Becoming a Neurosurgeon in 2025: Salary, Training & Career Path Explained

 

💵 Annual Salary Range (USA)

  • Minimum: ~$125,000 - $180,000/year (early-career, residency graduates)

  • Median: ~$455,000 - $524,000 (varies by source) 

  • Maximum: $800,000 - $1,200,000+ for experienced or subspecialized surgeons 

City and setting impact:

  • MGMA reports median compensation ≈ $963,000; highest in California, Virginia, South Carolina 

  • ZipRecruiter: typical range $250,000 - $400,000; top earners $400,000+

  • Glassdoor estimates: $422,000 - $745,000 annually 

🎯 What They Do

Neurosurgeons are highly trained physician‑surgeons specializing in the surgical treatment of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and vascular system. They diagnose and operate on conditions like brain tumors, spinal disorders, traumatic injuries, stroke complications, and congenital anomalies. Techniques include open craniotomy, micro‑surgery, endoscopy, stereotactic radiosurgery, and spinal fusion.

🎓 Education & Training Path

  1. Undergraduate degree (4 years, pre‑med emphasis)

  2. Medical school (MD or DO, 4 years)

  3. Neurosurgery residency (7 years, ACGME-accredited; total ~15 years including school) 

  4. Optional fellowship (1–2 years) in subspecialties (e.g., pediatric, spinal, neuro-oncology)

📜 Certification

  • American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS): board certification following residency, written and oral exams 

  • AOA offers similar osteopathic certification via the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery 

  • Certification recognized by ABMS, ensuring professional competence and ongoing education

🏛️ Licensing

  • Medical license required in all U.S. states — achieved via USMLE (MD) or COMLEX (DO) steps 1–3 

  • Board certification not mandatory to practice but essential for hospital privileges and insurance credentialing

  • Continuing board maintenance: CME and recertification over career

📈 Career Outlook & Growth

  • Lucrative and elite: Neurosurgeons rank highest among physicians in compensation 

  • Geographic variances: Highest earnings in private practice and region-specific demand areas

  • Workload: Long hours, on‑call responsibilities; work-life balance varies with specialty and practice setting

✅ Final Takeaway

Becoming a Neurosurgeon demands 15+ years of education and training, involving:

  • High-stakes surgical care

  • Lifelong certification and licensure commitments

  • Salaries from $125k–$180k at entry to $800k–$1.2M+ at senior levels

This profession ranks among the most medically impactful, financially rewarding, and highly respected in medicine. Ideal for those prepared to commit to demanding yet deeply meaningful work.