A general surgeon is a physician who performs operations but does not specialize in a particular field of medicine like cardiology or oncology. The average annual salary for general surgeons reported in 2009 was $287,520, according to LocumTenens.com.
Work Experience
In October 2009, the average maximum salary for general surgeons with less than one year of experience was between $246,775, reports Payscale.com. General surgeons with 20 years of experience or more averaged a maximum average salary of $295,381.
Employer Type
In October 2009, foundations and trusts offered the highest salaries--$200,000 to $452,500--to general surgeons, according to Payscale.com. Colleges and universities were the lowest-paying employers, with starting salaries at $51,655.
Degree Type
In October 2009, osteopaths who practiced general surgery received lower salaries than medical doctors, with average maximums of $244,898 and $304,137, respectively, reports Payscale.com.
Geography
New York was the highest-paying state for general surgeons as of October 2009, with an average maximum salary reported by Payscale.com of $297,476. Other high-paying states for general surgeons included California, Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio and Massachusetts.
Benefits
General surgeons typically receive additional benefits that contribute to their overall compensation, such as malpractice and liability insurance, paid holidays and sick leave, 401k retirement plans, cell phones and reimbursement for required continuing education courses. Additionally, general surgeons receive an average of three to 3 1/2 weeks of paid vacation each year, according to Payscale.com.
