Neurosurgeon Salary in the United States in 2024

Neurosurgeons are highly specialized medical practitioners who focus on diagnosing and surgically treating patients with neurological issues, including head and spinal injuries. Neurology is a vast medical field that requires formal education and learning to be an expert. 

As this medical discipline is considered a typical one, the investment made to study this field of science is also very high. But the returns are always higher than the money invested. So how much does a neurosurgeon earn?

In this blog, we will explain what is a neurosurgeon, their responsibilities, how to become a neurosurgeon, what is a neurosurgeon’s salary, and the factors affecting it. 

What’s a Neurosurgeon?

Neurosurgeons diagnose as well as perform surgeries to cure disorders and conditions related to the neurological system of a body, including the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves. Neurosurgeons manage neurological disorders through precise examinations and perform intricate surgeries. They are highly skilled and have expertise in treating problems in the central and peripheral nervous system which may include strokes, tumors, traumas, and congenital abnormalities as well. 

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Average Neurologist Salary in the United States

The average Neurosurgeon salary in the United States is $680,301 per year. The range typically falls between $380,042 and $860,801 per year. The salary of a neurosurgeon depends on several factors like education, location, experience, and more. 

Neurosurgeon Salary Based on Experience

• The average salary for an entry-level position as a Neurosurgeon is $380,042 annually.
• The average annual salary for an early-career Neurosurgeon is $380,357.
• The average annual salary for a mid-career Neurosurgeon is $485,413.
• The average salary for an experienced Neurosurgeon is $530,250 per year.

Factors impacting the salary of a Neurosurgeon

Factors that affect a neurosurgeon’s salary include educational background and experience levels, location as well as types of healthcare facilities they work for.

These professionals typically make a lot of money when they work at renowned institutions or are in high-demand areas; those with additional certifications or specific skills make comparatively more.

Another major factor is the location. Since some areas may have higher costs of living than others, neurosurgeons practicing there earn more. Additionally, working extra hours or being on-call affects how much money one ends up making from their job other than salary.

5 Highest Paying Cities for Neurosurgeons in the United States

Responsibilities of a Neurosurgeon

Depending on the specialization, these are certain responsibilities that a neurosurgeon performs: 

1. A neurosurgeon is responsible for diagnosing and treating disorders and conditions related to the nervous system of the body, including the brain, spine, and nerves along the body with the help of diagnostic tools like laboratory tests and various types of imaging, such as PET scans and CT scans.
2. They perform neurosurgeries to treat neurosurgical disorders like brain tumors, spinal issues, aneurysms, and herniated discs. They utilize various advanced techniques like minimally invasive surgery, endoscopy, and stereotactic surgery.
3. Neurosurgeons collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals, including, neurologists, oncologists, radiologists, and others to provide the best treatment and care to patients.
4. Neurologists stay updated on the new technologies and developments in the field to utilize it for the treatment of their patients. 
5. They are also responsible for conducting research about neurosurgery to improve patient outcomes and make advancements in the field. 
6. One of the most difficult works of the neurosurgeon to communicate with patients and their families and explain them diagnoses, treatment options, and expected outcomes. Also, they need to be professional as well as empathetic.
   
7. Another important responsibility of a neurosurgeon is to follow the ethical and legal standards during the practice of medicine and surgery. 

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How to Become a Neurosurgeon in the United States?

Becoming a neurosurgeon requires dedicated learning and specialized training. Here is a step-by-step guide to becoming a neurosurgeon in the US:

1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree

Completing a bachelor’s degree with a major in anatomy, chemistry, microbiology or related scientific subjects is necessary. You may obtain undergraduate neuroscience experience while pursuing your degree through research, volunteer work, or by assisting a neurologist or neurosurgeon. Always keep your GPA high.

2. MCAT

Then, candidates for medical school take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which is conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

3. Attend Medical School 

You can acquire your Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) by completing a four-year full-time medical school degree program through a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). The initial two years are focused on classrooms and labs learning about biology, anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, and more. The other two years are spent doing clinical research in various medical specialties.

4. Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

The USMLE is divided into these three steps:-

Step 1: Knowledge test of basic medical sciences.

Step 2: Assess a candidate’s clinical knowledge and skills.

Step 3: Evaluate the ability of candidates to manage patients in various medical settings.

5. Complete a Neurosurgery Residency

After completing your medical college, you should do internships at medical colleges and assist senior neurosurgeons in medical procedures to gain experience. Then undertake a residency program in neurosurgery that usually lasts for 7 to 8 years. 

6. Board Certification and License

All states in the United States require physicians to be licensed. After finishing a residency program and medical school, candidates take the final step of the USMLE to achieve licensure. A large number of neurosurgeons work toward American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) certification. When applying for a job at a big hospital or university, having this extra board certification may help you stand out from the competition.

7. Pursue a Fellowship

Many neurosurgeons choose to specialize even further by completing a fellowship, which involves an additional year or two of study under the guidance of a specialist. However, fellowship is optional.

Conclusion

Neurosurgeons perform serious tasks of diagnosis and surgeries to treat patients dealing with the nervous system. The profession of neurosurgeon requires deeper knowledge, continuous learning, commitment, and patient care. The salary of a neurosurgeon depends on their experience, location, specializations, work setting, and employer. 

Factors like the aging population, advancements in medical technologies, an increased understanding of neurological conditions, and advancements in Technology and Surgical Techniques will lead to more job opportunities for neurosurgeons in the upcoming time. Subspecialties and research opportunities will give the potential for various fields to conduct new research in the field. 

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