When people think of a neurosurgeon, they typically think of a brain surgeon. However, they are so much more than simply brain surgeons. Neurosurgeons are medical specialists that treat conditions of the nervous system, which includes not only the brain but also the spinal cord and peripheral nerves of the face, arms, legs, hands, and feet.
While many associate neurosurgeons make big bucks, people sometimes forget that a neurosurgeon salary is based on not only their training but their extensive education, which is always ongoing, their hours put into the job and the fact they’re one of the most highly trained doctors in the field.
Neurosurgeons perform surgical care to patients with a variety of conditions including head injuries, brain aneurysms, spin and brain tumors, and so much more. While many practice general neurosurgery, others limit their practices to specific sub-specialties, such as spine, vascular/endovascular, or pediatrics.
This job requires more than just dealing with neurology, but also requires the ability to deal with patients and family members who are more than likely in a fragile emotional state given the stressful circumstances around the patient’s care.
Because of this, not only do neurosurgeons need to exude confidence in their abilities and knowledge, they also need to be able to reassure individuals that they are doing all they can in the best interest of the patient.
Not only are neurosurgeons in charge of patient care, but they are often in leadership positions that require them to teach medical students and supervise medical residents.
In the United States, the average yearly neurosurgeon salary is around $396,964.00. Those numbers can and will change depending on a number of factors that will be discussed below.
Neurosurgeons are needed everywhere to help with diagnostics, treatment, and teaching, so, below, we have listed the annual neurosurgeon salary (converted into US dollars) for neurosurgeons in select countries worldwide.
United States
HOURLY | ANNUAL |
|---|---|
$104.00 | $396,964.00 |
Canada
HOURLY | ANNUAL |
|---|---|
$212.39 | $442,180.33 |
United Kingdom
HOURLY | ANNUAL |
|---|---|
$195.30 | $406,960.40 |
Australia
HOURLY | ANNUAL |
|---|---|
$286.05 | $595,159.38 |
New Zealand
HOURLY | ANNUAL |
|---|---|
$221.00 | $459,772.83 |
India
HOURLY | ANNUAL |
|---|---|
$25.33 | $52,704.31 |
South Africa
HOURLY | ANNUAL |
|---|---|
$126.95 | $264,073.83 |
Factors that Influence Neurosurgeon Salary
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As mentioned above, there are a number of different factors that are involved in deciding an annual neurosurgeon salary, and a few of them are listed below.
Two of the biggest factors include the education the candidate has, including certificates, and the location in which they are looking to work in. This is closely followed by the overall experience the candidate has. Overall, to become a neurosurgeon, it requires around 15, sometimes more, years of education.
1. Education
In order to become a neurosurgeon, the first thing students need is a premedical undergraduate degree, which is followed by medical school.
Medical school is then followed up with a residency, and any special training needed for sub-specialties of neurosurgery which can include spine surgery and pediatrics, among others.
Once the formal education is completed and all tests are passed, the physician must follow through on any state-specific licensing requirements, which typically include continuing education, further testing and the renewal of their license in their given area. There are also specific board requirements that are needed in order to become a board-certified neurosurgeon.
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2. Location
Another critical factor that can determine a neurosurgeon salary includes the place in which they choose to work. One of the biggest salary differences in this field is based on the overall geographic region, so we have taken a look at annual neurosurgeon salaries in a few different countries and listed them below.
Neurosurgeon Salary in the US
On average, neurosurgeons in the United States make $396,964.00 (USD) annually and around $104.00 (USD) hourly. The entry-level neurosurgeon salary begins at around $358,377.00 (USD) though has the potential to grow to $940,286.00 (USD) annually with the proper education and experience. On average, a neurosurgeon earns $143,597.00 (USD) annually in bonuses.
Neurosurgeon Salary in Canada
On average, neurosurgeons in Canada make $442,180.33 (USD) annuall, and around $212.39 (USD) hourly. The entry-level neurosurgeon salary begins around $265,404.91 (USD) though has the potential to grow to $696,350.99 (USD) annually with the proper education and experience. On average, a neurosurgeon earns $106,344.56 (USD) annually in bonuses.
Neurosurgeon Salary in the UK
On average, neurosurgeons in the United Kingdom make $406,960.40 (USD) annually and around $195.30 (USD) hourly. The entry-level neurosurgeon salary begins at around $244,265.26 (USD) though has the potential to grow to $640,886.57 (USD) annually with the proper education and experience. On average, a neurosurgeon earns $97,874.57 (USD) annually in bonuses.
Neurosurgeon Salary in Australia
On average, neurosurgeons in Australia make $595,159.38 (USD) annually and around $286.05 (USD) hourly. The entry-level neurosurgeon salary begins at around $357,806.36 (USD) though has the potential to grow to $938,786.80 (USD) annually with the proper education and experience. On average, a neurosurgeon earns $143,135.62 (USD) annually in bonuses.
Neurosurgeon Salary in New Zealand
On average, neurosurgeons in New Zealand make $459,772.83 (USD) annually and around $221.00 (USD) hourly. The entry-level neurosurgeon salary begins around $276,193.76 (USD) though has the potential to grow to $724,657.36 (USD) annually with the proper education and experience. On average, a neurosurgeon earns $110,575.07 (USD) annually in bonuses.
Neurosurgeon Salary in India
On average, neurosurgeons in India make $52,704.31 (USD) annually and around $25.33 (USD) hourly. The entry-level neurosurgeon salary begins at around $32,122.17 (USD) though has the potential to grow to $84,279.86 (USD) annually with the proper education and experience. On average, Neurosurgeon earns $12,675.39 (USD) annually in bonuses.
Neurosurgeon Salary in South Africa
On average, neurosurgeons in South Africa make $264,073.83 (USD) annually and around $126.95 (USD) hourly. The entry-level neurosurgeon salary begins at around $159,866.38 (USD) though has the potential to grow to $419,446.13 (USD) annually with the proper education and experience. On average, a neurosurgeon earns $63,509.74 (USD) annually in bonuses.
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3. Experience
A neurosurgeon’s experience level has a direct effect on their annual salary, and it has a rather positive trend. This means that the more experience a physician has, the higher the salary. For an entry-level neurosurgeon with less than five years of experience, they can expect to earn an average of $301,000.
A mid-career physician with 5 to 10 years of experience can expect to earn on average $397,000, and a neurosurgeon with 10 to 20 years of experience can expect around $414,000. Twenty or more years are considered late-career and can expect earning around $444,000 a year.
Working Hours
It can be very hard to determine specific working hours for a neurosurgeon considering they are always in high demand. There really is no set workday for a neurosurgeon, either, considering any time not spent consulting with patients, teaching in classrooms, or doing rounds are spent in the operating room performing delicate surgeries.
That being said, many neurosurgeons work anywhere from 50 to 60 hours minimum a week, and 80 or more hours a week happen quite frequently. This job is very demanding, so it requires a lot of time and attention on the physician’s part.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
When it comes to benefit packages offered to neurosurgeons, many physicians work in hospitals that typically offer competitive benefits packages that generally include health, dental, vision, disability, malpractice insurance, paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick time. They also include 401k/403B, social security, and pension benefits.
Typically, when it comes to bonuses, it really depends on the place of work. Some places offer them, and many don’t. In some cases, the only bonuses offered are through profit sharing.
Neurosurgeon Salary: Conclusion
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According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for neurosurgeons is expected to grow by 13% from 2016 to 2016, especially with the overall demand for healthcare services being expected to increase because of the ever-aging population. Rates of chronic illnesses are also expected to increase so that consumers will be seeking higher levels of care.
Despite limiting factors, the demand for physicians and surgeons is expected to continue growing, and new technologies, such as improved information technologies and remote monitoring, are all predicted to help physicians treat more patients.
Based on the projected job growth, it looks like those preparing to go into neurosurgery should have no problem finding a position that they want as long as they are ready to sacrifice the time needed to do this job justice.
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