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 specialists in the USA, with average annual salaries of $448K (INR 3.82CR). Those in private practice can earn even higher, around $889K (INR 7.58CR) per year. However, these figures vary significantly depending on experience, location, healthcare setting, and subspecialization.
If you’re planning a career in this profession, you must understand these factors that influence neurosurgeon salary USA.
This guide provides detailed insights into salary trends by experience, location, healthcare setting, and specialization. You will also learn about global salary comparisons, common factors impacting pay.
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
Average Annual 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.
Is it worth becoming a neurosurgeon in the USA considering the cost of living?
Neurosurgeons are among the highest-paid medical professionals in the USA, with average annual salaries around $448K (INR 3.5CR). While the cost of living varies by region, the substantial income typically offsets these expenses, making the profession financially rewarding despite the high costs associated with training and education.
How many hours does a neurosurgeon work in the USA?
Neurosurgeons often work long hours. For example, in a private group practice, a neurologist reported working approximately 50-55 hours per week, not including on-call duties. Work hours can vary based on practice setting, patient load, and institutional requirements.
Are general surgeons paid more than neurosurgeons in the United States?
No, neurosurgeons typically earn more than general surgeons. According to data, neurosurgeons have the highest average annual compensation at $448K (INR 3.5CR). In contrast, general surgeons have a median salary of $317K (INR 2.7CR). This difference reflects the additional training and specialization required in neurosurgery.
Does having a medical degree from institutions like Harvard help in getting more compensation?
Graduating from prestigious institutions like Harvard Medical School can enhance job prospects and open doors to esteemed positions. However, compensation is more directly influenced by factors such as specialization, experience, and geographic location.
While a degree from a renowned school may provide initial advantages, long-term earnings depend on professional achievements and practice setting.
Can a neurosurgeon have their private practice along with a job?
Yes, neurosurgeons can operate a private practice alongside hospital employment, provided they manage their schedules effectively and comply with contractual obligations. Balancing both requires careful time management and adherence to any non-compete clauses or institutional policies.
Do neurosurgeons also get additional benefits along with the salary in the USA?
Yes, neurosurgeons often receive comprehensive benefits packages, including health, dental, life, bonus and disability insurance. Additional perks may include paid vacation, professional liability insurance, and allowances for professional memberships and continuing education.
Are neurosurgeons in the USA paid by the hour or a flat salary?
Neurosurgeons in the USA are generally paid a fixed annual salary, which is the most common compensation model. However, hourly pay arrangements are less common and usually apply to consulting roles or extra on-call duties. According to Salary.com, the average hourly wage for a neurosurgeon is approximately $333 (INR 28K).
Does performance influence the salary of neurosurgeons in the United States?
Yes, performance plays a significant role. Neurosurgeons with superior performance earn around $748K (INR 6.38CR) annually, excellent performance fetches $712K (INR 6.07CR), and above expectations brings approximately $693K (INR 5.91CR). Achievements like research publications or leadership roles can further enhance earnings.
What other medical professions have similar salaries to neurosurgeons in the USA?
Neurosurgeons are among the top earners in the medical field. Other high-paying specialties include cardiothoracic surgery with an average salary of $421K (INR 3.59CR) per year, orthopedic surgery at $408K (INR 3.48CR), anesthesiologists at $346K (INR 2.9CR) and plastic surgery at $339K (INR 2.89CR). These figures reflect the specialized skills and extensive training required in these fields.
Can I study Neurosurgery in India and apply for a job in the USA?
Yes, you can study neurosurgery in India and apply for a job in the USA, but it requires meeting several strict requirements. Completing a U.S. residency program is mandatory even if you have prior training in India.
Get ECFMG Certification.
Pass USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK.
Complete U.S. Residency (1 year general surgery + 5-6 years neurosurgery)
Obtain State Medical License.
Secure H-1B or J-1 Visa.
How much does having a subspecialty like pediatric neurosurgery pay in the USA?
Specializing in pediatric neurosurgery can influence earnings. According to a survey, starting salaries for pediatric neurosurgeons were approximately $900K (INR 7.68CR). This figure may vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the employing institution.
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 Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.
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