What it is
Neurosurgeons perform surgery on the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system — treating tumors, trauma, aneurysms, spine disorders, and more. It's one of the longest and most demanding trainings in medicine.
What you do
They operate on the brain and spine, manage neurotrauma, and treat complex nervous-system conditions, often in high-stakes settings.
Training path & length
7-year residency — one of the longest — with optional fellowships.
Fellowship subspecialties
Fellowships include spine, cerebrovascular/endovascular, neuro-oncology, functional/epilepsy, and pediatric neurosurgery.
Pay & job outlook
Physicians are among the highest-paid professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median wage of $275,930 for physicians and surgeons (May 2025), with employment projected to grow about 4% from 2025 to 2035. Pay varies by specialty — procedural and surgical fields generally earn more.
Neurosurgeons are among the highest-paid physicians.
How to get there
Become a physician first: earn an MD or DO, then match into this residency. Licensure requires completing residency and passing the board exams.
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Key facts
- Residency7 years (one of the longest)
- TreatsBrain, spinal cord, nervous system (surgical)
- FellowshipsSpine, cerebrovascular, neuro-onc, peds
- PayAmong the highest in medicine
- EntryMD or DO via the match