Health Informatics Specialist vs Surgeon: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Health Informatics Specialist
Manage and analyse healthcare data systems to improve patient outcomes.
Surgeon
Perform operative procedures to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities.
Surgeon earns more on average — the national median is $307,758/year (264%) higher than a Health Informatics Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Health Informatics Specialist vs Surgeon — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Health Informatics Specialist | Surgeon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $167,045 | $600,082 | Health $433,037 |
| New York, NY | $137,525 | $498,340 | Health $360,815 |
| Seattle, WA | $166,153 | $606,568 | Health $440,415 |
| Austin, TX | $130,205 | $487,767 | Health $357,562 |
| Chicago, IL | $123,750 | $464,470 | Health $340,720 |
| Boston, MA | $155,128 | $566,760 | Health $411,632 |
| London, UK | £92,602 | £236,648 | Health $144,046 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$156,673 | CA$419,646 | Health $262,973 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Health Informatics Specialist or Surgeon earn more?+
A Surgeon earns more on average. The national median salary for a Health Informatics Specialist is $116,580/year, compared to $424,338/year for a Surgeon — a difference of $307,758 (264%).
Which has better career growth — Health Informatics Specialist or Surgeon?+
Health Informatics Specialist roles are growing at 22% YoY while Surgeon demand is growing at 4% YoY. Health Informatics Specialist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Health Informatics Specialist to Surgeon?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Health Informatics Specialist or Surgeon?+
Surgeon has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.