Surgeon vs Pharmacist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Surgeon
Perform operative procedures to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities.
Pharmacist
Dispense medications, counsel patients on drug therapies, and prevent errors.
Surgeon earns more on average — the national median is $283,428/year (201%) higher than a Pharmacist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Surgeon vs Pharmacist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Surgeon | Pharmacist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $600,082 | $208,483 | Surgeon +$391,599 |
| New York, NY | $498,340 | $168,405 | Surgeon +$329,935 |
| Seattle, WA | $606,568 | $199,024 | Surgeon +$407,544 |
| Austin, TX | $487,767 | $160,336 | Surgeon +$327,431 |
| Chicago, IL | $464,470 | $155,619 | Surgeon +$308,851 |
| Boston, MA | $566,760 | $179,962 | Surgeon +$386,798 |
| London, UK | £236,648 | £111,126 | Surgeon +$125,522 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$419,646 | CA$184,236 | Surgeon +$235,410 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Surgeon or Pharmacist earn more?+
A Surgeon earns more on average. The national median salary for a Surgeon is $424,338/year, compared to $140,910/year for a Pharmacist — a difference of $283,428 (201%).
Which has better career growth — Surgeon or Pharmacist?+
Surgeon roles are growing at 4% YoY while Pharmacist demand is growing at 4% YoY. Pharmacist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Surgeon to Pharmacist?+
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 — Surgeon or Pharmacist?+
Surgeon has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.