Physician (General Practice) vs Surgeon: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Physician (General Practice)
Diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
Surgeon
Perform operative procedures to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities.
Surgeon earns more on average — the national median is $180,158/year (74%) higher than a Physician (General Practice). However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician (General Practice) vs Surgeon — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician (General Practice) | Surgeon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $363,590 | $600,082 | Physician $236,492 |
| New York, NY | $294,372 | $498,340 | Physician $203,968 |
| Seattle, WA | $353,641 | $606,568 | Physician $252,927 |
| Austin, TX | $272,440 | $487,767 | Physician $215,327 |
| Chicago, IL | $255,595 | $464,470 | Physician $208,875 |
| Boston, MA | $311,219 | $566,760 | Physician $255,541 |
| London, UK | £101,944 | £236,648 | Physician $134,704 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$294,137 | CA$419,646 | Physician $125,509 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician (General Practice) or Surgeon earn more?+
A Surgeon earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician (General Practice) is $244,180/year, compared to $424,338/year for a Surgeon — a difference of $180,158 (74%).
Which has better career growth — Physician (General Practice) or Surgeon?+
Physician (General Practice) roles are growing at 5% YoY while Surgeon demand is growing at 4% YoY. Physician (General Practice) has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician (General Practice) 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 — Physician (General Practice) or Surgeon?+
Surgeon has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 10%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.