Where Pediatric Surgeons Earn the Most in 2025: A State and City Breakdown
As of May 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Surgeon – Pediatric in the United States is $460,783. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $402,554 to $510,596, with most professionals earning between $349,540 and $555,948.
As of May 2025, the economic landscape of the United States reveals notable trends in median annual salaries across states and cities, with healthcare professionals—particularly pediatric surgeons—continuing to command top-tier compensation in urban centers.
Median Salary by State: California, D.C., and Massachusetts Top the List
According to Salary.com data, California leads the nation with a median annual salary of $508,244, followed closely by the District of Columbia ($510,179) and Massachusetts ($501,470). These states not only reflect strong economic output but also house major metropolitan centers that attract high-paying industries such as technology, finance, and healthcare.
Other high-ranking states include:
- New Jersey: $499,543
- Washington: $499,627
- Alaska: $498,798
- Connecticut: $492,439
Conversely, states with the lowest median annual salaries include Mississippi ($410,926), West Virginia ($414,935), and Arkansas ($416,271), highlighting ongoing regional income disparities in the U.S.
Top Cities for Pediatric Surgeons: San Jose and San Francisco Dominate
When it comes to pediatric surgeons, urban centers offer significantly higher pay. San Jose, CA, ranks as the most lucrative city for pediatric surgeons, boasting a median annual salary of $581,186. Close behind is San Francisco, with a salary of $575,472.
Other top-paying cities for pediatric surgeons include:
- Oakland, CA: $562,708
- Jersey City, NJ: $514,672
- Boston, MA: $513,911
- Seattle, WA: $509,350
- Los Angeles, CA: $510,409
These cities often feature large pediatric hospitals, medical research institutions, and a high cost of living—factors that contribute to elevated compensation.
Texas and Florida: Large Metro Areas with Competitive Salaries
Texas cities such as Houston ($459,954), Austin ($456,221), and Dallas ($455,023) show strong median salaries for pediatric surgeons, reflecting the state’s growing healthcare infrastructure and population.
Florida’s largest cities like Jacksonville ($431,800), Miami ($442,720), and Tampa ($436,730) offer slightly lower but still competitive compensation, especially when considering Florida’s lower state income tax and cost of living compared to California or New York.
