend, or critical care shifts can meaningfully supplement base salary, making total annual earnings higher.
How do professional memberships influence neurosurgeon income?
Active involvement in professional societies may indirectly boost earnings by enhancing reputation, networking, and referral opportunities. Leadership in associations or participation in guideline committees can lead to consulting, speaking engagements, or research collaborations, increasing total compensation.
Can continuing education increase neurosurgeon salary in the USA?
Continued medical education improves clinical skills and allows neurosurgeons to pursue subspecialties or advanced procedures. Hospitals and private practices often reward highly trained specialists with higher pay, reflecting expertise, reduced complications, and greater patient trust, which enhances overall earning potential.
Does geographic relocation boost neurosurgeon earnings in the US?
Relocating to high-demand states or cities can substantially increase neurosurgeon salaries. Regions with physician shortages or premium patient populations may offer higher compensation, relocation bonuses, and signing incentives, making strategic moves a practical way to maximize career income.
Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Markete...
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