Registered Nurse vs Surgeon: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Registered Nurse
Provide patient care, administer medications, and support physicians.
Surgeon
Perform operative procedures to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities.
Surgeon earns more on average — the national median is $326,788/year (335%) higher than a Registered Nurse. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Registered Nurse vs Surgeon — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Registered Nurse | Surgeon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $138,630 | $600,082 | Registered $461,452 |
| New York, NY | $115,773 | $498,340 | Registered $382,567 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,867 | $606,568 | Registered $467,701 |
| Austin, TX | $107,039 | $487,767 | Registered $380,728 |
| Chicago, IL | $102,780 | $464,470 | Registered $361,690 |
| Boston, MA | $129,765 | $566,760 | Registered $436,995 |
| London, UK | £52,037 | £236,648 | Registered $184,611 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$419,646 | Registered $325,032 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Registered Nurse or Surgeon earn more?+
A Surgeon earns more on average. The national median salary for a Registered Nurse is $97,550/year, compared to $424,338/year for a Surgeon — a difference of $326,788 (335%).
Which has better career growth — Registered Nurse or Surgeon?+
Registered Nurse roles are growing at 6% YoY while Surgeon demand is growing at 4% YoY. Registered Nurse has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Registered Nurse 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 — Registered Nurse or Surgeon?+
Surgeon has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.